TRUTH

Truth 22

The grand hall of the palace was aglow with golden light as final preparations were made for one of the most anticipated events of the season—Prince Yeonjun's engagement to Soobin, the son of Commander Hoseok. The palace had been meticulously adorned with opulent tapestries, delicate flower arrangements, and the finest silks. Golden arches lined the entrance, leading to an expansive garden where the engagement ceremony would take place, framed by glittering lanterns that would twinkle under the night sky.

Yeonjun, dressed in resplendent royal attire—a deep emerald robe embroidered with silver thread—stood before the mirror in his chamber. His heart pounded in his chest, but not out of fear. This was the day he had been waiting for, the culmination of years of love and anticipation. His eyes met his mother's in the reflection as Consort Yoongi approached, placing a steady hand on his son's shoulder.

"You're ready, Yeonjun," Yoongi said softly, pride lacing his tone. "Today marks the beginning of a new chapter, not just for you, but for all of us."

Yeonjun smiled, his nerves easing slightly. "It still feels surreal, though," he admitted. "But I'm happy. Soobin and I... we've waited for this moment."

Yoongi's smile widened. "And now it's finally here."

The palace buzzed with excitement as the guests, nobility from surrounding kingdoms, and family members gathered in the courtyard. The air was filled with the scents of exotic flowers, and musicians played soft, harmonious tunes in the background, setting a serene atmosphere.

As the engagement ceremony began, Soobin entered, his own attire just as grand as Yeonjun's, though more militaristic in style—a subtle reminder of his role as the son of the kingdom's most respected commander. The two men exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a mix of love and relief. Finally, they were here, about to solidify their union in front of their families and the world.

King Taehyung stood tall at the head of the grand hall, his presence commanding, as he oversaw the ceremony. With Yoongi and Commander Hoseok by his side, it was a perfect blend of family, duty, and celebration. Taehyung's eyes briefly met Yeonjun's, giving a nod of approval that sent warmth through his half-brother's chest. This moment was not only theirs but a representation of the bonds that held the royal family together, even through the hardest of times.

As Yeonjun and Soobin exchanged rings, the hall erupted in cheers. Their union, a blend of nobility and strength, marked not only a personal victory for the couple but a significant alliance between the royal family and the military. The grandeur of the engagement reflected the importance of this day. Gold accents gleamed under the chandeliers, and the scent of rare flowers filled the air, mixing with the sound of joyous applause and music.

In the quieter corners of the palace, however, another kind of journey was unfolding. Jungkook, now well into his pregnancy, found himself facing the struggles that came with carrying a child—both ordinary and extraordinary. His belly had grown round and full, a visible reminder of the life he was nurturing within him. And while his body felt heavier, slower, there was an instinct inside him—one he couldn't quite explain—that made him more alert, more protective.

As he sat on the balcony overlooking the garden, watching the celebration from afar, he absentmindedly placed a hand on his stomach. A faint flutter of movement greeted him, a sensation he had become familiar with over the last few months. His heart swelled with love and protectiveness. A soft breeze swept through his hair as he allowed himself a small smile. There was a part of him—deep, instinctual—that knew his child was something more, something powerful. But he couldn't dwell on that now. Not yet.

The pregnancy itself had been a mixture of normal aches and pains, paired with moments of intense energy. He often found himself restless, his body not quite able to relax. Taehyung had been endlessly supportive, attending to his every need, but even he noticed the subtle differences in Jungkook's pregnancy.

Jungkook had always been protective of those he loved, but lately, that protectiveness had shifted into something more primal. Every time someone approached, especially if they were unfamiliar, his body tensed, as if preparing to defend his family. He kept this feeling to himself, knowing that even if Taehyung or Jimin asked, he wouldn't know how to explain it.

Speaking of Jimin, the two of them had grown even closer over the past few months. The bond they shared from childhood had deepened after everything they had gone through, especially the kiss they had shared not long ago. Jimin, playful as ever, had made it his mission to keep Jungkook's spirits high.

As if summoned by his thoughts, Jimin appeared at the doorway, holding a tray of snacks. His eyes sparkled mischievously as he walked over to Jungkook.

"Look at you," Jimin teased, setting the tray down. "You're glowing again."

Jungkook rolled his eyes but couldn't help the smile that crept onto his face. "I think I've heard that one too many times lately."

"Because it's true," Jimin quipped, plopping down next to him. "You're beautiful. Taehyung thinks so, and I know so."

Jungkook's smile wavered as he sighed. "I just... I feel so tired all the time, Jimin. And there's this... urge I can't explain. Like I need to protect everyone. It's driving me crazy."

Jimin nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. "That's because you might be carrying an Alpha," he said softly. "Even if you don't feel it in the traditional sense, your body knows. It's reacting to the power your child holds."

Jungkook blinked, surprised by Jimin's insight. He hadn't thought of it that way before. It made sense, though. The heightened instincts, the protectiveness—it all pointed to the fact that the child growing inside him wasn't just any baby. It was the future leader of their pack, their family.

Jimin grinned, breaking the tension with his usual sass. "But that doesn't mean you can skip out on my snacks. You need to eat if you're going to keep glowing like this."

Jungkook laughed, the heaviness in his chest lifting slightly. "Alright, alright. I'll eat."

As Jimin handed him a plate of fresh fruit, Taehyung entered the room, his eyes immediately softening as they landed on Jungkook. He walked over and placed a gentle kiss on Jungkook's temple.

"Is everything alright?" Taehyung asked, concern evident in his voice.

Jungkook nodded, though his earlier worries lingered. "Yeah, just feeling... everything, I guess."

Taehyung knelt beside him, taking his hand in his. "I know it's hard, but you're doing an incredible job. I'm so proud of you, Kookie. You're strong, and our baby will be, too."

Jungkook leaned into Taehyung's touch, feeling the love and support in his words. "Thanks, Tae."

Jimin cleared his throat dramatically, drawing their attention back to him. "Excuse me, I'm still here, you know. Can we not get all mushy while I'm trying to feed my pregnant best friend?"

Both Jungkook and Taehyung laughed, the tension in the room dissipating as the three of them settled into a comfortable routine of shared meals and gentle teasing. And though Jungkook still carried the weight of his pregnancy and the strange instincts that came with it, in these moments—surrounded by love—he knew everything would be okay.

Meanwhile, in the grand hall, Seokjin, the Queen, stood next to Namjoon, who had progressed from his wheelchair to using a cane. His recovery had been slow but steady, and he now carried himself with renewed strength. Though he was no longer king, his presence still commanded the respect of the court.

Seokjin's sharp eyes caught sight of Yeonjun, and a soft smile graced his lips. "Our Yeonjun is a man now," he remarked quietly to Namjoon, pride evident in his voice.

Namjoon nodded, watching the scene unfold. "He will make a fine husband. And Lord Soobin, a loyal partner."

Seokjin's gaze lingered on Yeonjun for a moment longer before he turned back to Namjoon. "It's strange, isn't it? Watching them grow up. I feel like it was just yesterday when they were children running around the palace."

Namjoon chuckled softly, his hand tightening around his cane. "Time does pass quickly, doesn't it?"

They stood together, watching as the engagement ceremony reached its climax.
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Word Count: 1403
Date Written: 09/13/24
Date Published: 09/17/24
Author: Kheliyesh