Royalty Rivals [[Taekook ff]]

Chapter-5[🌺]

Days turned into weeks, and the tension between the Southern and Northern Kingdoms escalated. Despite Jimin and Yoongi's secret relationship becoming more of an open fact, the rivalry between Taehyung and Jungkook remained as fierce as ever. Each king refused to back down in their ongoing contest for superiority, interpreting every move the other made as a challenge to their authority.

The news of Jimin and Yoongi's relationship had spread across both kingdoms, and whispers of an impending marriage began to circulate. It was a delicate situation, balancing the personal feelings of their brothers with the political repercussions of such an alliance. Yet, neither Taehyung nor Jungkook wanted to discuss the impending union. Instead, they focused on their rivalry, competing in every way imaginable, refusing to acknowledge the deeper undercurrents that were slowly pulling them toward each other.

In the heart of the Southern Kingdom's palace, Taehyung found himself pouring over military reports. It was late, and the candlelight flickered softly in the large, ornate chamber. But despite his attempts to focus on the tasks at hand, his mind kept drifting back to the same person-Jungkook. He clenched his jaw in frustration.

Ever since their last encounter, Taehyung had been on edge, and he hated it. Jungkook had always been an annoyance, a rival who was constantly pushing him to be better, stronger. But lately, that rivalry had begun to feel like something more personal, and Taehyung couldn't shake the sensation that something was shifting between them. Every time they faced off, the intensity of their interactions left him feeling unsettled, almost breathless.

"Focus," Taehyung muttered to himself, pushing the reports aside in frustration.

A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. Without waiting for a response, the door opened, and Namjoon entered the room, his husband Jin following closely behind.

"You look troubled," Namjoon observed, his eyes narrowing as he approached Taehyung. "Is it the negotiations with the Northern Kingdom?

"Taehyung let out a sharp breath, standing up from his desk. "Negotiations are going nowhere, as expected. Jungkook is being difficult as always.

"Jin exchanged a knowing glance with Namjoon before turning to Taehyung with a small smile. "Difficult, or competitive?

"Taehyung frowned at Jin's question. "It's the same thing with him. Everything's a competition. He can't stand the idea of anyone being better than him.

"Namjoon crossed his arms, his gaze thoughtful. "I've known you for a long time, Taehyung, and I don't think this is just about power. There's something more personal about your rivalry with Jungkook. It's like you're both trying to prove something to each other-something beyond politics.

"Taehyung stiffened, his eyes narrowing defensively. "We're rivals, Namjoon. That's all it is. He wants to win, and so do I. That's how it's always been.

"Jin tilted his head, his eyes softening as he spoke. "Is it possible that you're both trying to prove something to yourselves? Maybe this isn't just about winning.

"Taehyung's frustration flared. "What else could it be about? He's my enemy. He's always been my enemy.

""Sometimes enemies become something else," Jin said quietly, his words hanging in the air with weight.

Before Taehyung could respond, another knock came at the door, this time more urgent. A guard entered, bowing respectfully before addressing Taehyung.

"Your Majesty, King Jungkook is here. He's requested an immediate audience with you.

"Taehyung's pulse quickened, though he masked his surprise with a cold expression. "What could he possibly want now?

"The guard hesitated. "He didn't say, Your Majesty. But he seemed... agitated.

"Namjoon raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking to Taehyung with curiosity. "I think you should hear him out.

"Taehyung scoffed, though his heart raced at the thought of seeing Jungkook again. "Fine. Bring him in.

"The guard bowed again and quickly left the room to fetch Jungkook. Taehyung's mind raced as he tried to anticipate the Northern King's next move. Was this another attempt at gaining the upper hand? Another challenge?

Moments later, Jungkook entered the room, his expression hard but his eyes betraying the same intensity that always seemed to burn between them. He was dressed in dark, royal attire, and the weight of his presence filled the room immediately. Taehyung straightened, his gaze locking with Jungkook's as they faced each other.

"To what do I owe the pleasure, Jungkook?" Taehyung asked, his tone icy.

Jungkook's jaw tightened. "This isn't about pleasure, Taehyung. This is about Jimin and Yoongi.

"At the mention of their brothers, Taehyung's guard lowered slightly, though he kept his expression stern. "What about them?

"Jungkook's eyes flashed with irritation. "I want to settle this once and for all. They're in love, and we both know that keeping them apart is only going to cause more problems. We need to arrange their marriage.

"Taehyung's chest tightened at the idea of a marriage alliance between the two kingdoms. The thought of Jimin marrying Yoongi was one thing, but what it represented-an alliance between him and Jungkook-was something he wasn't ready to accept.

"And why should I trust you?" Taehyung asked, his voice low.

Jungkook stepped closer, his gaze never leaving Taehyung's. "Because this isn't about you and me. This is about them. And despite our rivalry, I think we can both agree that we want what's best for our brothers.

"Taehyung's lips pressed into a thin line, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. Jungkook was right-they couldn't let their personal feud interfere with Jimin and Yoongi's happiness. But at the same time, the idea of conceding anything to Jungkook felt like a defeat, and Taehyung wasn't prepared to lose. Not to him.

"I'll agree to the marriage," Taehyung said finally, his voice steady. "But don't think this changes anything between us. You and I are still rivals.

"Jungkook's eyes darkened, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. "I wouldn't have it any other way.

"The tension between them crackled like a storm ready to break, and for a brief moment, neither of them moved. The intensity in Jungkook's eyes mirrored the fire burning within Taehyung, and though they were standing on the precipice of an alliance, the competitive edge between them was sharper than ever.

It was a delicate balance, this strange mix of rivalry and something deeper that neither of them could name. And for now, they would cling to that competition, masking the emotions that simmered beneath the surface.

But soon, both kings would realize that the greatest battle they faced wasn't for power-it was for control over their hearts.