Let's discuss some important points before starting;

• As a reader, we are able to judge characters because we can read and feel the POVs of both characters at one moment. We evaluate their feelings on the basis of the words we read. But sometimes authors reveal the sentiments of the characters along with the plot. If you haven't read a part or emotion which isn't appear in front of you yet, doesn't mean that it hadn't happen in the plot story. It will just reveal later.

• You all have presented a peak of patience on this journey of Bounded with me, kindly be patient with the characters too🫂.

• In this chapter, you will go through many rollercoasters. So pillows, water, food and a smile in the end is required.

• The chapter became long, you can take break between scenes and then come back later💜.

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Jungkook was blank, astonished even as he looked at the Alpha taking out some clothes from his closet. His eyes moved to the pair of clothes Alpha was still wearing and found that some parts had caught fire and now Alpha bears a few holes in his shirt and thighs pants. 

He watched with an unmoving gaze as the Alpha took a handful of clothes and disappeared behind a door. It would be the bathhouse, he has never seen how Alpha's bathhouse looked like before. 

He has no desire to see it now. So he moved his gaze and looked around. His throat was dry and the sudden heat from the fire was making his body hot. His body could feel the soft satin fabric beneath his feet, his fingers moving on the bed sheet, analysing the fabric before he abruptly stood up from the bed and stood far away.

He realised where he was standing. He recalled the previous night when he was standing behind the closed doors of this chamber, when he lost something precious to himself.

His enthusiasm. His beliefs. His habit of turning toward the Alpha no matter what.

He recalled the new memories he just made in the old library. Were these real? Or they would be decreased into nothingness like all others. 

Jungkook felt suffocated in the dark ambiance of the chamber with no source of light. He strolled inside the room till he found the balcony and opened the glass doors to let a bit of moonlight cross the riddles of the heavy curtains.  

However, the door couldn't open fully. Someone somehow had established a mattress on the floor which covers the entire base of the balcony. Jungkook kneeled on the futon, the fabric of the sheets on the mattress weren't silk or satin but covered in cotton, reminding him of their night in the hut. 

Would it be possible? He could close his eyes and teleport to that night and never let the time slip from his fingers. Is it possible?

The answer is no. Jungkook knows that. He eyed the pillows around the balcony, it really looked like a wall of pillows that secured the futon in the middle from all three sides. 

Does Alpha sleep here? 

He asked no one and that's why no answer came to ease his tired mind. He sat on the mattress and the soothing breeze of the night calmed his aching facial muscles and heated body. 

Why does Alpha bring me here? 

The thought delivers him anxious introspections that he so wanted to justify but his mind and soul, both are tired tonight. Two days and he hadn't had anything inside his stomach, It's nothing much Jungkook can take care of but the overall pressure has taken a toll on him. 

If he does something, he is wrong. If he doesn't do something, he is wrong too. 

And it has become tiring to think what is right at this point because he doesn't know. He knows nothing about anyone. 

He could hear the footsteps of the Alpha inside the bathhouse, maybe the king also has thoughts that he is scared to speak of. 

Taehyung was standing inside his bathhouse, his back was pressed with the door and fist curling around the clothes he took from the closet. He is still standing there, unmoving and deep in thoughts. 

What had he done? What should he do now? Luna is here, waiting for him to come out. To do what? 

You wanted to talk. Van furnishes the last doubt.

Yes, I want to talk to him. About my trashy way to handle the situation last night and I wanted to apologise as well. He opened the buttons of his shirt aggressively before changing into a new one. It was more bulky and open, and had few threads like a core to tie the ban collars. 

Then we can do this together. All you have to do is to change clothes and step out.

But where do I start? It's possible that I will mess up things even in this state when everything is crystal clear in front of me. He discarded the high knee boots and stacked them on the racks.

His bathhouse is as big as the Luna's, supporting a deep pool and lightening with grey walls. He rarely uses it as the Alpha prefers more open spaces to dive for baths.

Last night, the Empress was guilty because he had thought of hurting you by showing us his face. In my opinion, the earlier this misunderstanding resolves, the better.

