The King's Brides: The One

Sticks and Stones

"Eomma!" Jungkook sobbed, wiping his tears away. The small boy leaned forward and set his head on the unresponsive, cold, still body. His father patted his back, silent as he kept his eyes down on the floor, a frown sketched on his face.

"Jungkook-ah, don't be sad," said the king, bringing the boy's attention to him. "You must understand, for your mother can't be with you forever. It's the process of life," he smiles. "I won't be either, but...we will always be there for you."

Jungkook's lips trembled, jumping into the arms of his father. "Thank you, Appa." he whispered.

~~~

"You need to learn how to stop being immature, Jungkook!" shouted the king, coughing into the sleeve of his hanbok. Twelve years old Jungkook cries, hugging his knees as his father yelled at him with harsh words.

"Your mother is gone!"

"You can no longer be a kid!"

"You'll take my throne!"

"You must not fall in love, or you'll be weak!"

The king stumbled backwards. "You...must not be like me...You must be strong, Jungkook-ah."

Jungkook sobbed, bringing his knees closer to his chest.

~~~

"Hurray to the new king! Hurray! Hurray!" yelled the people.

Jungkook stared ahead with strong eyes, recalling his father's words as he hid his trembling hands. The thirtheen-years-old bowed one last time before seating himself on the throne, the queen by his side.

"My mother would be ruling along my side until I'm ready to serve the kingdom by myself." stated Jungkook. "Yes, your Majesty!" said all the eunuchs.

Jungkook looked ahead.

~~~

"When will you marry?!" yelled the queen. "You can't just sit here and play king forever! You need an heir!" Fiftheen-years-old Jungkook gave the woman a glare. "No matter how much your hate is, it'll never give you the throne. It's over for you, old lady."

He looked over at Hoseok and nod his head towards the queen. Hoseok nodded back. "Guards!" he yelled. Two of the guards came in, taking the queen away.

The woman's eyes widened. "Yah, Jungkook! You can't do this to me! I am the queen!" yelled the queen. Jungkook kept silent, waiting til the woman was out of the room.

He broke away from his posture, sitting his head down on his hand. "Your Majesty," said Hoseok. "You know you didn't have to do that." Jungkook nod. "I know. But I wanted to, that woman been thirsty for the throne and my power. She killed father," he looked over at Hoseok."I don't want to lose more people."

~~~(present)

"Go to your rooms. We'll talk when dinner is ready." said Jungkook blankly, back turned to them. He didn't wait for a response either and entered his room, quickly grabbing the door knob to his room and slamming it shut.

As soon as he was alone, he dropped down to the ground, clutching onto his chest. He writhed in pain, biting back his hisses and groans. Poison. The moment Jowoon struck the knife into his chest, he knew. He knew.

Jungkook rolled onto his back. He pants looking up at the ceiling. "I'm sorry, father. I've fallen in love. Everything feels so sad," he said sadly, a tear streaming down his cheek. "I never wanted to be king and I still don't. I don't know what to do anymore..."

He looked to his side, pulling out the dagger his dad gave him. "I'm sorry, Seokjin. I can't keep my words."

***