VIII

"Come back to me Jungkook." Hoseok whispered, approaching his face closer to the prince's.

"No."

Taehyung bit his lip and clenched his fists. He wanted to punch Hoseok so hard until he understands that he cannot touch what belongs to him.

He heard him whispering something to Jungkook before he leaned to kiss his lips.

He felt like a sword just stabbed his heart.

Warm tears fell from his eyes, his body was shaking and he could not feel his legs.

He headed to his room, angry and disappointed.

He washed his face with cold water and got on the bed, his heart still beating uncontrollably.

~

"GET OFF ME!" Jungkook yelled. "Are you insane?!"

"What is wrong with you?!" Hoseok shouted back. "It is not our first kiss!"

"I know! But now I-AM-MARRIED!" the prince shouted, showing him his golden ring. "Can you not understand it?!"

"But you do not love him! It has been only two weeks since you knew each other, it is impossible!"

"What makes you believe this?" Jungkook asked with a calm voice.

He rubbed the back of his neck and stared right into Hoseok's eyes.

"When we were together, you never did anything for me, for us. You said you loved me but you never proved it to me. You were always scared of someone catching us. It is not like you were with a criminal, you were with me! You were scared because I was poor, you were not proud of me." he sighed. "But Taehyung is different, he was a prince, everyone watches his moves and he still chose me despite my poverty and my ripped clothes. He chose me for what I am, he accepted me."

Hoseok frowned. "But you did it for gold, you cannot deny it Jungkook. You married him for your mother."

The younger sighed and nodded. "Yes, it is true, it was my first intention, but it was before I knew him. When I got to know him, he gave me a reason not to regret being his prince. Yes, he saved my mother, he saved us from the misery, but I am happy by his side."

The orange haired male punched the wall behind the younger's head. "What about me then?! Will you just throw me away like this?!"

Jungkook gulped and lowered his head to avoid Hoseok's angry stares. "I am sorry Hoseok, I am deeply sorry." he mumbled before leaving him.

????

"Oh god, what is wrong with you my dear? Your face is pale!" Jin exclaimed, examining him.

"Please just give me a glass of cold water." the prince mumbled with a breathless voice.

"Of course!" the older ran to the fridge and filled a large cup for him. "Here!"

Jungkook sat and quickly drank the water. He left a heavy sigh after.

Jin stared at him confusingly and sat in front of him, placing his hand on his. "My dear, is there anything wrong? Did something happen with the king?"

Jungkook shook his head with a sad smile. "Everything is fine with Tae."

"Then why do you look sad?"

"I cannot tell you right now." Jungkook rubbed his neck. "But what I can say is that it is completely my fault."

The cook stared at him sadly. "I understand if you cannot talk about your feelings but you should know that if you ever need something you can always come to me."

Jungkook smiled. "Thank you Jin."

"Anything you would like to eat?"

"Yes, I actually came to get something to eat for us."

"Taehyung must be hungry after all this stress." Jin said while preparing their tray. "Here sweetheart, eat well and give me that beautiful smile of yours."

The younger smiled shyly and left the kitchen.

When he came back to their suite, Taehyung was already sleeping, or 'pretending to sleep'.

He sighed and put the tray on the table. He wanted to wake him up but he looked so peaceful.

He leaned and placed a gentle kiss on his head.

He changed his clothes and ate a little bit before joining his husband in bed.

He hugged him from behind, thinking about his argument with Hoseok.

He felt bad for him because he did not do anything wrong, but his feelings for the king were growing stronger and he could not help it.

He loved his company and loved being a good prince to him.

"Good night Tae." he whispered before closing his eyes.

Taehyung was still awake, his heart was beating fast. Jungkook being too close to him made him want to turn and hug him, kiss him and never let go of him, but he was still mad and still confused about his relationship with the prime minister's son.

He was angry because he thought he was the only one who could kiss him.

He did not know if he should be upset at his husband or his ex lover.

Jungkook was the kindest man he had ever met and Hoseok did not seem like a bad person according to what his husband told him about their old relationship.

Too many thoughts were burdening him and he was already tired after his busy day, so he decided to stop thinking and sleep.

????

Yoongi was standing in front of Jimin's room, wondering if he should knock or not. It was already too late.

He took a deep breath and knocked.

No answer.

He knocked again and after a few moments he finally heard his sweet voice surging from the other side of the room. "Coming!"

Jimin opened the door and widened his eyes when he saw the king standing in front of him. "Your highness!"

Yoongi was more preoccupied by the revealing clothes the younger was wearing. Black loose silk trousers and a silk dress shirt fully opened, revealing his muscular body and his smooth skin.

He gulped.

"Your highness?" the knight raised an eyebrow.

Yoongi looked at him and asked, "Were you expecting someone else?"

Jimin rubbed the back of his neck. "I thought it would be Jin and Namjoon because they sometimes come to have a drink together."

