The Wolf's Heart

37

The tension in the palace grew thicker with each passing day. Jungkook avoided Taehyung more often, spending his time with Seojun, who seemed to enjoy the growing rift between the couple. Taehyung’s frustration boiled under his composed demeanor, but he knew he couldn’t let his emotions cloud his judgment.

Late one evening, Taehyung summoned his most trusted aide, General Hwan, to discuss the matter.

“Keep a close eye on Seojun and anyone he interacts with,” Taehyung ordered. “I need to know if he’s here for more than just a family visit.”

General Hwan hesitated for a moment. “Your Majesty, if I may speak freely…”

Taehyung nodded.

“Your anger toward Seojun may be blinding you to the real threat. If you push too hard, you may drive the consort away rather than protect him.”

Taehyung’s jaw tightened. “I know. But if there’s even the slightest chance he’s in danger, I can’t take that risk.”

That same night, Jungkook couldn’t sleep. He wandered the halls of the palace, eventually finding himself outside the library where he and Seojun had spent many hours as children. The nostalgic pull led him inside, where he began flipping through old scrolls and books.

As he scanned the dusty shelves, his fingers brushed against a leather-bound journal with a familiar crest—the crest of Liancheng. Curious, Jungkook opened it and began to read. What he found made his blood run cold.

The journal contained detailed accounts of secret meetings between Seojun and an unnamed faction from Utopia’s neighboring kingdoms. Plans were outlined to exploit the royal pin and ensure Jungkook’s bloodline would never ascend to power.

Jungkook’s hands trembled as he pieced it together. Seojun had been deceiving him all along.

---

The next morning, Jungkook confronted Seojun in the garden, his face pale and his voice trembling with anger.

“How could you?” Jungkook demanded, holding the journal out. “You’ve been plotting against me this entire time!”

Seojun’s confident demeanor faltered for a moment before he composed himself. “You don’t understand, Jungkook. This is bigger than you or me. The pin’s power can’t fall into the wrong hands—your husband’s hands.”

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed. “You mean my hands. You never believed I deserved it, did you?”

“It’s not about deserving,” Seojun said, stepping closer. “It’s about survival. Your bloodline—if it continues—will change everything. Not everyone wants that kind of power in the world.”

Jungkook shook his head, tears brimming in his eyes. “You’re no better than Daek Kyun.”

“Don’t compare me to him,” Seojun hissed. “I did this for us—for Liancheng.”

“No,” Jungkook said firmly. “You did this for yourself.”

Unbeknownst to them, Taehyung had been watching from the shadows, his suspicions confirmed by the confrontation. He stepped forward, his voice like ice.

“Seojun, you’ve overstayed your welcome.”

Seojun turned to face him, his expression hardening. “And what are you going to do, Your Majesty? Kill me like you killed Daek Kyun?”

“If that’s what it takes to protect my kingdom and my consort, then yes,” Taehyung replied without hesitation.

Jungkook’s eyes widened. “Taehyung, no—”

Taehyung held up a hand to silence him, his gaze locked on Seojun. “You betrayed your family, your kingdom, and the one person who trusted you. I won’t let you harm him any further.”

Seojun laughed bitterly. “You think killing me will solve everything? Others will come. The pin’s power is too great to ignore. You’ll never have peace.”

Taehyung drew his sword, the blade glinting in the sunlight. “That may be true, but you won’t be alive to see it.”

Seojun lunged toward Jungkook in a desperate attempt to take the pin, but Taehyung was faster. With a swift motion, he intercepted Seojun, his blade piercing through the omega’s chest.

Seojun gasped, his eyes wide with shock as he collapsed to the ground. Blood pooled around him, staining the pristine garden.

“You… won’t win,” Seojun whispered, his voice fading as life slipped away.

Taehyung knelt beside him, his expression unreadable. “I already have.”

Jungkook stared at the scene, his emotions a whirlwind of anger, sadness, and relief. He didn’t know whether to thank Taehyung or condemn him for what he’d done.

Taehyung turned to him, his expression softening. “I’m sorry you had to see that. But I couldn’t let him hurt you.”

Jungkook looked away, tears streaming down his face. “He was my cousin. I trusted him…”

“And he betrayed you,” Taehyung said gently, placing a hand on Jungkook’s shoulder. “I won’t let anyone else do the same.”

Jungkook hesitated before leaning into Taehyung’s touch, finding a small measure of comfort in his presence.

As the palace guards arrived to clean up the scene, Taehyung vowed silently to protect Jungkook and the future of their kingdom—no matter the cost.

im kinda disappointed With this books
Sorry , I will improve in my next books 🥹🥹🥹