Atalanta

Part 10

• JIMIN •

The night wind is cool, brushing Jimin's face as he walks. Turning at the steps of the palace, he stops in the garden to stare at your window. At the temple, you insisted upon returning his favor. You said you wanted to help, wanted to provide Jimin the same kind of satisfaction he gave you. Jimin laughed at the notion, his dismissal solidified when you attempted to stand, and your legs buckled beneath you.

Nothing kills a hard-on quite like the woman you love crumpling to the floor. Of course, Jimin sprang into action – he caught you before you hit ground – but after that, there was no question. No more touching – well, at least not tonight.

Carding a hand through his hair, Jimin stares wistfully up at your window. The light has disappeared, the candle blown by your breath but still, Jimin knows you are awake. Do not ask him how; he just does. Standing a moment longer, Jimin eventually turns and continues his path through the garden. He still cannot sleep, but it is for an entirely different reason.

No longer is Jimin kept awake by the worrying silence between you – now, it is because each part of his body feels wonderfully alive. He feels restless. Which – Jimin winces, pants stretching uncomfortably tight as he walks. He knows the sensation will soon leave but until then, the need is maddening.

You were right about Artemis' anger. She will not give up her claim on you so easily. Jimin has heard many a story about Artemis' followers; they are eternally virginal, unable to keep or raise families of their own. Jimin's heart sinks at the notion. He would like to have a family with you.

Artemis will not let you lie together as husband and wife. Jimin knows this and suddenly her silence takes on a new meaning. They may have won the battle, but Artemis plans on winning this war. You will not sleep together, which means there will be no heir to the Province and so, Dietas will crumble and her revenge will be complete.

Coming to a stop, Jimin stares over the hills. It is striking, how quickly Dietas has become a home. He cares not only about you, but about this Province – its people seem to truly appreciate their land and rulers, even if they show in a different way than Kom. Gaze landing on the castle, a smile tugs at Jimin's lips as he imagines you sleeping.

"Good evening, imposter."

These words are the only warning Jimin has before something heavy cracks against the base of his skull.

His vision goes white for a moment; the pain which follows is searing. Stumbling, Jimin whirls to face his attacker – as stark drops of blood splatter the pavement below. Jimin stares for a second, blinded by darkness. He manages to duck when a large, metal beam swings for his head.

"Shit!" Jimin gasps, stumbling backwards. "Who are you? What are you doing?"

His attacker, whoever he is, does not answer. They are dressed entirely in black, but Jimin can tell they are male – his eyes seem strangely familiar, although Jimin cannot remember how. His gaze narrows to slits behind the black of his mask. In his hands he holds a long, metal bar – dazedly, Jimin connects this with the pain in his skull.

"Fuck," Jimin yelps when the man swings again. The metal crashes into a plant, knocking it free – dirt spills on the ground, mixing with Jimin's red drops of blood. Scrambling backwards, Jimin searches for a way out.

There is no one in the gardens tonight; no one who would come to his aid, anyways. Of course not – it is the dead of night and Jimin is nearly a mile away from the palace. There is no temple nearby, no sanctuary to find and it is as Jimin thinks this, the man swings again.

He ducks – too slow. The metal bar slams into his shoulder and Jimin cries out, one knee hitting the ground. Dazedly, he looks down to see his shoulder hanging from its the socket. Shuddering, Jimin tries to replace it, but it is no use – the man's laugh fills the clearing.