My opinion lies with you. I realised it when I heard Yoongi's talk tonight. His deep resentment towards his own face shouldn't be acceptable, I don't know how I would have tolerated myself if he had slashed his hair fully.

It would have been our disgrace till death. 

Should I apologise first or explain? The tremors were back over his neck, covering his shoulders before reaching towards the scar. He changed his pants and stood there blanked and barefooted.

A soul is waiting outside for him, a broken soul. He has tortured the omega enough to leave but he is here, inside his chamber… so… so close to him. His insides were pressured to run once again, he should have run but the Alpha knows now that all his steps will take him to an omega with red hairs and wide eyes. 

So why running when he can take steps towards him as a new beginning? 

However, the Alpha knows he is weak when it comes to talking with his heart. The Royal Alpha had failed this battle long ago. He had always talked forthrightly with no knowledge of filters and astounding words. 

But he can't apologise to the omega half-heartedly, hell he is ready to bow down but his tongue is where all of his restraints stand as tall as the sky. 

Tonight he needs to break those restraints, he needs to stand bare in front of the omega so just he could see his remorse and consider his forgiveness. There will be many things he will mess up, many things will occur absurdly, many things will seem foolish but the person behind the door is the person who waited for him even in pain. 

And it's his time to finally take the step of faith towards the omega. 

Van didn't reply to the human and the Royal Alpha didn't ask once again. He grabbed the edges of the door and let it open before stepping ahead. The floor was cold, someone had left the balcony open. 

Or maybe, someone is already occupying the space. 

Jungkook heard the shuffling of steps before the sound stopped as the Alpha halted at the doors of the balcony. He straightened his back from where he was half-lying on the pillows, body gushy and tired. He folded his legs, hiding the soles beneath his skirt.

"May I share the space?" The Alpha asked, his voice still carrying the deep remnants of a growl.

Jungkook nodded his head and brought a piece of pillow in his lap, to support his hands that started to quaver. It's not anyone's fault that his mind is already preparing the map of their talks, switching the thoughts from one lane to another. 

Both of them knew it's not the right time to talk, not the perfect ones where two souls are eager to admire and hold peace. But both of them have chosen their own time, the time where the Royal Alpha was still filled with anger and remorse and the Luna was sealed with hurt and exhaustion. 

They could make this moment their own fortunate time if they conquered their inner critiques vastly.

The Royal Alpha sat on the far edge of the futon, curling one knee on the mattress while keeping the other on the ground. The silence around them was peaceful, the wind helping them to lose anxious pheromones in the air.

Jungkook was looking at the Alpha and when Taehyung opened his lips to apologise his gaze fell in between the creases of the sheets," Yesterday night, all the words that I said to you shouldn't be spoken out in the honour of your grace. It's not defensible to clarify a sin after its implementation but I am deeply remorseful. I misunderstood all the events that happened once I left you in the library." 

The omega didn't lift his head from where he was staring at the sheets. So the Alpha continued. 

"I wasn't brave enough to face my past once again, wasn't courageous enough to stick with the hope you have built in our bond." The Royal Alpha's hand moved, fingers making an absurd pattern on the sheet catching the stray eyes of the omega.

"What had I done that you misunderstood? Apart from burning your past about which I don't think I had enough power after knowing the truth. You truly didn't think that I would burn the portrait right after seeing it, right?" Jungkook didn't move his gaze from the roaming fingers as he asked the Alpha.

"I didn't. But I didn't expect to see you in such a regretful phase. In the means of the days we spent together you had never engaged in forceful remorses or entertained false allegations. With these hopes when I left you in front of the library… My mind was ready to see you dejected, angry or even incredulous but what I wasn't prepared for… were your guilty eyes." 

Jungkook lifted his melancholic gaze and his eyes met with the Alpha. 

The Royal Alpha looked down this time, kept moving his fingertips to rub the fabric in between," When I heard you outside my chamber, filled with guilt and sorrow. The whole trajectory of my beliefs changed. I suspected your guilt as the admission of the sins that Hwan did to me." 

"And now? Suddenly you believe me again. I am still the same person who cried in front of you, begging you to believe me. What changed then?" The omega sounded enraged, forcing the Alpha to look at him again.

