The Wolf's Heart

12

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Days turned into weeks, and weeks into a month. The grand palace of Liancheng continued to bustle with life, but within the walls of Taehyung and Jungkook's private quarters, a cold silence lingered. Despite the rituals, the ceremonies, and the expectations that followed their wedding, their relationship remained unchanged-a mere formality, bound by duty rather than affection.

Jungkook, ever the dutiful spouse, tried his best to fulfill his role as Taehyung's consort. Each morning, he would rise early, prepare for the day, and attend to his responsibilities. He greeted Taehyung with a polite nod whenever they crossed paths, even if Taehyung barely acknowledged his presence. He joined him for meals, maintained a composed facade, and attended royal gatherings by his side, as was expected. But despite his efforts, their relationship remained as distant as ever.

Taehyung, for his part, kept his distance. He remained occupied with his duties as crown prince, spending most of his days in the training grounds or the war council chambers, strategizing and overseeing the kingdom's defenses. When he did come back to their shared chambers, it was often late at night, his face shadowed with exhaustion and a quiet frustration. He barely looked at Jungkook, his interactions limited to polite formalities and, occasionally, a curt nod.

Jungkook's initial hope for a blossoming bond had slowly wilted, replaced by an aching loneliness. He found himself spending more time in the palace gardens, tending to the flowers and talking with the servants and children who passed by, seeking comfort in the small moments of joy he could create on his own. Yet, no matter how he tried to distract himself, the emptiness followed him-a constant reminder of the unfulfilled bond he shared with Taehyung.

One evening, as they sat across from each other at dinner, the silence between them felt heavier than usual. The only sounds were the quiet clinking of silverware and the soft murmurs of the servants in the background. Jungkook couldn't help but steal glances at Taehyung, hoping to find even the smallest hint of connection, but Taehyung's gaze remained fixed on his plate, his mind seemingly elsewhere.

Unable to bear the silence any longer, Jungkook finally spoke, his voice soft yet tinged with a quiet desperation. "Taehyung... is there anything I can do to make things easier for you? I know this isn't the marriage you wanted, but I..." His voice trailed off, unsure of how to finish. He didn't want to beg for affection, but he longed for some sign that he mattered, even if just a little.

Taehyung looked up briefly, his gaze unreadable as he regarded Jungkook. After a long pause, he replied, his tone distant. "There's nothing you need to do. Just keep doing as you have been. That's enough."

Jungkook's heart sank at the response, the finality in Taehyung's words closing off any hope he had held onto. He forced a small, polite smile and nodded, returning to his meal in silence. But inside, he felt as if another piece of himself had been chipped away.

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The air was filled with the soft notes of flutes and lutes, carrying the essence of spring through Liancheng. Lanterns floated gently around the lotus pond, their glow casting warm hues across the rippling water. Couples gathered in anticipation, the excitement of the festival bringing smiles and laughter. The lotus pond, with its delicate pink and white blooms, had become a symbol of the night's romance, drawing in the crowd to watch as pairs joined in the traditional dance.

Taehyung stood at the edge, his arms crossed as he observed the festivities with mild disinterest. He'd always seen this dance as a shallow display, something to entertain the people, not a reflection of real connection. Yet tonight, his mother's words lingered in his mind-a reminder that, as crown prince, he was expected to show harmony with his consort, especially during such a revered celebration.

With a barely concealed sigh, he extended his hand toward Jungkook, who had been waiting a few steps away, his head lowered in quiet apprehension. Dressed in soft shades of lavender and silver, Jungkook looked more delicate than ever, his beauty understated yet captivating under the lanterns' light. Taehyung's gaze faltered slightly, caught by the ethereal way Jungkook's hanfu flowed around him, mirroring the grace of the lotus blossoms on the pond.

Jungkook hesitated for a moment before taking Taehyung's hand, feeling the weight of the prince's cold demeanor. His own nervousness was almost overpowering, his palms slightly damp as he prepared to dance in front of everyone. The last thing he wanted was to embarrass himself, or worse-taint Taehyung's reputation. But as the music began, he willed himself to focus on the rhythm, forcing his worries to the back of his mind.

Their first few steps were stiff, each movement careful and controlled, bound by formality rather than unity. Jungkook kept his gaze lowered, acutely aware of the tension between them, the feeling that Taehyung's touch was just shy of pulling away. Yet as the music swelled, Jungkook found himself slipping into the melody, the familiar comfort of dancing helping him relax. Slowly, he allowed himself to get lost in the moment, letting his steps flow naturally, feeling the music carry him as he glided across the floor.

Taehyung noticed the subtle change almost immediately. Jungkook's expression softened, his lips curving into a gentle, almost serene smile, and his movements became more fluid, graceful. There was a sincerity in the way Jungkook danced, as if he were expressing something deep within himself, something no one else could see. Taehyung's gaze lingered on him, caught by the beauty and purity of his partner's presence. For the first time, he saw beyond the reserved omega who had been thrust into his life-he saw a spirit unguarded, genuine, and effortlessly captivating.

Without realizing it, Taehyung found himself matching Jungkook's rhythm, his own steps falling into sync. He felt a fleeting warmth-a sensation unfamiliar and unsettling yet oddly comforting. As they moved together, it felt as if the rest of the world had faded away, leaving only the two of them amidst the lotus blossoms and the soft glow of the lanterns. For that brief moment, Taehyung's heart stirred, breaking through the walls he had so carefully built.

Jungkook felt it too-the rare unity in their steps, the fleeting closeness that made him wish this dance could mean more than just an obligation. But he dared not hope, afraid that the illusion would shatter if he looked too closely. Still, he allowed himself to enjoy it, savoring this moment of warmth, of closeness, feeling as if he could glimpse a version of Taehyung who was kinder, softer, perhaps even open to love.

But as the music came to a gentle end, Taehyung pulled away, his expression once again cool and unreadable, as if he had never allowed himself to feel anything. The fleeting warmth vanished, replaced by a familiar distance that left Jungkook's heart sinking, his lingering smile faltering.

Without a word, Taehyung turned and walked away, leaving Jungkook standing alone by the pond. The crowd applauded, oblivious to the silent tension lingering in the air, seeing only a perfect display of royal grace and unity.

Jungkook watched Taehyung's retreating figure, the ache in his chest growing as he realized that perhaps, to Taehyung, this dance had been nothing more than a performance. Yet as he gazed at the moon's reflection on the lotus-filled pond, he held onto the memory of that fleeting warmth, wondering if, someday, it might become something more.

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Liancheng is present in utopia if you are confuses
And jungkook is from jiyang