Whalien 52 || Vkook Mermaid au

Ch/: 4

Ok wow jeez so many reads already ;) tysm 💜💜💜

The dining hall was silent, no one had dared to move, nor make a sound. Almost everyone was present, except for the King, claiming that he had more 'important' matters to attend to.

Jimin cleared his throat, signaling Taehyung to start the breakfast. In this instance, it was the eldest who gave the others the permission too eat when the king or queen wasn't present at the table. Taehyung looked up, meeting eyes with his younger half-siblings. He still had that fear resting in the pit of his stomach, but he feared more if he was sent to more beatings. In just two days, Taehyung learned fear and obedience. He quickly learned when to shut his mouth, and do whatever he was told without question.  If he did this, he wouldn't get hurt so often, and received praises instead.

"Thank you for the food." Taehyung said quietly, looking up at Jimin before turning his gaze down. He had gained some weight, but was still malnourished. He could last much longer during the day than what he had before. He tucked a couple of stray blue strands into his headwear, hoping that no one noticed it.

Taehyung scooped a spoonful of seaweed salad onto his plate, adding a piece of bread. He hasn't found much interest in the many other dishes, as he was not fond of eating fish. He stabbed the salad on his plate, moving it around his plate, not wanting to eat it.

"Hyung, aren't you excited for today? It's your coronation day." Jimin reminded, a fake smile forcing its way on his face. A couple of heads peaked up at his words.

"Yeah, super excited." Taehyung replied blankly, eating the salad.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to attend to your ceremony, I have to prepare myself for my wedding." Jimin had an apologetic look, his fake smile disappearing from his face.

"It's okay. I'm sure Jihye and the rest will tell you all about it." Taehyung looked at the little mermaid, giving a small, crooked smile.

"Yewp! I will tell oppa allll abouwt ith!" The mermaid waved her arms, and laughed.

"Speaking of the coronation," Seo-Jun, who was the 5th child to the throne, spoke, setting down his spoon. "Don't tell me you're going to wear...that?" He pointed to the chiton Taehyung was wearing, giving it a look of disgust. "Why do you even need to wear that thing? No one ever wears anything."

"Well um..." Taehyung hesitated, he knew he shouldn't show anyone his tail nor hair, but what he didn't know what proper attire, and if what he was wearing was good enough.

"It'll be fine, Seo-Jun. But I think it'll be nice if was painted with— red." The King glided into the room, his face as stoic as ever. "Congratulations son, it's your time to take over the throne." Another son snickered at the compliment, earning a look from the King. "Sung-Soo, Seo-Jun. Why don't you go help the servants prepare the hall?"

Sung-Soo and Seo-Jun left the dining room, followed by the rest of the siblings, until it was only Jimin, Taehyung, and the King left in the room.
"Jimin, I hope you'll be happy at your wedding tomorrow. It's a shame...that you can't come to the coronation." The King sighed, tapping the table in boredom, his face adorning a wicked smile.

"It really is appa, unfortunately I don't have any other break today." Jimin sighed, shaking his head.

"Taehyung, go help Jimin pack. I'll be there to say goodbyes before you leave, Jimin." The King ushered them out, closing the door and locking it behind them.