Taehyung shook his head slowly, soft hairs trying hard to hide the grey eyes but they are too attentive to get ignored," I had believed in your character in the earlier days of summer when I returned from my tour. I had lost the ability to trust a stranger when you came to Eclipse. But during your work as the Empress of the Eclipse, I got to know more about you." 

"You have given me a really hard time balancing and arguing with my own thoughts. It's easier to read in the books that people change but it takes a mile for a person to change one belief. I had decided to take those miles when I travelled back in your memories of childhood. And as I said during the previous lake walk, you don't have a relation with the evility that once betrayed my faith." 

"How are you sure now? What if the next moment I will just turn out as him?" 

"Then it will be my destiny but you don't have enough depravity to hurt me. I realised it when you tried to cut your hair just so you won't look like the person who once left me uncared for. I was sure before too but some bits of thoughts didn't match with the guilt your eyes held. I went berserk in my stubborn head and exploited everything around me, including you." 

Jungkook turned his head away, not showing the slight moisture that brimmed down to his lower eyelids," Believing me just because of my existential memories is even more failure to the efforts I made while living beside you. A non-influential trust based on proof rather than emotions is more unnatural."

"Then allow me to explain the more natural path that led me to trust you."  The Royal Alpha knew he should share these sheer emotions with their origin or he won't get this same time and courage again.

Jungkook's ear perked up at that, heart wanting to hear what differences his Alpha concluded in his character to trust. 

The Alpha shifted his hand, now shielding half of the body as he turned towards the balcony, both of his legs on the futon now in a crisscross position.  

"My heart found the truth of yours' when after my arrival to the pack, you accused me of my absence. You were supposed to accept my absence silently, as a selfless person would have but you accused me. I was left speechless that night, lost strains and your scent reached me. It angered me later but what I felt at that time was different." The Royal Alpha whispered the words so softly, enchanting the gaze of the omega he was talking to. 

"All mates help each other, do something for each other's attention but you never stepped inside my chamber with false concerns and excuses. Why? At first I doubted you on this too but later I figured that you aren't built to create false problems." 

Jungkook kept staring at his mate even when the moisture of his eyes travelled down to his chin. He deserves to hear all of this, lie or truth, he wants to listen to it more so that this pressure on his heart will decrease to some extent and he could breathe again.

And Taehyung was more than earnest to deliver these waves of emotions," On the terrace, when I hurt you. Your expectations and sentiments towards our bond, I disrespected them as they weren't matched with mine. Told you how your presence despises me. You were supposed to accept my command as a selfless person. You were supposed to ignore me." 

Jungkook wiped his tears and sniffled slowly as he remembered what had he done after that but Alpha's words were there to recognise his efforts," But you challenged me back, stood in front of me with those honest eyes again."

The Royal Alpha looked inside the chamber as if recalling a memory," When I threatened you standing here. You were supposed to curse me for hurting your hand, not kissing me on my cheek." 

The omega broke the gaze from the Alpha's face and looked down, lips trembling to hold himself back. How much courage does the Alpha hold in his veins to talk like that? Because he doesn't have much to listen to. 

He remembered all the days with compassion and dedication laced with his talks, his happy memories before the Alpha crushed all of them together. His lips pursed together when he looked up, clearly upset with the Alpha.

But the Royal Alpha seemed to envision it as he tilted his head to the omega before continuing," In the fields, you were supposed to show trust on the mate bond. Hide your emotions when they weren't welcomed from my end. But you showed your jealousy openly, scented me in front of my pack. Your possessive thoughts didn't let me sleep that night." 

Jungkook pinched his right arm so tightly that his eyes closed in pain. The Alpha's eyes were focused on the omega's hands, fingers itching to move and caress that arm but he used those fingers to push his hair back from his forehead and suddenly his open cuffs caught his attention. He gave a new work to the fingers to indulge into and continued the talk.

"When you asked for my permission to wait for me. You were supposed to do that silently, not eating my ears off with your questions." 

When Taehyung looked up from his cuffs, he was nervous. And the thing is that… Jungkook hadn't seen the Alpha nervous before, his eyes were roaming, not adjusting at one single spot as they used to. The tongue is swiping the upper lip more times than expected.  

