Destiny - Vmin

34. Surprises

The duke spoke enthusiastically to the king about his plans for Taehyung, noting how quickly the young man had adapted to noble life and formed strong bonds with the crown prince. Taehyung's return had softened the duke's long-standing aversion to nobility, allowing him to see the advantages of a new era of alliances between noble families and the rekindling of his family's ties with the palace. With the queen's support, the duke suggested that Taehyung become the first official member of Jimin's new court after spending some time on his family's lands, fostering an image of unity between the houses and strengthening the prince's position as the future king.

The king, however, maintained a distant expression, nodding vaguely as if lost in thought. But when Jimin and Taehyung entered the hall, his façade of indifference shattered, replaced by a cold, resentful gaze fixed intensely on Taehyung. Sensing the tension, Taehyung felt uncomfortable but took his seat beside the duke, while Jimin sat near his mother, who offered him an encouraging smile.

— The last time I was here was decades ago, to leave Yuna with my father — the duke commented in a light tone that contrasted with the tension in the room. — And now I will take her heir back. It feels like a promising cycle! — He laughed, looking at Taehyung fondly. — But you must tell me everything about your childhood and your father. I know he must have had his reasons for staying away, and I respect that, but I'd like to understand.

At the mention of Yuna's name, the king shot the duke a strange look, but his dark expression went unnoticed by most—except for the concubine, who observed him intently. Taehyung, unwilling to reveal too much, replied with a half-truth, calmly signaling:
— I remember some things, but not everything—just a few names: my father's name, his older sister—my aunt—and some scattered memories of my childhood.

As the meal was served, conversations around the table remained polite, with nobles discussing travel plans. The duke and Taehyung spoke about their upcoming visit to the Mangjeol clan's lands, where Taehyung would formally be integrated into his maternal family and receive official documentation. Even the interactions between the queen and the concubine were unexpectedly cordial, much to the latter's surprise. The queen remained kind, sincerely inquiring about the young woman's health and that of her baby—something that left the concubine unsettled. She had expected confrontations or veiled remarks, not this unexpected kindness from the majesty during her stay at the palace.

After lunch, everyone retreated to their quarters. Despite having separate rooms, Jimin and Taehyung, in silent understanding, ended up going together to Taehyung's chamber. Upon arrival, Taehyung pushed the two beds together, placing a larger blanket over them to make them resemble a single bed. Jimin smiled, a little nervous, understanding what that meant. Taehyung took his hand, and the two lay down together, ready to spend their last night in a different way before being apart for a few days. Taehyung pulled Jimin closer, his heart racing, while Jimin, lost in thoughts about the future, finally allowed himself to rest as he gazed at Taehyung's face. He knew the future would bring difficult challenges, but for now, he had Taehyung by his side.

The following morning, Taehyung and his uncle departed early for the journey to the Mangjeol clan's lands. Before leaving the room, Jimin and Taehyung said their private goodbyes, exchanging kisses and affectionate gestures that would not have been well-received in a public farewell. When the carriage departed under the watchful eyes of many, their farewell was exchanged through distant words and gestures. The journey was monotonous for Taehyung, who slept through most of it, but upon arriving at his family's lands, he felt an odd sensation as he stepped out of the carriage, unable to pinpoint its origin.

His young cousin, upon seeing him step down, ran to him and hugged him tightly.
— You're back! I was so afraid you'd disappear like Aunt Yuna in the stories... — The child was visibly shaken, his eyes brimming with tears, and Taehyung felt guilty for his past intentions of running away. For the first time, he considered how the child would have felt if he had truly left on horseback right after being shown the family's stable.

Servants bustled around, carrying supplies and essential items, which only deepened Taehyung's curiosity. Even when he had arrived with the prince, the household had not been this lively. Then, the family's matriarch appeared at the door with a radiant smile and a string of pearls around her neck.

— I heard you regained part of your memory, my precious boy! A messenger brought the good news early this morning — the lady said cheerfully. — And just in time! I can only imagine how she would feel if you didn't recognize her. — She gestured warmly toward the house. — Come, everyone is already at the dining table!

Confused but choosing not to question anything just yet, Taehyung followed the matriarch, deciding that it was best to observe before drawing conclusions. As he entered the dining hall, his face transformed into pure shock.

Seated at the table was his father, and beside him was the red-haired mermaid from before, both now in human form, with the woman being treated as a special guest by his maternal family. The confusion was evident in his eyes, but his father rose and, in a theatrical gesture, walked over to embrace him.

— It's so good to have you here, my son! Don't worry, I've explained everything to your family so you won't have to struggle with it. And your fiancée has already been introduced! — his father said with a pleasant smile.

At that moment, Mikha smiled at Taehyung and stepped closer, giving him a quick hug before whispering in his ear:
— Just go with the flow—it's the best thing you can do for now.