A Crowned Heart

{22}

After hours of trekking through the forest, Taehyung and Y/N finally approached the outskirts of a small, secluded village nestled between rolling hills and dense woodlands. The morning sun bathed the quaint cottages in a warm glow, and for the first time in days, Y/N felt a sense of calm settle over her.

Taehyung led her down a narrow path toward a modest inn hidden from the main village road. The innkeeper, an elderly woman with kind eyes, welcomed them without question, though she cast a knowing glance at their travel-worn clothes and Taehyung's weary expression.

Inside, the inn was cozy, with a crackling fire casting soft shadows across the room. Taehyung spoke to the innkeeper in hushed tones, securing a small room for them to rest. He returned to Y/N, his expression softening as he met her gaze.

"Let's get you settled," he said gently, guiding her up a narrow staircase to a room tucked away at the far end of the hall.

The room was simple, yet comfortable, with a large bed and a single window overlooking the forest they had come from. Y/N sank into a chair near the window, her eyes tracing the line of trees, feeling the relief of finally being safe—even if only for a short while.

Taehyung set his belongings aside and knelt in front of her, his hand reaching out to gently clasp hers. "How are you holding up?"

She looked down at him, his eyes filled with concern and quiet strength. "I'm alright," she replied softly, offering a faint smile. "It's... a lot to take in, but I don't regret any of it."

Taehyung's lips quirked into a slight smile, his hand tightening around hers. "I know. And I'm here. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the last few days settling over them. Finally, Taehyung rose, pulling a blanket from the bed and wrapping it around her shoulders.

"Rest here for a while," he said, his voice gentle. "I'll be back soon. I need to speak with the innkeeper and make sure no one here recognizes us."

Y/N nodded, though she felt a pang of anxiety at the thought of him leaving, even for a moment. She reached out, catching his arm. "Be careful."

He smiled reassuringly, placing his hand over hers. "I will. Just rest. I won't be long."

She watched him leave, his figure disappearing down the hallway. As the door closed behind him, Y/N wrapped the blanket tighter around herself, staring out the window. The village was peaceful, untouched by the chaos of her life back at the castle, and for a moment, she allowed herself to imagine a life here—one where she could live freely, far from the reach of Davin or anyone else who might try to control her fate.

After a short while, the door creaked open, and Taehyung stepped back in, his face relaxed as he met her gaze. He crossed the room, settling into the chair beside her.

"Everything's quiet. No one here seems to know us," he said with a relieved smile. "We're safe for now."

Y/N's eyes softened, and she reached out to touch his hand. "Thank you... for everything. I don't think I'd be here without you."

Taehyung's gaze held hers, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. "You're worth every risk, Y/N."

A faint blush crept up her cheeks as his words lingered between them, filling the quiet space with unspoken feelings. She looked down, her fingers absentmindedly tracing circles on his hand.

"Do you ever think... we'll find a place where we won't have to hide?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

He tilted her chin up gently, his thumb brushing her cheek. "I'll find that place for us," he murmured, his voice filled with quiet determination. "Wherever it is, I'll make sure we can be together, without looking over our shoulders."

Y/N's heart swelled at his words, and in that moment, the world outside their small room felt distant, almost unreal. Here, with Taehyung, she felt like she could truly start over.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the weight of the world forgotten as they shared this rare moment of peace.