And Just like this, the Royal Alpha got caught in the cycle of destiny once again.

"You were so different, Jungkook. Then why? You showed me many differences then why is this guilt the same? Why this guilt matched with the guilty eyes of Hwan when he was stabbing me here." His palm spread on his chest, the skin between the open portions of the shirts was burning underneath.

Their eyes were miserable as they talked without words, Jungkook wiped the fallen tears from his chin and whispered," So did you find your answer now?" 

"Yes." The Alpha replied, soothing the heavy air around them.

"What Is it?" Jungkook asked back while staring right into Taehyung's soul and here once again the Alpha felt the same emotion. 

"It's visible to me." His eyes weren't moving from the omega as he observed Jungkook from his earnest stares.

Admirations and miseries reflect the same guilt.

When Hwan thrashed his heart with the dagger his guilt was brimming with misery but Jungkook's guilt wasn't hidden beneath misery. It soared high in the palace, waking every corner with his sorrow till it reached his ears. 

"I felt it, Luna." He lowered his head fully, neck dipped down till his eyes could hover over his thighs. He had felt the care the omega poured at him, his minimal notions to respect the dignity of their bond, the admiration in the works that concerned him. 

Jungkook watched the lowered head of the Alpha before he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The pressure on his heart eased, his efforts didn't go ignored. The Alpha noticed each of them so carefully that his eyes again welled up. 

He had felt the protection too that his Alpha nourished him with, felt the respect and consideration. 

However the upset was still there. The fear still thrives in his veins that the Alpha once again will deject everything in the name of responsibility. 

He pushed himself up, gaining the Alpha's undivided attention," Thank you for sharing these statements with me. However, I would like to remain on my decision. You don't have to feel responsible for me, I would rather die than be a burden on my mate. Before you accuse me of clinging I will take my leave now." 

His steps were steady on the soft futon as he walked by, his feet touching the mattress and were about to touch the ground when he halted as his fingers entwined in between the others. 

Taehyung held his hand before the omega could leave and all the courage Jungkook had gathered to walk out disappeared. He looked down to see the Alpha looking upwards already with hopeful eyes " I haven't finished yet." 

He tugged his hand down, bringing the omega to sit beside him on the edge of the mattress. They were facing each other, one of Jungkook's shoulders covering the chest of the Alpha and that's when Taehyung saw the red short tresses curled over the omega's shoulder.  

The hopeful glint in those grey eyes diminished into deep sadness. 

His free hand reached Jungkook's shoulder, letting the fingers touch the few slashed hair. His thumb caressed the sharp tips of the fresh cut, his frown deepened as he untucked the hairs from their hiding spot. 

Jungkook was looking down, his heart hurting as he remembered the memories of the last night. The touch was warm under his ear, his eyes fell closed as he lost focus on his breaths. The touch travelled from his ear to his jaw and when those fingers curled under his chin, he had to look up.

The pain their eyes shared didn't hold any word for sound.

The Alpha's thumb stretched and wiped the strolling tear from Jungkook's lower cheek," If you still have thoughts that your face is similar to Hwan." Taehyung shook his head slowly," Don't." 

"Now I can enlist differences even with my eyes closed." Jungkook's brows pinched in mild confusion, body tired to react much. 

The Alpha's thumb moved from his lower cheeks to his chin before it slid up and hovered under his lower lip," He hadn't had a mole under his lips but a moon sign on his neck." 

The omega's eyes fluttered as the nub of the thumb touched the mole under his lips. Taehyung's lips parted in daze, eyes held captive to the softness of the skin," His cheeks weren't full of cotton but sharp as streaks." 

His hold tightened over Jungkook's hand in assurance as the thumb brushed past the lips and rested below the lashes, his hand was covering half of the omega's face. 

"His eyes weren't bare like yours but filled with dark kohl." 

Jungkook peeked at the Alpha through the mess his hair had created on his face, his cheek brushed against the Alpha's palm and a gush of warmth spread inside his veins," His ears weren't pierced as yours." 

Their foreheads matched in the middle as the Alpha cupped the omega's face in a warm hold," You have blessed me by coming into my life. Don't ever hate anything about yourself." 

