In a war-torn ancient kingdom where powerful wolves and their human counterparts live in uneasy balance, Taehyung, the alpha, is the crown prince. With a harsh upbringing filled with betrayal and loss, he has built walls around his heart and refuse...
The soft morning light filtered through the palace corridors as Jungkook stepped out of his chambers. Dressed in a delicate pastel purple hanfu, the silky fabric flowed like water with every step he took. He had taken his time to groom himself, carefully tying his brown hair into an elegant half-up style, leaving soft strands to frame his ethereal face. A faint scent of lavender lingered in the air as he walked.
As he rounded a corner, he noticed Taehyung’s mother, Queen Dowager Seonhwa, approaching with calm authority. She held a beautifully carved wooden box, its surface polished to a shine. Her steps slowed when she saw Jungkook, and a soft smile spread across her face.
“Ah, Jungkook,” she called gently, her voice warm.
He quickly lowered his gaze in respect and bowed. “Your Majesty.”
She reached out, placing a hand lightly on his shoulder. “Come with me, child.”
Curious but obedient, Jungkook followed her to Taehyung’s private quarters. Once inside, she gestured for him to sit on the bed while she settled beside him. She placed the wooden box in her lap, patting the space next to her with an inviting smile.
Jungkook hesitated but eventually sat, his posture straight and poised. His heart raced slightly—her presence always carried a sense of calm, but there was also an unspoken weight in her words.
She opened the box slowly, revealing a golden royal hairpin intricately designed with delicate engravings of lotuses and tiny embedded amethysts. The craftsmanship was exquisite, radiating both elegance and tradition.
“This pin,” she began, her voice laced with nostalgia, “was given to me by my mother-in-law on the day I married Taehyung’s father. It has been passed down for generations to the spouse of the heir to the throne.” She carefully took the pin in her hands, her eyes shimmering with unspoken emotion.
Jungkook’s lips parted in surprise as he looked at the pin. “Your Majesty… I don’t know if I’m deserving of such an honor.”
“Nonsense,” she replied, her tone firm yet kind. She turned to face him fully, taking his hands in hers. “You are part of this family now, Jungkook. Whether my son shows it or not, I see the strength and grace you bring into his life.”
Jungkook lowered his gaze, his fingers lightly brushing over the smooth wood of the box. “But… I don’t feel like I’ve earned his trust or acceptance. He is still so distant.”
Queen Seonhwa tilted her head, her expression softening. “Taehyung has his burdens, but that is no reflection on you. This pin is a symbol, not just of your role, but of the hope that one day, this family will find harmony.” She gently slid the pin into his hair, securing it just above his ear.
Jungkook raised a hand to touch the pin, his chest tightening with emotion. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.
She smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from his face. “Carry this with pride, Jungkook. You are stronger than you realize, and I believe in you.”
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