𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐑 [Kim Taehyung FF]

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟓 - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The palace corridors were shadowed in silence as Fiorella slipped through, her footsteps barely a whisper on the stone floors. She had carefully timed her entry, waiting for the guards' rotations. Her heart hammered in her chest as she reached Taehyung's chamber, her fingers lingering on the door handle before she finally pushed it open.

Inside, the room was dimly lit, the flickering candlelight casting soft shadows on the walls. She stepped forward, her voice barely a murmur as she whispered,

"Your Majesty?"

Silence. The room appeared empty.

Fiorella sighed, half in relief, half in disappointment, and turned to leave. But as she stepped back, her shoulders collided against a firm chest, warm and solid, stopping her instantly. She inhaled sharply, recognizing the familiar presence even before he spoke.

"Why are you here?" Taehyung's voice was low.

She turned slightly, meeting his gaze. "I wanted to see you."

"See me?" he echoed, a smirk curving his lips. "Well, you've seen me. Now, you can go."

He dismissed her with a cool wave, yet Fiorella hesitated, her lips parting to speak. Before she could say another word, a maid appeared at the door, holding a small tray with ointments and bandages.

"Your Majesty," the maid said with a respectful bow, "I've brought the ointments for your wounds."

Taehyung shot Fiorella a pointed look, clearly signaling that her time here was over.

But to his surprise, Fiorella turned to the maid and instructed, "Leave the ointments here. I'll apply them."

The maid's eyes widened slightly, but she bowed and excused herself. When she left, Taehyung looked at Fiorella, his expression unreadable, a silent question lingering in his gaze.

Fiorella met his stare, unflinching. "Sit on the couch," she said softly.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, a trace of curiosity mingling with amusement. "Why this favor today?"

She shook her head. "It's not a favor. You're hurt. I'm only helping."

His lips curved into a faint smirk as he unbuttoned his black silk shirt, revealing his bare chest, marred by fresh bruises and scars from the attack. Fiorella swallowed, a flush creeping onto her cheeks, but she forced herself to ignore it.