It was enough for the omega to choke on his first sob that he was concealing for oh so long, he moved his head and dipped into the warm cave of the Alpha's neck. His shoulders hunched in pain as the omega cried in his mate's arms.

Taehyung left the hand of the omega that he was holding in between their bodies and enveloped his arms around his waist. His face got engulfed into the tresses and both of them inhaled each other's scent silently. 

It was the necessity of their bodies to seek each other's warmth when their surroundings had shredded them to nothing. Jungkook's hand pressed over Alpha's chest, his cold fingertips touching the scar gently. It makes the Alpha pull the omega closer by waist, leaving his breath over the slashed hair thread by thread.

They were mourning the pain they went through individually but in their mourning too… both of them remembered the misery of the other. Taehyung combed Luna's open hair with his fingertips, letting the curls dance around his long fingers till the cries became slow to silent. 

He couldn't blink back the regret that had poured out of his eyes too. Two people surrounded by night breeze, holding each other together from breaking apart.

Jungkook traced the scar with his fingers absentmindedly as he had seen the Alpha doing the same many times. He rested his body against the Alpha and closed his eyes to relieve the moment till his senses believed the reality of it.

The Alpha rested his hand over the top of Luna's head, the other hand coiled around his waist.

It was the tremors of sound that made Taehyung open his eyes and his focus got stolen by the words of the omega," I will not forgive you this time. In the process of gaining your trust, you have shaken mine. There is this…fear inside of me that kept saying you are lying. I don't want to forgive you." 

Taehyung closed his eyes again and nuzzled his face more into the red tresses, his shoulder slumped in defeat against the caresses over his chest. 

"Then I surely have to earn it back." 

The omega sniffled back his words and pulled away from the hug by pushing his palm on Taehyung's chest. The Alpha let the omega stagger back on the futon, loosening his arms around his body. He felt the scar burning again but didn't let the pang show over his features. Years of practice had taught him the art of masks. 

"Stay here, I insist." 

The Alpha said, his eyes earnest as he watched the omega wiping his cheeks with the lapels of his hanfu. Jungkook looked at him with wide eyes, nose rosy and cheeks attaining the colours of the setting sky. 

"Sleep here. Spend your night in my chamber till your room gets ready for the stay." There wasn't any order in his talk, the omega observed as there wasn't any plea either. 

But Jungkook's eyes were still wide enough to even consider the Alpha's request. So the Alpha kept pursuing the upset omega till his eyes fluttered in tiredness and mouth opened to trace out a big yawn.

And it was the queue for the Alpha to leave the mattress instantly," I will stay in the room and will not cross the threshold of the balcony. Please rest." 

Before the omega could oppose as the Alpha assumed, he strolled back into the chamber. 

Jungkook kept sitting on the mattress while staring into the dark room, speechless. He stumbled back onto the pillows, not realising when the pillows attracted his back and his hairs hugged the futon. He waited for the Alpha to come back to argue and leave the chamber.  

His lips traced another yawn and the stars stole his attention for a while. His heart was beating at a peaceful pace and his body was becoming heavier against the pillows. He made several links between the stars, using his imagination to create a pattern between them. 

It didn't take long before the small twinkling of stars disappeared and the gentle breeze of the night stole the awareness of the omega before pushing him into a much needed slumber.

Much later when clouds roamed in the sky and the night became darker, Jungkook had shifted and grunted on the futon, body too relaxed and comforted by the calm and cozy scent around him. 

Taehyung closed the door behind him as slowly as he could. He walked back into the chamber still barefoot, halting against the rim of his bed. His hand reached for the abandoned quilt over the sheets and snatched it.

His forehead carries the leftovers of his hard work in the form of sweat. He flicked his hair back and crossed the doors of the balcony. The Alpha sat on the mattress and covered the sleeping Luna with a quilt, as the dawn was approaching the next day, the breeze would become colder.

He fished out a pillow from the mattress and moved out of the balcony. The Royal Alpha dropped the pillow on the ground and laid down with a sigh, his body twisting and turning till he faced the doors of the balcony again. 

