Forced Crown

𝓧𝐼𝒱

Taehyung was having seasickness.

And nothing was helping it.

It has been a while since he was on a ship, and they're usually over within the first day.

Well, the Grave Sea did not want to spare him today. His office had a small balcony, where he puked his guts out into the ocean. He forgot how unpleasant vomiting is. How the bile burned his throat and how he wanted to choke.

He stopped and collapsed on the edge. His stomach was rolling and he didn't want to get up to get water. There was a knock on the door at that moment. "Come in," Taehyung groaned. John came in with a small tray. "How are you feeling?" Taehyung smiled sadly.

"Not so good. I've been vomiting in and out." John walked over with the tray. It had a glass of water with a lemon and a small bowl of rice accompanied by chopsticks. "The lemon helps calm down the stomach, with the ice. And I noticed you didn't eat. You must be hungry after disposing of your breakfast in the form of vomit."

Taehyung chuckled, despite his chest hurting. "Thanks. I normally don't have seasickness, but it's been a while." John shook his head. "No, it's fine. It happens to me too." Taehyung smiled, taking the cup from the tray. He took a delicate sip, the bitterness of the lemon suddenly calming his nerves.

"I feel somewhat better. Thanks," Taehyung says. John smiles. "So, what did your father tell you so to once we get to England?" Taehyung shrugged. "Supposed to deliver a message that another new shipment is coming." John thought for a minute. "So I guess that's why our advisor has told us to load in cargo."

Taehyung sat up straight. "Oh, so he had this ship loaded and this is the missing shipment. Smart man." John nodded. "It was good that he sent you. The prince does represent the kingdom." Taehyung chuckled, taking another sip of the lemon water. John stood up, about to leave.

"Captain, can I ask you something?" Taehyung asked, his head turning. John nodded, sitting back down. Taehyung sighed, suddenly tired. "I know I'm supposed to take the throne and produce an heir, but I don't know if..." He trailed off. John ushered him to continue.

"...I don't know if the kingdom is going to accept the fact that I have attraction to men." John widened his eyes. "Oh. That's a pretty big deal. Have you told your parents yet?" Taehyung shook his head, his hand fiddling with a chopstick. "I've only told my brother and my fiancé. She supports me and says I can use this marriage to hide it."

John shook his head. "I don't think that's a good idea. If someone sees you going out when you're already married, people are going to believe you're seeing another woman. I think you're just going to have to tell the truth outright."

Taehyung put his head in his knees, tasting bile again. "I'm scared." John patted his shoulder. "I understand, I'm the same way. I have a husband, and it was difficult for everyone to accept. You just have to give it time." Taehyung looked up with a small smile. "Thanks." John bowed and left the room, leaving Taehyung to his thoughts.

At least Taehyung wasn't alone.

His thoughts drifted to Jungkook. He missed the younger's touch, his hands drifting along Taehyung's body. He couldn't wait to see Jungkook again. And so he looked out into the ocean, drinking his lemon water and eating his rice.

•┈••✦ 💔 ✦••┈•

After two days, they docked in Britain. Taehyung was welcomed by a royal envoy. He was dressed in a fine suit, fitting his figure. Leather gloves on his hands, with one reaching out to shake Taehyung's. "Welcome to Britain, Your Highness." Taehyung smiled in return, folding his hands behind his back. He wore similar attire, save for the gloves.

"We have sent a new shipment. We apologize that the last one didn't arrive by the deadline. There were...obstacles." The envoy nodded. "I have been assigned to bring you to the palace to discuss this matter further. Our crew is currently unloading the  cargo. Follow me, Your Highness."

Taehyung nodded to his crew, signaling his leave. He followed the envoy through the docks, watching the people pass by to gawk. Especially the women. The ladies wore long and flowy skirts and corsets paired with blouses that showed their bosoms. In their dainty hands they held little umbrellas, while on their heads they had hats with feathers, mesh and flowers with vivid or dull color.

Taehyung had his hands folded neatly behind his back, walking in short strides with his head held high. The man pretty much radiated confidence. The groups of ladies stopped to look at this magnificent piece of masculinity, turning to each other to gossip. Who is he? Where did he come from? Why is he so handsome?

The envoy stopped, saying he needed to call a carriage. Taehyung stood there, scanning his surroundings. The buildings were colored and built from brick, painted to look smooth. A tea shop where ladies would sit and gossip. A bar where men would drink and smoke cigars. Sidewalks where husbands and wives would walk together.

Taehyung smiled. The world sure was a curious, yet wonderful place. A woman had stopped beside him, needing to wait for a horse or a carriage. She was crying, the bitter tears streaming down her face. Taehyung immediately went to ask what was wrong, turning his head toward her.

"Is everything alright, ma'am?" he asked softly. The woman looked up. In front of her was a beautiful man, yet his features held worry. She wiped her tears with her handkerchief. "I'm fine. No need to worry." Taehyung furrowed his brow, but he saw that she didn't want to talk. "Okay."

He turned his head back, watching for the envoy. The man came back with a carriage, sitting with the coachman. "Your Highness, the carriage is here. Uh- Princess?" Taehyung looked over to the woman beside him. "Hello, sir." The envoy was upset. "You better get in this carriage or I tell the King and Queen you snuck out again!" he spat.

The princess sniffled, wiping her face with the handkerchief again. Taehyung offered her his hand, the woman taking it. He guided her to the carriage, helping her in first before getting in himself. He sat across from her, still concerned. "You sure you don't want to talk?"

The princess looked at him. "I don't know. Maybe I can't say anything right now because I caught my fiancé cheating on me." Taehyung sighed. "Sorry about that, ma'am." The princess clutched the edge of the seat. "That lying bastard! He could have told me outright!" Seeing that she was about to throw a fit, Taehyung set his hand on one of hers.

"It's okay. It's not something to shout about. The fact that he cheated shows that he's no good for you, that you deserve better." The princess froze, taking in this information. "I'm going to let go now, and just relax. Don't think about it." The princess nodded, taking her hands off the seat and looking out the window.

Taehyung left her to her thoughts and his own way the carriage bumped along the brick road. After what seemed like a while, they arrived at the castle. Taehyung went out first, helping the princess down. The envoy sent her off to go to her quarters, annoyed, and told Taehyung to follow him.

"Let's get you into court, now."

A/N: ... :)
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