𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐑 [Kim Taehyung FF]

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟐 - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞

"The risk is too great, Your Majesty," Chief Administrator Juwon spoke, his tone heavy with caution. "If you must allow the princess to meet her parents, we can summon them here. I strongly advise against entering Incheon territory with Princess Fiorella. Let us bring them to Daegu, or if not, allow Princess Fiorella to travel under our highest security."

Taehyung, seated on the grand throne of polished onyx, his eyes-cold as the winter sea-narrowed on Juwon. "I have no intention of allowing King Jung to set foot in my palace," he said, his voice low but sharp as a blade.

"Nor will I escort Fiorella to Incheon. Her return would give them hope-a hope I will not permit. We will arrange the meeting at the border. Temporary tents will be erected. It will be swift. We arrive, and we leave."

The court fell silent as Taehyung's words echoed through the royal hall, administrators exchanged wary glances, their unease palpable. It was a risk, perhaps one they understood all too well, but none dared to question their Emperor. It was not their place to challenge his decisions; it was their duty to follow.

"Then, Your Majesty," Another administrator ventured cautiously, "why not send princess Fiorella alone with a retinue of guards? You need not make an appearance yourself-"

"No," Taehyung interrupted, his gaze hardened into a glacier's chill, and a faint, derisive smile tugged at his lips. "I have matters to settle with Jung.

There was a shudder in the air, as if even the stone walls of the court recognized the weight of his words.

The administrator bowed his head, conceding. "As you wish, Your Majesty," he said softly. "The preparations shall begin at once."

"Good." With that, the Emperor rose from his throne, "The court was dismissed."

As the doors of the royal court groaned shut behind him, an uneasy murmur spread among the administrators. Taehyung's decision to confront Jung directly was seen by some as a dangerous gamble. But there was no doubt that he had already accounted for every risk.

The morning air was crisp and cool, a thin mist clinging to the palace grounds as Fiorella walked down the grand hallway. Today, she would finally see her parents again, a bittersweet reunion overshadowed by the knowledge that this might be their last meeting. The thought twisted like a knife in her chest, but she forced herself to stay composed.

The night in Taehyung's chambers still lingered in her mind, though nothing had transpired between them. She had fallen asleep alone, when he left the room. and by the time she woke up, she was alone in his vast, the bed beside her was cold.

As she approached the palace's grand entrance, Fiorella saw Taehyung standing by his horse, his posture unyielding. The troops and soldiers were already assembled, their armour glinting in the pale morning light. Horses snorted and pawed at the ground,

Her gaze met Taehyung's, and for a moment, the rest of the world seemed to fade away. There was something in his eyes that both frightened and fascinated her.