"I see." the older mumbled, not taking his eyes off Jimin's body. "Uhm, can I come in?"

"Sure, come in please." the blond haired male leaded the way to his large room. "Welcome to my humble chambers."

"So, this is your room." the king smirked while looking around him. "It looks nice." he added.

Jimin chuckled. "Please sit." he offered him a chair. "Would you like to drink something? Champagne or wine?"

"Wine, please." the older answered unhesitatingly.

~

After drinking two glasses, his cheeks became red. He rested his chin on the palm of his hand and stared at the younger.

Jimin lowered his head to avoid his intense stare and cleared his throat, "I was wondering why you came to my room."

"I could not sleep." Yoongi answered.

"Why?"

"Being present at sir Taehyung's coronation made me remember mine which happened two years ago." he sighed. "I remembered the war, and you know how though it is."

Jimin nodded with a sad face.

"I accompanied the late king, it was horrible seeing people dying for you, seeing them disappearing from this world and from their family's life for the kingdom." he took another sip of wine. "I lost my father there." he stopped and stared sadly at the glass. "They killed him in front of my eyes." he said with a shaky voice. "With his own silver sword!" he cried. "From that day I kept having the same nightmare. It has been two years since I last had a good night sleep." he ended.

Jimin felt tears blocking his view. He rested his hand on Yoongi's and caressed it gently. "I am very sorry." he whispered.

The silver haired male smiled to him. "You did nothing wrong Jimin. I can say that you were the one who brought back my smile."

Jimin widened his eyes and shook his head. "I cannot have the honour to do this your majesty, I am just a knight, how can I make you smile?"

Yoongi sighed and kissed his hand. "Trust me, you are more than just a knight Jimin. I watched you these last days and I came to a conclusion; you are the smartest and strongest young man I have ever met." he said. "You have too many responsibilities, you experience difficulties and you have many errands to run, but you always keep a large smile on your face and you are always ready to help people. You cared for me while you were busy, you are going to say that it is your duty but no, I know you brought me company out of duty and I liked it." he smiled. "This is why I would like to thank you, sincerely."

Jimin smiled back and nodded shyly.

They spent an hour talking about their life and their future plans.

"You can sleep in my bed, your highness. I will sleep on the couch." the knight said.

Yoongi did not answer, he just stared at him.

"Your highness?"

"Your chest..." Yoongi mumbled with a lazy and drunk tone. "Your chest is disconcerting me."

Jimin blushed when he realized he was practically half naked in front of the great king of Agustus.

"I am so sorry, where are my manners? I am used to being alone." he said before buttoning his shirt, but Yoongi stopped him. "Do not." he mumbled. "Let me look at you." he said staring at his heavenly body. "Let me touch you." he caressed his milky skin with his cold fingers, sending shivers through his body. "Let me feel you." he whispered, closing the gap between them and kissing his lips.

They spent the whole night kissing like there was no tomorrow.

They enjoyed each other's warmth even though they did not go too far.

They ended up sleeping on the same bed, their bodies curled up.

The king did not have any nightmare that night. The first time in two years.

????

"Good morning Jungkook!" Jin smiled widely to the prince.

Taehyung, who was already up kept staring at him walking slowly in his black trousers and white shirt until he sat on the breakfast table.

"You did not wake me up." Jungkook smiled.

"I did not want to interrupt your sleep." the king coldly answered.

Jin and Namjoon shared a confused stare.

"Have you slept well?" Jungkook asked.

Taehyung just nodded without staring at him.

The younger gulped and just drank his milk.

They did not hear a word from the king during the whole breakfast.

"W-where is Jimin?" Jungkook asked the butler.

"At the archery field with sir Yoongi." Namjoon answered. "Do you need anything?"

"No." the younger answered nervously before leaving the table.

"Seriously what is wrong with you Taehyung?!" Jin asked.

"Nothing."

"Look at you answering coldly! You upset your husband on your breakfast table!"

"It is his fault."

"What? What does it mean?" Jin crossed his arms.

"I do not want to talk about it." the king mumbled coldly before leaving too.

"No one wants to tell me anything!" Jin got mad.

Namjoon put his arm around his shoulder. "Please calm down Jin, maybe something happened, but leave it between them."

"You are right Joon, I should not interfere."

????

Taehyung avoided his husband during the entire morning. He would change his way when he saw him walking not far from him.

He was afraid to face him because he would only see Hoseok kissing him.

He closed himself in his office and decided to look through some papers.

He became a king so, he had more responsibilities.

After hours, someone knocked at the door and entered.

"Tae."

His eyes softened when he saw his husband's sad face, but he quickly changed his stare. "What are you doing here? Can you not see that I am working?"

The prince sighed, "I am sorry Tae, but can I talk to you for a moment?"

"I am busy." Taehyung answered coldly.

"But just-"

"I said I am busy!"

