"BLOODY PEARLS" ~TK

29

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This is the sixth day and finally Taehyung had returned to the castle unexpectedly early, alongside Yoongi.

Others had thought he would take one or two more days to return, but here he was, back much sooner than anticipated.

Namjoon, having heard the news of his brother's return, made his way to the grand hall to meet him there.

As Taehyung entered the grand hall of the castle, everyone present, from the servants to the guards, bowed respectfully before him.

Taehyung surveyed the room, his gaze sweeping over the assembled faces. His expression was unreadable, betraying no hint of what had occurred during his journey.

Namjoon also entered the grand hall and his eyes landed on his brother, Taehyung, deep in conversation with Yoongi. Namjoon approached them, his brows furrowed in disappointment.

"Where were you, Taehyung?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Taehyung coolly met his gaze and replied, "That doesn't matter."

Namjoon, growing more frustrated, pressed on. "I'm your elder brother. I have a right to know where you've been. You left unannounced and now you're back. Why can't you tell me the reason?"

Taehyung's expression hardened at Namjoon's insistence.

"Hyung, I will tell you when it's needed," he repeated firmly. "I will tell everyone, but not now. Trust me."

Taehyung's tone left no room for further discussion, a clear sign that he was not open to any more interrogation on the matter.

Namjoon's frustration mounting, he snapped in anger, his voice rising.

"You didn't even tell me about your mate!" he exclaimed.

"You went somewhere for days, and now you're back, and you're not telling me where you've been, what you're doing now. You keep telling me to wait, to trust you, but I can't! You have to tell me everything, Taehyung!"

Taehyung's patience was beginning to wear thin, a mix of annoyance and irritation evident in his expression.

"Hyung please," he said, his voice cool yet firm, "I'm telling you again and again that I have a plan, and I will explain when the time is right."

Namjoon's frustration only grew, and he stepped closer to his brother, his eyes narrowed.

"That's not enough, Taehyung!" he exclaimed. "You disappeared without a word, and now you won't even give me any information! I'm your elder brother, your family!"

"You may be the most powerful vampire king," Namjoon continued, his voice laced with anger and frustration.

"But you should respect me as your older brother. I only want the best for you, but how can I trust you when you keep everything hidden from me? We're family, Taehyung, and family should be honest with each other. Let me help you, but you need to communicate with me, like we used to."

A heavy silence fell over the grand hall, as even Yoongi, who had been quietly observing the argument, felt a pang of sympathy for Namjoon.

Several guards nearby glanced at each other, their expressions betraying their discomfort at the tension between two brothers. Sensing that the two brothers needed a moment, they discreetly retreated from the area, giving them some privacy to continue their conversation.

Yoongi, who had been quietly standing beside Taehyung, decided to intervene and break the tense silence.

"Your majesty," he said, his voice calm yet respectful. "I think it's best if I take my leave for now. If you need anything, please inform me."