He laid over his stomach, arms cradling the pillow under his elbows and head resting above his crossed wrists. His feet were laying over each other, caressing one's sole with the back of one's bridge. Soft black hairs fell over his eyes, saving them from the moonlight. However, the Alpha pushed them back just so he could stare at the sleeping omega in silence. 

After a long day of suffering, it was a night of serenity but the Royal Alpha knows he has to earn these kind of nights with better compassion because now he longs for this peace more and more.

~

When the omega woke up from his slumber the next day, half of the day had already passed. As soon as he opened his eyes, he observed the dark shield covering the open canopy. Someone had turned the open balcony into a shelter. He shuffled on the sheets, finding the quilt hugging his body. 

How come he slept for so long?

Jungkook pushed himself up on the mattress, stretching his relaxed muscles with a confused frown on his lips. Although his eyes were still tired and snuggling back into the mattress seemed to feel like a lavish charm but he shouldn't let the Alpha feel amused over him.  

He craned his neck inside the room and just like he assumed, the room was empty. Alpha must have gone for his court duties early in the morning and here he is sleeping like a distressed child.

Jungkook came out of the Alpha's chamber uncaring of the mess of sheets he left on the balcony. He just rushed out at the single opportunity to avoid the Alpha, hands holding his creased skirt to not make a sound in the hallway. 

He opened the doors of his chamber and slipped his dishevelled self inside before closing them loudly. 

He turned around and stood there for a possible half an hour. His mouth was carrying a shocking gasp, it's inaudible but the furniture of his chamber speaks volume. Someone… scratch that! The Alpha must have visited the place, taking advantage of his sleepy state because now his entire chamber looks like the cursed night hadn't even happened. 

His room looks the same as it looked before his wolf thrashed everything. There is a big mirror beside a literally same dressing table. 

His trunk is back in its place, the bedside table got a new tablecloth, sheets are new on the bed. He opened the drawers of the dressing table one by one. Each drawer held his precious possessions as it was. Nothing new, nothing extravagant, just his old jewels were shining with added care.

He opened the first drawer, his hair pins are back and stashed in the corner as usual along with his hairbrush. The second drawer contained the pair of earrings he had thrown out of the window. 

His heart bubbled with nervousness. If everything is back on its place, then the third drawer must contain…

He slid open the third drawer and there it was. The dagger. Wrapped in a silk cloth just like he received from the Alpha. Jungkook touched it again, missed its weight in his palms. 

He clutched the dagger over his heart, embracing it in a soft hold. Jungkook opened the next drawer, it was empty as before but a small smile surged on his lips when a green cloth holding a small bottle of glass rolled out of it. 

He sniffed the small bottle, it was wafting with the scent of cherries. He held it against his chest too. Now going for opening the last drawer. 

It was filled with books, some old ones had made a place for new ones. He sat down on the floor and took out all the books.

"They are from the old library." He whispered to himself, recognising the covers of the ones he loved and wanted to read. 

"But when? How?" He was confused because the Alpha was in the room till he remembered to fall asleep. Maybe he sneaked out behind his back.

"Is he trying to make me forget the night he hurt me? Or is it just a heartfelt gesture?" The omega had no presumption on why the Alpha will come to his chamber and decorate it like before. 

Jungkook discarded all the things on the floor when he remembered another special possession of his that he threw out the window in literal cruelty. He opened his closet to see the black clothes as before but there was none.

The closet was filled with hanfu sets, robes, scarves, belts and other useful things but there was not any tint of his Alpha's black clothes that he had collected in the leap of several months.

Why?

When the Alpha had kept all other things as before then why did he remove his clothes? Had he felt insecure about his scent? But his scent hadn't made me feel suffocated before that cursed night.

He will call that night a cursed night forever. No arguments. Indeed it was a cursed night for him and his mate. 

"Is it your first attempt to make me feel better? Then you fail. You missed out on the most important thing and moreover, I will not entertain these humble gestures anymore. It could be another act of responsibility after all." 

Jungkook knew the Alpha wasn't present in the chamber, let alone on the Royal floor but still he voiced out his thoughts loud and clear so the walls around his chamber know that the omega is mad this time. 

