The Wolf's Heart

47

The next morning, Taehyung woke before the sun rose, his arms still wrapped protectively around Jungkook. For a moment, he allowed himself the luxury of watching his omega sleep, the faint rise and fall of his chest, the soft, content expression on his face. It was in these quiet moments that Taehyung felt the weight of his responsibilities most keenly—everything he did, he realized, was not just for his kingdom but for Jungkook as well.

Jungkook stirred, his eyes fluttering open to find Taehyung gazing at him. He blushed lightly. “Good morning,” he said sleepily.

“Good morning, my love,” Taehyung replied, pressing a gentle kiss to Jungkook’s forehead.

The day was already promising to be busy. Scouts were set to return with news from the northern villages, and the council meeting would determine their next course of action. But in that moment, with the morning light just beginning to creep into their chambers, the world outside felt far away.

“Are you nervous about today?” Jungkook asked, stretching and sitting up.

Taehyung shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “Not as long as you’re with me.”

Jungkook laughed softly. “You’ve grown so sentimental, Your Majesty. Should I be worried?”

Taehyung chuckled, pulling Jungkook close again. “Perhaps. You’ve turned me into a fool for you.”

Their tender moment was interrupted by a knock at the door. “Your Majesties, the scouts have returned,” a servant announced.

Jungkook sighed. “Duty calls.”

Taehyung helped Jungkook out of bed, and the two dressed quickly, their playful banter replaced by focused determination. When they arrived at the council chamber, the scouts were already waiting, their faces grim.

“The situation is worse than we anticipated, Your Majesty,” the lead scout reported, bowing deeply. “The bandits are well-organized, and their attacks are growing bolder. They’ve started spreading rumors that Liancheng has a claim to Utopia’s throne, using Daek Kyun’s failed schemes as justification.”

The council murmured uneasily, and Taehyung’s jaw clenched. “Do they have a leader?” he asked.

The scout nodded. “Yes, a man who calls himself Lord Wei. He’s rallying discontented nobles and mercenaries, claiming he has proof that Daek Kyun’s bloodline is the true heir to the throne.”

Jungkook stiffened at the mention of Lord Wei, memories of the man’s earlier provocations surfacing. Taehyung noticed the change in his omega’s demeanor and placed a reassuring hand on his knee.

“We cannot allow this rebellion to spread,” Taehyung declared. “If they’re using Daek Kyun’s name to sow discord, we must act swiftly to discredit them. Prepare the army, but send envoys to nearby villages as well. We need to ensure the people know the truth.”

Jungkook spoke up, his voice steady. “We should also strengthen our alliances. If Lord Wei is recruiting from within, he may seek support from other kingdoms. I’ll write to my parents and other trusted allies. We can’t face this alone.”

Taehyung nodded, pride evident in his expression. “Wise as always, my love.”

The meeting continued for hours, strategies and contingencies discussed in exhaustive detail. By the time they left the chamber, both Taehyung and Jungkook were drained, though their resolve remained unshaken.

That evening, as they sat together in the garden, the cool night air providing a welcome reprieve, Taehyung turned to Jungkook. “Are you sure you’re ready for what’s to come? It won’t be easy.”