Forever Bound

CHAPTER 2

This chapter will be a little long ..
Enjoy 💖💖

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Some encounters are orchestrated by fate, while others are nudged by nature's subtle hand. In the dance of destiny strangers meet symmetries .

In the verdant garden, where sunlight danced across emerald blades, a masked figure stood, His golden eyes radiant. The young prince's gaze wandered into those luminous orbs, losing himself in their depths.
Sun- dappled paths wound through the garden , fragrant blooms spilling colors.

Brown eyes were captivated by golden, their enchantment uninterrupted as the dragger's subtle weight remained on Jungkook's nape.

Within the garden's enchanted silence, the young prince's voice thundered, “ Who are you?” The question resonated through the emerald paths and sun-kissed fountains, echoing off the masked figure's impassive face.

The dragger slipped away from Jungkook's neck , freed by the black hanbok man's deft fingers , his face a mask of quiet contemplation .

Silence greeted Jungkook's inquiry, fueling his irritation. He tightened his fist, eyes flashing. “You dare ignore me? Reveal yourself! Who are you, and how did you breach the palace's sacred grounds? “

The man with golden orbs turned to depart, but halted mid-step. He pivoted back, his gaze locking onto Jungkook's . His lips parted for his words

“ I am the storm that reshapes empires, the phoenix that rises from ashes. My presence redefines your destiny, and I weave commands, not obey.”

A shiver coursed through Jungkook's veins as the masked man's deep, resonant voice washed over him. His body froze, transfixed by the weight of those words. “Redefines your destiny “ the stranger's  whisper seemed to linger in the air, echoing through Jungkook's mind long after the figure vanished into the shadows, leaving behind an unsettling sense of destiny altered.

" Your Highness.” Jee's voice broke the spell, drawing Jungkook back to reality. He turned to Jee, raising an eyebrow in confusion. “His Majesty has summoned you to the meeting room,” Jee announced.

As they walked, Jungkook's mind whirled with unease." It's coronation day,” he murmured, his eyes locked on Jee's. 'What could Father want now? Has something gone awry? “

Despite his efforts to shake off the uneasy thoughts, Jungkook's past memories lingered, casting a dark shadow within. The ghosts of his childhood haunted him still. Yet, he steeled himself, recalling his father's words: " A man must not be swayed by fear. "
He squared his shoulders, determination etched on his face.

–

The grand meeting room of Elveria's palace bustled with tension. At the room's center, King Tae-Hoon sat upon his throne, his piercing gaze surveying the assembled nobles. To his right stood Queen Soo-Jin, her elegant presence a calming counterbalance to the king's intensity.

Arrayed before them were the kingdom's most influential figures: Lord Jae-Hwan, the king's brother; Lord Commander Min-Soo, the queen's cousin; and Lady Ji-Young, the king brother's wife and young princes. Each face wore a mask of politeness, but Jungkook's trained eyes detected the undercurrents of intrigue.

As Crown Prince, Jungkook took his designated seat, his thoughts still reeling from the mysterious stranger's words. The weight of his responsibilities settled heavy upon him, and he steeled himself for the meeting's purpose.

“ What are we waiting for, Your Majesty? It's time for the coronation.”
Queen Soo-Jin inquired, her voice laced with subtle urgency.

King Tae-Hoon's expression turned grave, his eyes locking onto Jungkook's. “ I know, my dear. But I have reconsidered.

The room fell silent, anticipation hanging heavy in the air.

" Reconsidered?' Lord Jae-Hwan echoed, "What do you mean, your majesty?”

King Tae-Hoon's gaze never wavered. “I will not be crowning Jungkook today.”

Jungkook's heart skipped a beat, his breath catching in his throat. Disbelief etched on his face, he felt as if time itself had halted.
“ Not crowing Today ?” he thought, his mind racing with questions. “Why? What could have changed? Has something gone wrong?”

His eyes locked onto his father's, searching for answers. King Tae-Hoon's expression remained resolute, unreadable. Jungkook's gaze shifted to his mother, Queen Soo-Jin, hoping for a hint of explanation, but her face was a mask of concern.

The room's silence was oppressive, heavy with unspoken tensions.
With a deep breath, Jungkook spoke, his voice steady despite his inner turmoil “Father, may I ask why? “

" I am the king, and it is my duty to ensure justice reigns, And I fear, Jungkook, that you are not yet prepared to shoulder the crown.”

Jungkook's eyes widened, a mix of shock and hurt flashing across his face. “Not capable? “ he repeated .

"However, our Prince Seojun has also demonstrated remarkable capability, similar to yours,I must reconsider my decision. “
King Tae-Hoon leaned back on his throne, resting his elbow on the armchair .

“ This forces me to reconsider my decision. The crown will not be bestowed solely based on birthright, but on merit. I shall choose between you and Prince Seojun . “

Lord Jae-Hwan stepped forward, his voice filled with conviction. " Your Majesty, I'm glad you consider my son, Seojun, capable of wielding the crown. However, I must remind you that three years ago, in the council meeting, we collectively decided to appoint Jungkook as Crown Prince."

He paused, surveying the room before continuing. "In my opinion, Jungkook has proven himself worthy of the title. His dedication to the kingdom and its people is unwavering. I implore you to reconsider this sudden change."

Queen Soo-Jin's eyes locked onto Lord Jae-Hwan, her expression a mix of gratitude and concern. King Tae-Hoon's face remained stoic.

"I understand our previous decision, Lord Jae-Hwan," King Tae-Hoon said, eyes on jae-Hwan,
"Yet, as king, it is my duty to ensure the kingdom's future. But one should never be hasty in taking steps. Jungkook, although well-intentioned, still lacks the discernment of a true leader. He has demonstrated this in his recent judgment regarding the murderer in the eastern province."

King tae-hoon eyes shifted towards Jungkook, "A king must be resolute and just. Jungkook suggested exile, whereas a true king would have chosen a more severe punishment, fitting the crime. This lack of foresight and resolve is troubling."

Jungkook's gaze dropped to the ground, his eyes burning with  Humiliation and frustration washed over him, threatening to consume his composure. One decision, one misstep, and all his lifelong efforts were reduced to nothing.

Since childhood, he had strived to prove himself, to earn his father's approval. Every achievement, every triumph, had been driven by the desire to make King Tae-Hoon proud. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, he could never quite meet his father's expectations.

The memories flooded his mind: the countless hours of training, the sacrifices, the unwavering dedication. All for naught. His father's words cut deep, reinforcing the nagging doubt that had always lingered within him.

"Why can't I ever be enough?" Jungkook thought ,still gazing at the hard floor .

"You are not enough yet to be the king of Elveria, Jungkook," King Tae-Hoon declared, his words cutting deep.

"I agree," a deep, resonant voice echoed through the doorway, commanding attention.

Thank you for your time lovely readers 💜💜