Forced Vows,true Love ||top Tae

29

Jungkook quickly shut the door to his chamber, his heart racing from both the thrill and the fear of being discovered. He carefully placed the dusty book he had smuggled out of the library onto his table and sat down. Its worn leather cover bore no title, but something about its weight and age told him it held secrets worth uncovering.

As he flipped through the pages, ancient scripts and symbols filled his vision. Some he couldn’t understand, but others seemed oddly familiar. Among the sketches and writings, he found a faint illustration of the Royal Pin and its corresponding box. His eyes widened when he noticed a small inscription:

"The lock lies where the gift rests."

Jungkook immediately turned his gaze to the ornate box where his Royal Pin was kept. The box had always been a symbol of his status and connection to Taehyung’s family, but he had never thought of it as anything more.

He approached the table where the box sat. With trembling hands, Jungkook reached for it, feeling its smooth wood and delicate carvings. He tried to open it, but it resisted.

“Come on,” he murmured, frustration creeping in. He carefully examined every inch of the box, noticing a subtle groove near the base that he hadn’t seen before. Pressing it gently, a soft click echoed in the quiet room.

The lid creaked open, revealing a hidden compartment beneath the space where the pin rested. Inside, nestled in the velvet lining, was an ornate key. Its design was intricate, resembling the patterns on the chest he had found in the library.

Jungkook’s heart leaped in excitement. “This must be it,” he whispered, clutching the key tightly in his hand.

Before he could think further, footsteps echoed outside his room. Startled, Jungkook quickly closed the box and slipped the key into his sleeve. He hid the book beneath a stack of other papers on his desk just as the door creaked open.

One of the palace maids entered with a bow. “Your Highness, dinner is ready.”

Jungkook forced a calm expression and nodded. “I’ll be there shortly.”

As the maid left, he exhaled in relief. His mind raced. The chest in the library... it holds the answers. But what will I find, and what does the pin’s power truly mean?

Determined, Jungkook planned to return to the library that night, the key hidden safely within his hanfu. For the first time, he felt closer to uncovering the truth—and yet, a lingering sense of danger loomed over him.

Nightfall cloaked the palace in shadows as Jungkook slipped out of his chamber. The key rested securely in his hanfu, its weight a constant reminder of the secret he was about to unveil. He moved quietly, his steps careful against the marble floors.

The old library was deserted, just as he had hoped. The air was thick with dust, and the faint scent of aged parchment lingered. He lit a small lantern he had brought with him, its soft glow illuminating the forgotten corners of the room.

Jungkook made his way to the chest, its intricate carvings glinting faintly in the dim light. With trembling hands, he knelt before it and retrieved the key. It fit perfectly into the lock.

He hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding. What if this changes everything? But curiosity and determination outweighed his fear. With a deep breath, he turned the key.

The lock clicked, and the lid lifted with surprising ease. Inside, Jungkook found layers of parchment covered in ancient script, symbols similar to those in the book. At the very top was a small scroll, tied with a ribbon.

Unrolling it, he read the faded ink:
"The Royal Pin is not just an heirloom; it is the keystone to a power that shapes the fate of kingdoms. Wield it wisely, for it bears the weight of all who came before and all who will follow. Beware those who seek it, for they seek to control not just a kingdom, but the world."

Jungkook’s hands trembled as the weight of the words sank in. Beneath the scroll lay a small compartment. He opened it to find an amulet shaped like the Royal Pin. Its surface pulsed faintly with an otherworldly glow.

As he touched it, visions flooded his mind—images of kings and queens, battles fought, alliances forged, and empires falling. He saw Taehyung, standing amidst chaos, holding the pin with an unyielding resolve.

The visions stopped abruptly as Jungkook heard a sound behind him—a faint shuffle of footsteps. He spun around, his lantern flickering.

“Who’s there?” he called out, trying to keep his voice steady.

Emerging from the shadows was Daek Kyun, his expression calm but his eyes gleaming with malice. “I see you’ve found something interesting, little brother.”

Jungkook quickly stepped in front of the chest, shielding it. “What are you doing here?”

Daek Kyun smirked, his gaze fixed on the amulet. “I could ask you the same thing. What secrets are you hiding, Jungkook? Something tells me it has to do with that... trinket.”

“You have no right to be here,” Jungkook said, his voice firm despite the fear creeping into his heart.

“Oh, but I do. You see, dear brother, that pin belongs to me. Hand it over, and I’ll spare you the trouble of holding onto such a dangerous responsibility.”

Jungkook clenched his fists. “I won’t let you take it. This is more than just a pin—it’s connected to the fate of this kingdom, and I won’t let you use it for your schemes.”

Daek Kyun’s smile twisted into a sneer. “You think you can stop me? Do you think he will protect you?”

Before Jungkook could respond, Daek Kyun lunged forward.

Jungkook dodged just in time, grabbing the amulet and shoving the scrolls into the chest before slamming the lid shut. He bolted for the door, his lantern swinging wildly as Daek Kyun pursued him.

“Stop running, Jungkook!” Daek Kyun shouted, his voice echoing through the halls.

But Jungkook didn’t stop. He dashed through the palace, clutching the amulet tightly. He knew he had to get to Taehyung—he was the only one who could protect him now.

Reaching the private chambers, Jungkook burst in, startling Taehyung, who was sitting at his desk reviewing battle plans.

“Jungkook?” Taehyung stood abruptly, his eyes narrowing as he noticed Jungkook’s disheveled state. “What’s going on?”

Jungkook barely managed to catch his breath. “Daek Kyun... he knows about the pin. He tried to take it.”

Taehyung’s expression darkened instantly. “Where is he now?”

“He’s still in the library,” Jungkook said, holding up the glowing amulet. “Taehyung, this pin—it’s not just an heirloom. It’s something far more dangerous.”

Taehyung’s gaze shifted to the amulet, his jaw tightening. “Stay here,” he ordered, already moving toward the door. “I’ll handle this.”

Continue. ..............