Embrace Of The Wolf And Fox [Taejin]

1 | The Lost Prince

In a secluded glade deep within the lush, sprawling forests surrounding the palace, sunlight filtered gently through the canopy of ancient trees, casting intricate patterns upon the earth. The air was sweet, with the scent of wildflowers and the hum of distant insects providing a serene background to the stillness. At the heart of this peace sat Kim Jangmu, the mighty Wolfian King, and his wife, Queen Yuhwa, gracefully sipping tea from delicate porcelain cups.

A gentle breeze swirled through the open garden pavilion, lifting the Queen's fine silk jeogori¹ ever so slightly, the soft rustling of her garments barely heard amidst the peaceful surroundings. Her wolf-like ears, elegantly perched atop her head, twitched ever so subtly, attuned to the faintest of sounds that even the peaceful hum of the garden couldn't hide. The soft gleam of her fangs peeked out when she smiled, a sharp contrast to her otherwise gentle demeanor.

The King, in his regal gwanbok², appeared at ease, though his claw-tipped fingers rested lightly on the table, a subtle reminder of his primal strength. His sharp eyes, glowing faintly with an otherworldly gold, occasionally drifted toward their son, who played at the edge of the garden. A soft twitch of his tail, hidden beneath his royal robes, revealed his constant awareness, ever alert despite the serenity of their surroundings.

Kim Taehyung, the crown prince and destined heir to the Wolfian throne, was a lively toddler, his every movement imbued with the untamed spirit of his lineage. Seated amid a vibrant patch of wildflowers, his small body rarely stilled, his fluffy tail swaying as his large brown eyes followed the delicate flutter of butterflies and the occasional insect that ventured by. His small hands swiped at them eagerly, though he often missed, his little feet kicking with frustration at each failed attempt.

"His energy is boundless," Queen Yuhwa mused, her gaze fondly resting on her child. "Perhaps it would do him well to play outside the confines of this pavilion." She turned toward Mira, the trusted nanny who had been by the prince's side since his birth. "Take him to the outer garden. Let him run free amongst the flowers, but do not let your attention stray for even a moment."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Mira responded immediately, bowing deeply in respect.

The king's voice rumbled next, stern but carrying the warmth of a concerned father. "He is fast on his feet now. Watch him closely, for the world is full of dangers he does not yet understand."

"I shall, Your Majesty," Mira promised again, taking the prince's small hand into her own.

Taehyung, with excitement beaming from his cherubic face, followed her willingly into the broader expanse of the garden. As they passed through the tall, ornate gates leading to the open grounds, the palace faded into the background, replaced by a vibrant world of greenery and blossoms. The air was fresh and filled with the sweet fragrance of the season's flowers, petals trembling gently in the wind.

As soon as his feet touched the soft grass, Taehyung broke free from Mira's grasp, dashing headlong into the blooming fields with a shriek of joy. His tiny footsteps left imprints in the dewy ground as he twirled and danced, arms outstretched as though he could catch the wind itself.

The prince ran circles around the garden, his laughter ringing through the air like soft bells. He delighted in the soft caress of the sun on his face and the colors that surrounded him.

Here, he felt like the ruler of his own little world.

But as Mira settled onto a nearby bench, her focus shifted from the energetic child to the figure of a familiar gardener who had appeared from behind a row of tall shrubs. For months, their secret exchanges had blossomed into something more. A brief smile played across her lips as he approached, their shared affection drawing them into quiet conversation.