A Crowned Heart

{19}

The wedding day dawned with a sky the color of fading embers, an ominous beginning to what should have been the happiest day of her life. But Y/N's heart felt like lead in her chest as the palace bustled around her, the preparation, the endless footsteps of servants, the rustling of silk as they dressed her in her bridal attire—all of it felt distant, as if she were watching someone else's story unfold.

She stood before her mirror, draped in an opulent gown of deep red and gold, intricate embroidery tracing patterns along the fabric, symbolizing prosperity and blessings. Around her neck and wrists, gold jewelry gleamed, and her hair had been braided elegantly, adorned with delicate flowers and golden pins. She looked the part of a queen—but felt nothing like it.

"Princess," Draupadi said softly as she stepped into the room, her voice hesitant. "It's almost time."

Y/N nodded, unable to trust her voice. She was about to walk down the aisle toward a man she had never loved, a man who had only brought her sorrow. Her mind drifted to Taehyung, the stolen moments, the quiet promises, the tender way he held her when no one was watching. She would give anything to be with him now, to be free from this twisted fate.

As if her thoughts had summoned him, a soft knock sounded at her window. Y/N's heart leapt as she rushed to the window, pushing it open to reveal Taehyung, dressed in his formal attire, his eyes filled with a storm of emotions.

"Taehyung!" she whispered, her voice thick with relief and fear. "What are you doing here?"

"Y/N," he said, reaching through the window to take her hands, his grip warm and steady. "I couldn't stay away. Not today. I had to see you... I had to make sure you're okay."

She looked down, a tear slipping down her cheek. "I don't know if I am," she admitted. "They're about to marry me off to someone I can't bear to look at."

His gaze hardened. "You don't have to do this, Y/N. There's still time. We can run. We can leave tonight."

Her heart ached at his words, the longing in his voice a sharp contrast to the cold, hollow future laid out before her. But she shook her head, glancing toward the door. "There's nowhere we could hide. Davin would hunt us down, Taehyung, and he would never let me go."

Taehyung's hands tightened around hers. "Then let him come," he said fiercely. "I would rather fight the entire kingdom than see you in his arms."

She looked into his eyes, her heart pounding with the love and desperation between them. "Taehyung... do you really mean that?"

"More than anything," he whispered, his hand coming up to brush a tear from her cheek. "You are everything to me, Y/N. I don't care about the consequences. I don't care about anything except being with you."

Before she could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway, drawing closer. Her eyes widened, and she released his hand reluctantly. "You have to go," she whispered urgently, her heart racing. "If they see you here..."

But Taehyung didn't move, his gaze unwavering. "Tell me to stay, Y/N," he said softly. "And I'll face whatever comes."

The door creaked open as Draupadi slipped back into the room, her eyes widening when she saw Taehyung standing by the window. She glanced between them, understanding dawning in her eyes. "Y/N... it's time," she said softly, but her voice held a hint of sadness, as if she could see the weight of the choice her friend was about to make.

Y/N looked back at Taehyung, her heart torn between love and duty, between the life she wanted and the life expected of her.

"Go, Taehyung," she whispered, her voice breaking. "If you're caught... I couldn't bear it."

For a moment, he seemed ready to argue, but the anguish in her eyes stilled him. He reached up, cupping her face as he leaned in, his lips brushing against her forehead in a lingering kiss.

"I love you, Y/N," he whispered, the words heavy with finality. "Remember that."

She nodded, biting her lip to keep from crying as he disappeared out the window, leaving her alone with the echo of his words.

Draupadi's hand came to rest on her shoulder, gentle and supportive. "Y/N," she said quietly, "if you love him, you don't have to do this."

Y/N took a shaky breath, her fingers brushing over the necklace Taehyung had once gifted her, hidden beneath the layers of her wedding attire. "I don't know if I have a choice," she murmured, looking at her friend with pleading eyes.

Draupadi shook her head, a fierce determination in her gaze. "There is always a choice, Y/N. And you have the courage to make it."

The door opened wider, and Davin's voice rang out from the hallway, sharp and cold. "Y/N, it's time. Don't keep me waiting."

She closed her eyes, her heart pounding as she made her decision. Taking a deep breath, Y/N straightened, gathering every ounce of strength she possessed.

When she opened her eyes, they were filled with the fire of resolve.