Taehyung and Y/N traveled through the dense forest that stretched far beyond the castle grounds, their escape cloaked by the cover of night. The path was treacherous, winding through roots and rocks that threatened to trip them at every step. But Taehyung remained steady, guiding Y/N carefully, his eyes scanning for any signs of danger.
As dawn approached, they found a clearing and paused to rest. Taehyung watched the horizon, his jaw clenched, alert for any sounds that might signal pursuit. The forest was silent, save for the distant call of morning birds, yet he knew Davin's soldiers were likely on their trail.
Y/N, catching her breath, looked over at Taehyung, admiration and gratitude clear in her eyes. "Thank you, Taehyung," she whispered, her voice soft but sincere. "You didn't have to do all of this for me... but you did."
He turned to her, his expression gentle yet resolute. "Y/N, you were trapped in a world that didn't care about your happiness. I couldn't stand by and let that happen. A life without freedom is no life at all." He paused, searching her gaze. "I would risk everything to see you safe and free."
His words made her chest tighten, filling her with a warmth that made her feel braver just by being near him. "I don't know what I would've done without you," she murmured, reaching out to squeeze his hand.
He chuckled softly, his usual playful spark flickering back into his eyes. "You underestimate yourself, Y/N. You're stronger than you think." His hand lingered over hers, his thumb tracing gentle circles over her knuckles.
Just then, the snap of a twig broke the peaceful quiet, and they both froze. Taehyung instantly rose to his feet, shielding her with his body as he scanned the surrounding trees. Emerging from the shadows, a small group of soldiers appeared, each wearing the armor of Davin's men. Their leader stepped forward, a sneer on his face.
"Princess, you're to return to the castle. His Grace is quite displeased with this little... adventure," the soldier mocked, his eyes shifting to Taehyung with a cold smirk. "And as for you, traitor... you'll be lucky if you make it back alive."
Taehyung's grip on his sword tightened, his stance unwavering. "You'll have to go through me first," he declared, his voice laced with steely determination.
The soldier laughed, drawing his own blade. "Then it seems that'll be a pleasure."
Taehyung turned to Y/N, his voice softer. "Stay back," he whispered, his gaze filled with a silent plea for her to trust him.
Y/N stepped back, her heart pounding with fear and admiration as she watched him stand his ground. She knew he was risking his life for her, and the thought only deepened her resolve to find a way out together.
The first soldier lunged forward, but Taehyung met him with a swift, calculated parry, sending the soldier stumbling back. In one fluid motion, Taehyung struck, his sword glinting in the early morning light as he deflected each blow with expert precision. His focus was unbreakable, every movement fueled by his determination to protect Y/N.
The other soldiers joined in, surrounding him, but Taehyung held his own, moving with a grace and bravery that left her breathless. He anticipated their every move, his strikes calculated and swift, and one by one, the soldiers faltered, their attacks deflected as Taehyung fought with the ferocity of a man who had nothing left to lose.
Finally, as the last soldier fell back, clutching his side, he glared at Taehyung with a mix of fear and hatred. "This isn't over," he spat before disappearing into the trees, retreating to the shadows.
As the clearing returned to silence, Taehyung lowered his sword, breathing heavily. He turned to Y/N, his gaze softened as he stepped closer, his hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. "Are you alright?"
She nodded, her voice catching as she whispered, "You... you were incredible, Taehyung."
He offered her a small, relieved smile. "I'd fight a thousand more if it meant keeping you safe."
Y/N's heart swelled with emotion as she looked up at him, the bravery in his eyes making her feel as though she'd found something—someone—worth fighting for, too.
Taehyung took her hand, pulling her close. "Come on. We should keep moving," he murmured, his voice soft but unyielding. "There's a village nearby. We can rest there for a while and figure out our next steps."
As they continued through the forest, Y/N couldn't help but feel that with Taehyung by her side, she could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
YOU ARE READING
A Crowned Heart
Romance"I was born to protect you, but somewhere along the way, I forgot that I was never meant to love you. If I could give you my heart, my title, my very soul, I would-just to see you happy. But in the end, all I can offer is my sword and a love that mu...
