Bound by Fate

Chapter 9: The Fraying Threads of Fate

Nearly two months had passed since Seokjin's forced marriage to Namjoon. In that time, Seokjin's anger toward Namjoon had begun to subside, but his fury toward his grandmother was still a raging storm. He resented her for the way she had manipulated their lives, chaining him to someone he had initially deemed his enemy.

One bright morning, the sun filtered through the ornate windows of the palace, casting golden rays across the marble floor. Seokjin sat at the breakfast table, pushing around his food, lost in thought. Namjoon was sitting across from him, his eyes bright and full of mischief.

"Not hungry?" Namjoon asked, a teasing smile dancing on his lips.

Seokjin shot him a glare. "Maybe if you didn't insist on sitting across from me, I might eat."

Namjoon chuckled. "And if I sat next to you, what would that accomplish?"

Before Seokjin could respond, their grandmother entered the dining hall, her frail form cloaked in rich royal robes. She surveyed the room, her eyes landing on Namjoon with a mix of pride and concern.

"Namjoon, I have a request," she said, her voice commanding despite the frailty that marked her features.

Namjoon looked up, intrigued. "What is it, Your Majesty?"

"I want you to make a regular visit to the kingdom's unseen corners—places that aren't part of your royal duties. You need to understand the heart of our people," she said, her tone softening.

Seokjin felt a surge of irritation. "And what about me? I don't want to be part of any royal excursions."

Ignoring him, their grandmother continued. "It's essential for you to learn about your future kingdom. Understanding them will help you rule with empathy."

Namjoon nodded, eager. "I'd love to see more of the kingdom. It'll help me understand my responsibilities."

Seokjin rolled his eyes but kept silent, knowing better than to argue with his grandmother. After breakfast, Namjoon prepared for his journey, excitement radiating off him as he gathered his belongings.

"Have fun on your little adventure," Seokjin muttered, not bothering to hide the bitterness in his voice.

Namjoon turned to him, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Maybe you'll join me next time?"

Seokjin scoffed. "Don't count on it."

As Namjoon departed the palace, he felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety about what lay ahead. He had no idea that back within the palace walls, their grandmother was teetering on the brink of death, her remaining power waning after years of overexertion. No one knew the extent of her illness, not even Seokjin's father, who had been the first to notice her frail condition but had kept it a secret due to his lingering resentment.

After Namjoon left, Seokjin's father entered his mother's chamber, worry etched into his face. "Mother, you look terrible. You need to rest."

She waved him off weakly. "I have little time left, my son. I have to make things right before I go."

"Right? You've done enough damage as it is!" He couldn't help the anger that flared within him.

But she caught his gaze, and her eyes were filled with sadness. "I know I have my faults. But I must care for my kingdom, even if it means sacrificing my well-being."

Seokjin's father sighed, kneeling beside her bed. Despite their tumultuous history, love still coursed through his veins for the woman who had raised him. "You were always strong, Mother. But this..."

She placed her frail hand on his. "Please, take care of the kingdom for me. And, when the time comes, take care of Seokjin. He needs you more than ever."