Royalty Rivals [[Taekook ff]]

Chapter-11[🌺]

The rebellions in the western and northern provinces escalated, pulling both Jungkook and Taehyung into dangerous political and military maneuverings. The kings, though deeply competitive with one another, found themselves in similar predicaments-each contending with unrest in their kingdoms while unaware of the web of deception tightening around them.

---

In the Western provinces of the Southern Kingdom, Taehyung rode at the head of his army, his mind swirling with thoughts of the rebellion. His generals had warned that the unrest could spread, and he knew he had to act swiftly. Yet, despite the urgency of the situation, his thoughts kept drifting to Jungkook. Was his rival facing a similar crisis in the North? The idea of Jungkook being in the same position as him both infuriated and intrigued Taehyung.

Hoseok rode beside him, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "You're quiet," he noted.

Taehyung glanced at him, then back at the path ahead. "Just thinking about the rebellion."

Hoseok raised an eyebrow. "Or is it about Jungkook?"

Taehyung sighed, frustration bubbling up. "Why does everything come back to him?"

"Because," Hoseok replied with a smirk, "no matter how much you deny it, you're not just rivals anymore. There's something deeper, even if you won't admit it to yourself."

Taehyung clenched his jaw. "It's competition. I have to prove I'm the stronger king."

Hoseok didn't press further, but his knowing smile didn't fade. He understood that Taehyung wasn't ready to confront his feelings yet, but the tension between the two kings was becoming impossible to ignore.

---

Meanwhile, in the Northern Kingdom, Jungkook faced a similar inner conflict. He and his army had reached the outskirts of the rebellious northern territories, where they had set up camp for the night. As he stood outside his tent, staring at the distant mountains, his mind was a whirl of strategic planning-and thoughts of Taehyung.

Namjoon joined him, sensing his king's restlessness. "You're still thinking about the rebellion, or is it Taehyung this time?"

Jungkook shot him a look. "Why does everyone keep bringing him up?"

"Because you can't seem to stop thinking about him," Namjoon said with a calm smile. "The rivalry is consuming you more than ever."

"It's not consuming me," Jungkook grumbled, though he wasn't entirely sure he believed that. Every time he thought about the battles ahead, his mind inevitably circled back to Taehyung. It was infuriating, distracting-and yet, he couldn't stop.

"There's something else," Jungkook admitted quietly, glancing at Namjoon. "The timing of this rebellion... It feels too convenient. Like someone's pulling the strings."

Namjoon nodded, his brow furrowed. "I've had the same thought. There's no clear leader behind the unrest, and yet it's spreading quickly. Someone might be trying to destabilize both kingdoms."

Jungkook's fists clenched. "If someone's behind this, they'll regret it."

Namjoon placed a hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "We'll figure it out, but first, we need to deal with the rebellion. Focus on what's in front of you."

Jungkook exhaled, nodding. "You're right."

---

Back in the capital, Bogum and Lisa watched from the shadows as their plans slowly unfolded. They had successfully orchestrated the rebellions in both kingdoms, carefully playing their parts as trusted friends while secretly fueling the unrest. Now, with both kings distracted by the chaos, it was only a matter of time before they made their move.

Lisa leaned against the balcony, her eyes scanning the horizon. "They're both away from their palaces, dealing with their rebellions. Everything is falling into place."

Bogum nodded, his gaze cold and calculating. "It's only a matter of time before one of them falls. And when they do, we'll take what's ours."

"You still think Jungkook doesn't suspect us?" Lisa asked, her voice laced with amusement.

Bogum chuckled darkly. "He's too focused on Taehyung to see the truth. As long as their rivalry keeps them distracted, we can continue to manipulate them both."

Lisa's lips curved into a sly smile. "And when they're both weak, we'll strike. But tell me, Bogum-how will you deal with Taehyung? It's no secret that you want more than just the throne."

Bogum's expression darkened. "I want Taehyung to bow to me, whether on the battlefield or in submission. He'll learn who's truly in control."

"And Jungkook?" Lisa asked, her eyes gleaming. "I've always had a soft spot for him. He'll be mine once this is over."

Bogum smirked. "Then let's make sure they don't see us coming."

---

As Taehyung and Jungkook led their armies into battle against the rebellious factions, the tension between their kingdoms remained high. Both kings were focused on quelling the unrest, unaware that their real enemies were much closer than they realized.

Taehyung stood on a hill overlooking the battlefield, his sword in hand, as his soldiers prepared for the fight. He could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on him, but another, more personal frustration lingered at the back of his mind-Jungkook. No matter how hard he fought to push the Northern King out of his thoughts, Jungkook's presence loomed like a shadow.

"I'll deal with him later," Taehyung muttered to himself, gripping his sword tighter. "First, I have to win this."

---

On the other side of the battlefield, Jungkook was preparing his soldiers for the clash ahead. He had always thrived in combat, where the stakes were clear and the objectives straightforward. But lately, his focus had been clouded by something-or rather, someone.

He cursed under his breath as Taehyung's face flashed in his mind. Why couldn't he stop thinking about him? Even now, as he prepared for battle, the Southern King's smirk haunted him.

"I'll deal with Taehyung once this rebellion is over," Jungkook vowed quietly, his determination renewed. "He won't get the upper hand on me."

---

As both kings faced the impending battles in their respective kingdoms, their rivalry burned hotter than ever. But unbeknownst to them, Bogum and Lisa's plans were drawing closer to fruition. The two villains watched from the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike-when both kings were at their weakest.

In the heat of battle, neither Jungkook nor Taehyung realized just how closely their fates were intertwined. Their competition, their rivalry, and the hidden feelings they refused to acknowledge would soon collide in ways neither of them could predict.

And when the dust settled, they would have no choice but to face the truth-not only about the rebellion but also about each other.