Bound by Fate

Chapter 2: The Virginity Chamber

The air in the palace had grown tense ever since the announcement of Namjoon's upcoming marriage. Whispers of the chosen bride, Seokjin, filled the halls, though no one outside of Namjoon's family knew the true nature of his captivity. But Namjoon knew. It had only been days since he learned the truth: Seokjin was being held by his grandmother, hidden away, his fate tied to the throne.

Namjoon's heart was heavy with the weight of his grandmother's decisions. He respected her authority, but the thought of someone—his future spouse—suffering because of these plans gnawed at him. He wasn't allowed to intervene directly, not without disobeying her strict orders. But that didn't mean he couldn't find another way to help.

Late one night, Namjoon summoned Jimin, his trusted cousin, and shared his plan. Jimin, always eager to support Namjoon, listened intently as they whispered by the dim candlelight in Namjoon's chambers.

"You want me to care for him?" Jimin asked quietly, his brows furrowed with concern. "But... if Grandmother finds out—"

"She won't," Namjoon interrupted, his voice firm. "You'll be discreet. Seokjin has been treated horribly. He needs someone to tend to his wounds and give him proper food. I... I can't do it myself. But I trust you, Jimin."

Jimin's eyes softened as he nodded. "Of course, hyung. I'll do what I can."

The next morning, Jimin made his way to the hidden chamber where Seokjin was being kept. He had to be careful, slipping through the palace halls without attracting attention. Namjoon had given him specific instructions on how to avoid the watchful eyes of the guards his grandmother had stationed near Seokjin's quarters.

When Jimin finally reached the chamber, he took a deep breath, pushing open the heavy wooden door. The room was dimly lit, cold, and sparsely furnished, with only a small bed in the corner and a single window barred shut.

Seokjin lay on the bed, curled up, his body trembling with exhaustion and pain. His clothes were torn in places, and faint bruises marred his pale skin. He looked up when he heard the door creak, his eyes wide with fear, but when he saw Jimin—who looked nothing like the men who had handled him roughly before—he relaxed, if only slightly.

"Who are you?" Seokjin's voice was hoarse, as though he hadn't spoken in days. "What do you want?"

Jimin approached slowly, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. "I'm here to help you. I won't hurt you, I promise."

Seokjin blinked, confused, but said nothing as Jimin knelt beside him and opened the small basket he had brought with him. Inside were fresh bandages, a few salves for the bruises, and a carefully prepared meal—simple but warm.

"Namjoon sent me," Jimin explained softly, his eyes never leaving Seokjin's. "He... he can't come himself, but he wanted to make sure you're taken care of."

Seokjin's eyes widened at the mention of Namjoon. "Namjoon? The prince?"

Jimin nodded, gently dabbing one of the salves onto Seokjin's bruises. Seokjin winced slightly at the touch, but he didn't pull away. "He's... he's not like his grandmother. He doesn't want you to suffer."

Seokjin looked away, his heart heavy with the weight of his circumstances. He didn't understand why this was happening, why he had been taken, or why the prince—someone he barely knew—seemed to care. But there was no denying the kindness in Jimin's actions, and for now, that was enough.

Days passed, and Jimin continued to visit Seokjin in secret, bringing him food, tending to his wounds, and offering him whatever small comfort he could. Seokjin, though still confused and fearful, found solace in Jimin's presence. But even with the care he was receiving, the dread of his uncertain future loomed over him.