Jungkook widened his eyes. He never saw the king getting angry at him. He looked very scary.

He felt like crying and shyly bowed to him. "I-I am sorry to bother you." he mumbled with a shaky voice before leaving the office.

Taehyung slammed his fist on his desk, cursing himself for acting badly toward him.

He sure did not deserve such a treatment, but he made him angry after all.

How couldhe let someone kiss him?

????

Jimin stopped when he saw Jungkook crying, coming from the garden.

He was walking with Yoongi, heading to the palace to have dinner together.

"Why is he crying?" Yoongi asked with a worried tone.

"I do not know, I will ask him." the blond ran to Jungkook.

"Jungkook! Are you alright?"

The younger lifted his head and hurried to wipe his tears with his sleeves. "Jimin, I haven't seen you today."

"I was with sir Yoongi, he wanted to try archery. What is wrong? Why are you crying?" he placed his arm around his shoulders.

"Taehyung..." the younger cried.

Jimin frowned and looked at Yoongi, signaling him to leave them alone for a moment. "Come with me Jungkook." he gently grabbed his arm and headed next to the fountain. He made him sit on a bench and offered him his blue handkerchief to wipe his tears.

"You are such a gentleman." Jungkook smiled.

"My mother taught me to be gentle toward sad people." the older smiled back. "Now will you tell me what is bothering you?"

Jungkook nodded and took a breath before telling him about his story with Hoseok, Taehyung finding out about it and his meeting with his ex lover the night before.

Jimin was understanding. He would nod and pat the younger's head every time he felt his sadness.

"Everything was good yesterday night and he woke up like this."

Jimin rubbed his chin. "Maybe he heard your conversation with the prime minister's son."

"But, I left him in the room."

"Maybe he followed you." Jimin added. "I do not know anything, I am just giving possibilities."

"What if..." Jungkook widened his eyes. "What if he saw him kissing me!"

"But you said your rejected the... oh...he must have misunderstood. That idiot quickly comes with conclusions." Jimin rolled his eyes.

Jungkook chuckled at Jimin calling his king an idiot. "I love how you speak casually about him."

"I like living freely." the blond smiled proudly. "You should talk to him, I will arrange it for you. I will ask Jin not to let anyone enter the dining room."

Jungkook nodded with a smile.

"But no matter what, only tell him the truth. Tell him your true feelings, do not live with lies."

"I will."

"Good!"

"By the way..." Jungkook smirked, "What is going on between you and the king?"

Jimin chuckled nervously. "Nothing."

"You just told me not to lie!" Jungkook laughed.

Jimin slapped his arm and laughed with him. "I think I like him."

????

The prince was nervous, sitting in their dinner table.

Taehyung was eating quietly, internally screaming inside.

He kept looking at the red apple in front of him, hesitating about whether or not he should talk to him.

"Uhm

"Uhm...Tae?"

The king simply hummed.

"Can you please tell me what is wrong with you?"

"Nothing."

Jungkook rolled his eyes and sighed. "You are too cold."

"You went to see him? When you went earlier to the village you went to see him?" Taehyung said.

The younger stared at him with confusion.

"I heard you went to the village earlier in the morning."

"I went to see my old friends at the marketplace."

"But you saw him too I guess."

Jungkook slammed his fist on the table, "Tae!" he screamed.

"What?!"

In the other side of the room, Namjoon was holding Jin from running to attack Taehyung for hurting whom he called his baby.

"Why do you keep on saying this?!"

"I heard your conversation yesterday." Taehyung drank his water.

The prince gulped.

"A random man kissed my husband!" Taehyung laughed sarcastically.

"I rejected his kiss." Jungkook said with a quiet voice.

"Why? Don't you love him?"

"I did before I met you." Jungkook replied, not leaving his angry eyes.

"What about me? Why would I make you easily forget about him? He is a handsome gentleman and has good status."

Jungkook had enough and stood up from his chair. He walked toward the older who stood to face him.

"Tae." Jungkook held his hand. "I am sorry if it made you angry but you should kn-"

"You are mine." the king's deep voice cut him off.

"I do not have feelings for him anym-"

"You are mine." Taehyung's brown eyes were piercing his.

He gently smiled and nodded. "Yes, I am yours, my king. "

Jin was internally screaming and shaking his body at the back of the room while Namjoon was staring at him, shaking his head with disbelief.

"I have never met someone as amazing as you." the prince added.

Taehyung kept silent for a long moment.

"Do you love me?" he asked.

Jungkook blushed and stared at the floor. "I think...I think I fell in love with you the first day I met you."

Taehyung smirked and lifted his chin with his finger.

"Promise me that you will never leave me."

"Why would I ever lea-"

"Promise me."

Jungkook nodded his head. "I promise."

"No other man will ever take you away from me, you hear it?" he mumbled before putting his hands around his husband's waist and kissed him passionately, making Jin live the best day of his life.