╰┈➤ "𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮?" The king's words were like a dagger piercing through my heart. In the brief moment where his gaze met mine, I felt an overwhelming sense of fear rise into my belly. The question, though simple in its wording, was weighted...
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Jungkook sat in the grand throne room, the air thick with expectation as he adjusted his posture on the imposing golden throne that loomed over the assembled courtiers. The lavish decorations around him—the intricate tapestries depicting victories of the past, the shining chandeliers that reflected the soft glow of torches—only heightened the tension in the atmosphere. His heart raced as he stole a glance at Chin Hae, his loyal advisor, who sat to the side with an attentive expression, ready to support him no matter what.
The silence stretched as King Jeonghui settled into his own seat, surveying the room with a mixture of authority and pride. With the recent victory against the Jung dynasty still fresh in everyone's minds, the air crackled with anticipation for the king's words. At last, the king cleared his throat, his voice resonating through the hall like a solemn decree. "Jungkook," he began, his tone firm yet measured, "now that you have successfully led us to victory, it is time to solidify our strength through a political alliance. You will marry Jasmine."
As the words left his father's lips, a hush fell over the room, punctuated only by the faint crackle of the torches. Jungkook felt a jolt of disbelief pierce through him. The concept of marrying Jasmine had always loomed over him as a distant obligation, something that felt more like a burden than a blessing.
He glanced around at the courtiers, who were now murmuring among themselves, their faces a mix of approval and curiosity, as if eagerly awaiting his response. Chin Hae's eyes flickered with concern, sensing the tension that rippled through Jungkook's body.
Jungkook's mind raced. He felt the weight of his father's proclamation pressing down on him, tightening like a noose. The throne, which had always felt like a seat of power, now seemed like a cage, trapping him in a destiny he wasn't sure he wanted. He took a deep breath, attempting to gather his thoughts as he stared straight ahead, absorbing the gravity of the moment. How could he voice his feelings without inciting his father's wrath?
Finally, as the murmurs grew louder, Jungkook summoned the courage to speak, his voice steady but low. "Father," he began, choosing his words with care, "with all due respect, I cannot marry Jasmine." The silence that followed was deafening, the weight of his declaration hanging in the air like a heavy fog.
King Jeonghui's expression hardened, surprise flickering across his face. The courtiers shifted uncomfortably, sensing the storm brewing. "What do you mean you cannot?" the king replied, his tone sharper than before, disbelief coloring his words. "You are a king, Jungkook. You have responsibilities to this kingdom, to your people. This marriage is not just about you; it's about the future of our dynasty."
Jungkook clenched his fists, feeling the heat of defiance rising within him. "I understand the importance of alliances, Father," he countered, his voice growing stronger, "but marriage should not be based solely on politics. I cannot bind myself to someone I do not love."
