TRUTH

Truth 26 Filler

{𝐓𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐩 𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫.}

The morning light filtered through the silken curtains of Jungkook's chamber, casting a soft glow over the room where Consort Jungkook lay nestled in pillows, recovering from the birth. Despite his exhaustion, his gaze remained gentle, fixed on his newborn son, Giwoon, cradled carefully by the attentive attendants nearby.

Prince Taemin entered the room quietly, his tiny steps a mix of caution and excitement. His wide eyes darted from his Kookie to the baby, awe brightening his expression. Though young, he carried a unique presence that hinted at his innate power—Taemin's aura radiated warmth, an almost healing quality, a gift he was yet to understand fully.

Jimin, standing near Jungkook's bed, observed his son with a soft smile. "Taemin, come closer," he encouraged, reaching out to his son. "Meet your brother."

Taemin approached cautiously, gazing at Giwoon with an unbreakable curiosity. A sense of protectiveness seemed to ripple through him, as if he were instinctively drawn to guard the new life before him.

"Can I hold him?" Taemin's small voice trembled with eagerness and wonder.

Jungkook shared a glance with Jimin, a fond smile tugging at his lips. "Not just yet, Taemin. Your brother is very small and needs rest," he explained, his voice soft and soothing.

Though Taemin's face fell slightly, he nodded, carefully reaching out one small finger toward Giwoon's tiny hand. At the lightest touch, Giwoon's tiny fingers instinctively grasped his older brother's hand, and Taemin's face lit up, as if feeling a special connection in that moment. The room seemed to still as the two brothers remained in their innocent exchange. It was a silent promise, an unspoken bond that held promises for the future, one marked by strength and loyalty.

Jungkook watched them, moved by the purity of the scene. Even though Giwoon was just a day old, his gaze carried a fierce, protective glint, something regal and commanding that belied his age. The attendants had whispered earlier of the baby's unusually strong grip, murmuring that he was already destined to be a leader. Giwoon's calm yet piercing gaze held the same quiet dominance as his father's.

Jimin's eyes softened as he looked between his sons, pride swelling in his chest. "They're connected, aren't they?" he murmured, more to himself than to anyone else. "It's as if they already understand each other."

Taemin tilted his head, curiosity sparking in his eyes as he continued to look at Giwoon. "Will he stay small like this forever?"

Jungkook laughed softly, reaching out to brush Taemin's hair with a delicate hand. "No, my love. He will grow, just like you, and someday, you two will protect each other."

Taemin grinned widely, the corners of his mouth lifting with an almost mischievous glint. "I can protect him now," he declared, puffing out his chest. A gentle warmth radiated from him, an extension of the healing abilities he possessed even as a young child.

The room fell silent as a faint glow appeared around Taemin's fingertips, a mere whisper of the healing powers he was still too young to control. Jimin watched in awe as the light faded, only momentarily, but enough to feel its warmth and reassurance. Taemin had yet to learn to harness this ability, but the glimpse was enough to show the promise within him.

As the moments passed, the gentle reverie of the family was interrupted by a quiet knock at the door. Eunuch Hyosu entered, bowing deeply. "The King is here," he announced with reverence.

King Taehyung strode into the room, his gaze softening as he took in the tender scene before him. Despite the weight of his royal duties, the sight of his sons and his beloved consorts filled his heart with a peace he rarely found in the throne room. Approaching the bed, he first placed a reassuring hand on Jungkook's shoulder, before bending down to place a kiss on his forehead.

"How are you, love?" he asked gently, his voice a private warmth shared only with his family.

Jungkook's eyes shone as he looked up at his husband. "Tired, but grateful," he murmured, his hand resting atop Taehyung's.

King Taehyung turned his attention to the newborn, leaning down to stroke Giwoon's cheek with a tenderness that was rare for the imposing ruler. "He has your strength, Jungkook. I can feel it."

Taemin, eager to include his father in his excitement, tugged on Taehyung's robe. "Appa, I touched him, and he held my hand! I think he likes me."

Taehyung chuckled, kneeling down to pull Taemin into his arms. "Of course, he does, Taemin. You're his big brother. And one day, you'll both look after each other, just as I look after you."

Taemin beamed, clearly taking his father's words to heart. "Then I'll be his protector," he said earnestly, his small arms tightening around Taehyung's neck as if to show his determination.

Jungkook's heart swelled at the sight, his exhaustion forgotten as he watched the love between father and sons. Even Giwoon, so young and unaware, seemed to sense the bond within the room, his tiny hand curling in his sleep.

Jimin approached with a gentle smile, placing his hand on Taehyung's shoulder. "They're both blessed, Taehyung. Their bond is strong, just as ours has always been," he said softly. His gaze held an unspoken appreciation for the years they had spent together and the strength of the family they had built.

As the family shared in the quiet joy of the moment, Eunuch Hyosu entered again, this time carrying a small, intricately crafted wooden box lined with golden silk. "Your Majesty, a gift from Queen Seokjin," he announced, bowing as he presented it.

Curious, Taehyung opened the box to reveal two finely woven bracelets, each made from threads of royal blue and silver, the colors of their lineage. The bracelets were simple yet regal, each adorned with a delicate engraving of the royal crest and tiny stones symbolizing strength, courage, and unity.

"A blessing for our sons," Taehyung read aloud from a note tucked within the lid. "May they find strength in each other and carry the honor of our family in their bond."

His heart swelling at the thoughtful gift, Taehyung carefully tied one bracelet around Giwoon's tiny wrist, while Jimin knelt down to help Taemin slip the other onto his wrist. The bracelets were a subtle yet powerful symbol of their connection, bestowed by their grandparent as a reminder of their shared destiny.

"These bracelets will remind them of their bond," Taehyung said, his voice resonant with emotion. "A connection that will protect them, as Queen Eomma's blessing intended."

Taemin gazed at his bracelet, his fingers tracing the royal crest with wide eyes. "I'll keep it safe, Appa. And I'll always keep him safe, too."
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Word Count: 1162
Date Written: 10/24/24
Date Published: 10/29/24
Author: Kheliyesh