Forced Vows,true Love ||top Tae

26

Days passed, and Jimin carried out his investigation with precision. By the time he returned to the palace, he had gathered a series of unsettling reports about Daek Kyun’s activities.

“Your Majesty,” Jimin said, bowing deeply as he entered Taehyung’s private study. “I’ve uncovered some troubling information.”

Taehyung set aside the scroll he was reading and gestured for Jimin to continue.

“It appears that Daek Kyun has been in contact with merchants and scholars from Laan,” Jimin began. “He’s been discreet, but there’s a clear pattern. These individuals have ties to ancient artifacts and arcane studies. The Royal Pin seems to be at the center of their interest.”

Taehyung’s jaw tightened, his instincts proving correct. “And the merchants? Are they still in Utopia?”

“No, Your Majesty. They’ve left the capital, but their trail leads to a hidden camp near the border. It’s possible Daek Kyun has allied with them for something larger. He may be planning to seize the Royal Pin for its rumored power.”

Taehyung’s expression darkened, his hand curling into a fist. “Does he think I’d let him endanger this kingdom for his ambitions?”

Jimin hesitated before speaking again. “There’s more, Your Majesty. I’ve also discovered that he’s been pressuring Jungkook. Several of the palace staff have witnessed him confronting the consort, always when you’re not around.”

Taehyung’s heart clenched at the mention of Jungkook. The image of his consort’s guarded, weary expression flashed in his mind.

Jimin, sensing Taehyung’s internal conflict, added, “Your Majesty, whatever Daek Kyun is planning, it involves Jungkook. He’s using your bond—or rather, the lack of it—to manipulate him. You need to act before it’s too late.”

Taehyung stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. “Summon my generals. Prepare the guards to secure the palace.”

“And Jungkook?” Jimin asked cautiously.

Taehyung hesitated, the weight of his pride battling the growing concern he couldn’t ignore. “I’ll handle him myself,” he said finally, his voice firm but low.

---

That evening, Taehyung made his way to Jungkook’s chambers, his steps slower than usual. He didn’t announce his arrival this time, simply pushing the door open.

Inside, Jungkook sat by the desk, writing in a leather-bound journal. He looked up when Taehyung entered, his face unreadable.

“Your Majesty,” Jungkook greeted, standing to bow. “What brings you here at this hour?”

Taehyung closed the door behind him, his gaze locking onto Jungkook. “We need to talk about Daek Kyun.”

At the mention of his brother’s name, Jungkook’s posture stiffened. “What about him?”

“I know he’s been pressuring you,” Taehyung said, his tone softer than usual. “He’s after the Royal Pin, and he’s using you to get it.”

Jungkook looked away, his hands tightening around the edge of the desk. “What do you want me to say, Your Majesty? That I’ve been a fool for not telling you sooner? That I’ve been too afraid to make things worse?”

Taehyung stepped closer, his voice dropping. “You should have trusted me.”

Jungkook let out a bitter laugh. “Trust you? The alpha who only notices me when there’s a threat to the kingdom? When have you ever given me a reason to trust you?”

Taehyung’s chest tightened at the words, his carefully constructed walls beginning to crumble. “Jungkook—”

“No,” Jungkook interrupted, his voice trembling but resolute. “I’ll do my duty, Your Majesty. I’ll protect the Royal Pin because it’s my responsibility. But don’t expect me to rely on you anymore.”

Taehyung didn’t know what to say, the weight of Jungkook’s pain cutting deeper than he anticipated. For the first time, he realized that protecting the kingdom might not be enough if it meant losing the one person he didn’t know he needed.

~

While Taehyung worked in the shadows, Daek Kyun grew bolder. One night, he confronted Jungkook again, this time in the garden under the guise of a casual stroll.

“Have you thought about my offer?” Daek Kyun asked, his voice smooth but laced with impatience.

“I told you,” Jungkook said firmly, “the pin is useless to you. Stop asking me for it.”

Daek Kyun’s expression darkened. “You’re so naive, little brother. Do you even understand the power you’re holding? Do you think your husband cares about you? He cares about the pin. That’s why his family gave it to you.”

Jungkook stiffened. “That’s not true.”

“Isn’t it?” Daek Kyun leaned closer, his tone venomous. “Why do you think he keeps you around? Do you really believe it’s because he loves you? Don’t be a fool, Jungkook. Once he’s done with you, you’ll be nothing more than a pawn he sacrificed for power.”

Jungkook’s heart ached at the words, but he refused to show weakness. “Leave me alone, Daek Kyun. I won’t give you the pin, and I won’t listen to your lies.”

Daek Kyun smirked. “Suit yourself. But remember, when the time comes, you’ll wish you had chosen me over him.”

Jungkook’s breaths came shallow as he watched Daek Kyun disappear into the shadows of the garden. The words lingered in the air like a venomous cloud, each syllable tightening around his heart.

Could it be true? Could everything he said about Taehyung be real?

The thought was unbearable. Jungkook had always told himself that Taehyung’s coldness stemmed from something in his past, that there was a hidden warmth waiting to be uncovered. But now, doubts gnawed at him. Was he truly nothing more than a tool to the alpha he had slowly started to love?

Stream winter ahead guys