A Crowned Heart

{18}

The morning sun seeped through the thin curtains, casting a warm, golden glow over Taehyung's room. Y/N blinked slowly, disoriented as she realized where she was. Her cheeks flushed as the events of the night before came rushing back.

It felt surreal, like something out of a dream.

Her hand instinctively reached over, brushing against the empty sheets beside her. Taehyung had already woken up. She could hear the faint sounds of someone moving around, the soft scrape of metal against wood, the steady pacing of footsteps just outside the door. Nervous but curious, Y/N slipped out of bed and wrapped herself in one of the spare shawls lying on a nearby chair before stepping quietly toward the door.

The door creaked slightly as she opened it, and there he was—Taehyung, standing in the small balcony, his gaze set on the horizon. His jaw was clenched in thought, his shoulders tense, as if carrying a heavy burden. The sight of him there, standing in the soft morning light, took her breath away.

Sensing her presence, Taehyung turned, his expression softening when he saw her. "Y/N," he murmured, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he extended his hand.

She took it, letting him pull her onto the balcony beside him. For a moment, they simply stood in silence, their hands entwined as they looked out over the castle grounds.

"What are you thinking about?" Y/N finally asked, her voice soft.

Taehyung sighed, his thumb grazing over her knuckles as he spoke. "About us... about everything that happened." His eyes flickered with a hint of worry as he turned to face her. "Last night was... something I'll never forget, Y/N. But I also know that it complicates things."

Y/N's heart sank, even as she nodded in understanding. "I know," she whispered, her gaze falling to the ground. "But I don't regret a single moment of it, Taehyung."

He tightened his grip on her hand, pulling her closer so that she was standing right in front of him. "Neither do I," he said firmly, his voice filled with determination. "Y/N, I don't care what it takes. I want to be with you. I want to protect you from Davin, from anyone who tries to come between us."

The intensity in his eyes sent a thrill through her, but there was a sadness there too, a hint of the impossible situation they were caught in. "And yet... I'm still engaged to him," Y/N murmured, her voice barely audible. "There's no easy way out of this."

Taehyung clenched his jaw, his face hardening at the mention of Davin. "I'll find a way," he said, his tone steely. "If he continues to hurt you, he'll have to answer to me."

Y/N shook her head, her eyes filling with concern. "But Taehyung... confronting Davin could be dangerous. He's already suspicious of us, and if he finds out—"

"I don't care, Y/N." Taehyung's voice was firm, unwavering. "I'd rather face the consequences than see you trapped in a life of misery with him. We deserve better than this."

She looked up at him, her heart pounding as his words settled over her. It was as if every fear, every worry melted away in his presence. "You make me feel so safe, Taehyung," she whispered, reaching up to brush a hand across his cheek.

He leaned into her touch, his hand covering hers as he closed his eyes. "Then let me keep you safe," he murmured. "Whatever it takes."

They stood there in silence, their hearts connected in a way words could never express. But their quiet moment was shattered by the sudden sound of hurried footsteps echoing down the hallway outside. Both of them froze, the reality of their situation hitting them like a bucket of cold water.

"Y/N," Taehyung whispered urgently, his eyes widening. "You should go. If anyone sees you leaving my room..."

She nodded, understanding the risk all too well. "I'll see you soon," she promised, giving his hand one last squeeze before slipping back inside.

Taehyung watched her go, his heart heavy as he realized just how precarious their situation was. Every moment they shared was precious, but with each passing day, the danger of their relationship grew. He knew it wouldn't be long before they would have to make a choice: to stay and face the consequences, or to find a way out.

Back in her chambers, Y/N barely had time to catch her breath before a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Y/N?" Draupadi's voice called softly from outside her door.

Y/N hurried to open it, offering a warm smile to her friend. "Draupadi," she greeted, hoping her friend couldn't see the lingering excitement in her eyes.

But Draupadi's keen gaze didn't miss a thing. She arched an eyebrow, a knowing smile creeping onto her lips. "You seem... different today. There's a glow about you," she teased, nudging Y/N playfully. "Anything you'd like to share?"

Y/N laughed, her cheeks flushing as she shook her head. "It's nothing, really. Just... some fresh air. A good walk," she stammered, avoiding her friend's gaze.

Draupadi chuckled, clearly not believing a word. "I may not know all your secrets, Y/N, but I do know that look," she said, crossing her arms with a smirk. "I just hope whatever it is, it makes you happy."

Y/N smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest. "It does," she admitted softly. "More than anything."

But even as she spoke, a part of her knew that her happiness was shadowed by the threat of Davin's discovery, by the tension that grew with each passing day. Still, she couldn't bear the thought of giving up what she had found with Taehyung.

For now, all she could do was hold on to the moments they shared, and hope that somehow, against all odds, they would find a way to be together.