The Wolf's Heart

22

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The palace stood quiet under the moon’s watchful gaze,
Its marble halls bathed in silvery haze.
On a lonely balcony, an omega sat,
A melody on his lips, soft and steadfast.

The voice, like the moonlight, tender and bright,
Carried whispers of longing through the night.
Jungkook sang, his heart laid bare,
The song a bridge to dreams, spun with care.

Beneath the veil of velvet night,
The moon ascends, a radiant light.
Through drifting clouds, its glow unfolds,
A silver tale the cosmos holds.

It bathes the earth in calm embrace,
A mirror to the sun's warm grace.
Stars like whispers linger near,
Guardians of this celestial sphere.

The clouds, like dancers, weave and sway,
Parting gently to clear the way.
A beacon bold, yet soft and shy,
The moon commands the endless sky.

Oh, fleeting orb, so wise, so old,
Your stories, etched in craters cold.
Guide the lost and dreamers too,
With gentle beams, forever true.

Hidden in shadows, he silently stayed,
Watching the omega, entranced and swayed.
The song carried warmth, a balm to his chest,
A fleeting moment where his heart found rest.

The moon bore witness to this quiet allure,
Two souls, divided, but bound to endure.
In the stillness of night, beneath its soft glow,
A spark was kindled, though neither would know.

~~~

The grand courtroom was bustling with advisors, generals, and nobles, all gathered to discuss pressing matters of the kingdom. Taehyung sat on the high throne, exuding authority in his dark red robes embroidered with golden dragons. Jungkook sat quietly beside him, the light catching the intricate jewels on his pastel green hanfu and crown, making him look ethereal. Despite the royal decorum, his delicate hands rested stiffly in his lap, betraying a sense of unease.

The heavy wooden doors creaked open, and Daek Kyun entered with a calculated smile, his footsteps echoing against the polished marble floor. The court fell silent as his presence demanded attention.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," Daek Kyun said, bowing deeply, his voice dripping with faux humility.

"Greetings to you too, brother-in-law," Taehyung replied, his tone cordial but distant. His sharp eyes didn’t miss the calculated way Daek Kyun carried himself, a thinly veiled air of superiority accompanying his every movement.

Daek Kyun turned his gaze toward Jungkook, his smile tightening as he spoke. "I came with a small concern, Your Majesty. I only hope my younger brother is not causing you any trouble or giving you reason to complain."

Jungkook stiffened, his jaw clenching ever so slightly at the blatant slight hidden behind Daek Kyun’s polite words. He lowered his gaze to the polished floor, unwilling to respond and risk escalating the situation. His heart pounded in his chest, both out of anger and a sense of helplessness.

Taehyung, however, remained impassive, though a flicker of irritation flashed across his eyes. "Jungkook is fulfilling his role admirably," he said, his voice calm but carrying a quiet warning. "There is no cause for complaint, only praise."

Daek Kyun’s lips twitched, and he feigned surprise. "Ah, that’s a relief to hear, Your Majesty. One cannot help but worry when such youth and inexperience are involved." He glanced at Jungkook, his tone growing more pointed. "You must be overwhelmed by the weight of your responsibilities, dear brother. It’s quite the adjustment, after all."

Jungkook’s grip on his sleeves tightened, his knuckles turning white. The court’s murmurs didn’t go unnoticed, the subtle judgment in their eyes like daggers piercing his fragile sense of confidence. He fought the urge to look at Taehyung, unsure if the alpha would step in further or let the tension linger.

Taehyung’s sharp voice cut through the silence. "My consort’s capabilities are not for you to question, Daek Kyun." His gaze bore into the older man, his authority like a blade. "Perhaps you should focus on matters of actual importance rather than veiled provocations."

The court fell silent, Daek Kyun forced to bow his head in submission. "Of course, Your Majesty. Forgive my indiscretion."

Jungkook swallowed hard, his chest heavy with conflicting emotions. Taehyung’s defense, though commanding, did little to soothe the sting of Daek Kyun’s words. He couldn’t shake the feeling that no matter what he did, he would always be seen as inadequate—a mere shadow in the imposing presence of the crown prince.

As the court session wound down, Daek Kyun stood, flashing a polished smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Your Majesty, my parents have sent their regards and some humble gifts for the royal family. I hope they are received with favor.”

He clapped his hands, and servants entered with trays holding intricately wrapped boxes of silks, jewelry, and rare artifacts. They distributed the gifts among the court members, and Daek Kyun himself handed a box to Taehyung and Jungkook.

“A token of my parents’ affection for their beloved son-in-law,” he said smoothly, though his gaze lingered a little too long on Jungkook. “Your Majesty, if I may, I would like a moment to speak with my younger brother in private. It’s a matter of family.”

Taehyung’s expression didn’t change, but his jaw tightened subtly. “Very well. Don’t take too long.”

Jungkook hesitated, his hands clutching the box, but he nodded politely and followed Daek Kyun out of the courtroom.

Once they were in the quiet corridor, Daek Kyun’s polite facade dropped. His smile twisted into something sharper, his voice dripping with condescension. “So, little brother, tell me—have you decided what to do with the royal pin?”