The Wolf's Heart

24

The Next Morning

Taehyung summoned his most trusted advisor, Commander Park, before the sun rose. The commander entered the private meeting room, his armor clinking softly.

“Your Majesty,” Commander Park said, bowing low. “You requested my presence?”

Taehyung, seated at the head of the table, looked up with a steely gaze. “I need you to investigate Daek Kyun, Jungkook’s brother. He’s been visiting the palace far too often under flimsy pretenses, and his interest in the royal pin is suspicious. Something isn’t right.”

Commander Park nodded. “Understood, Your Majesty. I’ll have my men look into his movements and connections immediately.”

“And be discreet,” Taehyung added. “I don’t want him knowing he’s being watched. Report to me directly.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Commander Park bowed again and left.

Taehyung leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. He couldn’t ignore the growing sense of unease. Daek Kyun’s obsession with the pin—and the fear in Jungkook’s eyes—hinted at a deeper plot, one that could threaten the palace.

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Jungkook sat by the window in his quarters , his hands clasped tightly together. He hadn’t slept much, his thoughts tangled with worry. He had tried to convince himself that Daek Kyun wouldn’t do anything drastic, but his brother’s desperation the day before had been unsettling.

A knock at the door startled him.

“Who is it?” Jungkook called, his voice trembling slightly.

“It’s me,” Taehyung’s deep voice replied.

Jungkook rushed to the door, unlocking it quickly. Taehyung stepped inside, his presence commanding as always, but there was something softer in his eyes this time.

“your Majesty ,” Jungkook said, bowing his head.

Taehyung gestured for him to sit. “You don’t need to bow right now.”

Jungkook hesitated before sitting, his hands fidgeting in his lap.

“I’ve ordered an investigation into your brother,” Taehyung said bluntly. “I won’t let him harass you again.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened. “An investigation? Your Majesty, he’s my brother. He wouldn’t—”

Taehyung held up a hand, silencing him. “Family or not, he’s crossed a line. If he’s after the royal pin, then his intentions aren’t innocent. I won’t risk your safety or the security of this palace.”

Jungkook looked down, his heart heavy. “I… I don’t know what he wants with it. He’s always been ambitious, but this…”

Taehyung leaned forward, his tone softening. “I understand it’s difficult, Jungkook. But you need to trust me on this. Whatever he’s planning, I’ll handle it.”

Jungkook nodded slowly, his chest tightening. For a moment, he dared to believe that Taehyung’s concern was genuine—that it wasn’t just about duty, but something more.

     That afternoon Commander Park returned with preliminary findings.

“Your Majesty,” he said, his tone grim. “We’ve discovered that Daek Kyun has been meeting with a group of merchants in secret. They’re known to deal in forbidden artifacts and ancient relics.”

Taehyung’s jaw tightened. “Forbidden artifacts? Could the royal pin be one of them?”

“It’s possible,” Commander Park replied. “We also uncovered whispers of a hidden power linked to the pin, though details are scarce. Daek Kyun’s associates seem to believe it could grant immense influence.”

Taehyung clenched his fists. “So, it’s greed driving him.”

“There’s more,” Commander Park added hesitantly. “We intercepted a letter from Daek Kyun to one of these merchants. It mentions a plan to remove ‘obstacles’ in his way.”

Taehyung’s eyes darkened. “Obstacles?”

Commander Park hesitated. “We believe he’s referring to Consort Jungkook.”

Taehyung slammed his hand on the table, his voice like ice. “That’s enough. Prepare the guards. Daek Kyun will not leave this palace unchecked.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Commander Park said before hurrying out.

Taehyung’s chest heaved with barely contained fury. He would not let anyone harm Jungkook—not while he was alive.

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