~

The Royal omega was sitting on the closest bench of the stables near Artax's stall. He was looking down, precious tears were gliding down his cheeks silently. He knows he is sitting here for five hours now but no one came to look for him. The Sun was shining at its peak but Jimin was still sitting on the bench.

Today, there wasn't his personal mate to hold an umbrella over their head and he wasn't complaining like the Prince of Eclipse but he surely missed their lone times, their shy talks and blooming smiles. 

He wiped his tears the umpteenth time of the day and glared at the closed door of Yoongi's cabin. He was sitting here and watching over the red haired Beta for a long time, not even the Sun and his dry throat could shake him from his position. 

The commander was inside too. He tried to contact both of them but no one is answering his mindlinks. 

They haven't come out of that cabin since the night. When they all came back to the palace last night, all they could do was to demolish the raging fire of the library and then to stop the red haired Beta from barging inside the Royal Alpha's chamber. 

Jimin knew it wasn't an ideal situation to leave the Empress in the hands of his brother but in the end they are mates. Hurt or comfort will only be effective if it reaches from one heart to another. So with good wishes in mind, he tried to stop his mate but Yoongi yelled at him for being unfair to Jungkook. 

The moon is the witness, he had never prioritize anything other than the happiness of Luna. He had cared, guided and protected the omega with all his heart. 

But in the end, his mate glued the crown of injustice over his head. He can understand where the Beta was coming from, he can. No one can bear to see their loved ones in hurt and pain. And he is holding himself as a partial culprit of what happened to Jungkook. 

He will present his sincere apologies to Jungkook whether the omega will let him enter his chamber or not. He deserves his ignorance, he knows. He could have been present in the palace when things were revealed to wreck and would have protected them from hurting each other.  

He could have slowed or shared the impact when it hitted the omega alone in the old library. Oh he can't even imagine… the pain he had to go through. And then his brother. He would become the biggest laughing stock in history if he had said something to Jungkook because of Hwan. And judging from Yoongi's anger, his brother had already become one.

His mother hadn't returned from his visit to his father since last night. His meeting with his father left him worried too, the former Alpha was severely injured as if returned from a raging battle. 

He kept sitting there, lost in his thoughts. Eyes fell on the burning marks over his wrists, showing his small participation in extinguishing the fire. 

The visible fire could be diminished but all his emotions which are burning in the hidden fire of his heart couldn't be wiped off. 

The commander hadn't contacted him either. Jimin knew he wouldn't take any sides between Yoongi and him, hell, he didn't even want to create a situation where Hoseok had to choose a side among them. 

Then why? Why isn't he replying to me? 

He sniffled while sitting on the bench and confronted and comforted himself with arguments. 

Maybe he is pursuing Yoongi to talk to us. Chim delivered but Jimin ignored his little console. 

"Someone is busy, someone is angry. Someone is upset and someone doesn't really care." People around him have enough to deal with in their lives. 

The Royal omega flinched on the seat when a large face of horse snuggled in his shoulder, it was Artax. The horse was observing the omega for some time now, crying while sitting alone. 

"Oh? Are you comforting me?" Jimin hugged his neck and caressed his long crest till Artax neighed in response. 

His heart squeezed in pain when he pulled away from the warm hug,"  When you care too much, you always mess up. Why is life like this, Artax?" 

The horse stomped on his hooves, tilting his neck to understand what the human was saying.

"I won't be indulging in people's matters anymore. I did that because I genuinely cared and wanted to look after the things that could be moulded into a beautiful bond. But as always, I messed up everything. So let's learn our lesson and prepare myself for whatever I will receive. Nobody really pays attention anyways." He caressed Artax's muzzle and stood up from the bench after clearing his face from tear stains.

"Will you take me on a ride, Artax? Or do you need your owner's permission?" From all the words, the horse seemed to understand the word ride as he quickly plucked out its lock from the stall and stride away from the warehouse. 

Jimin followed him after, maybe all he needs is a good ride to clear his mind. His eyes strayed over the cabin one last time before he turned his back and walked away.

~

Taehyung held the courtroom for the entire day today. Eclipsers had several issues on hand that needed his attention to take care of. It was inevitable as he spent two months in the fields and got busier after retrieval as well. He listened to the cases one by one. 

There were whispers around him about the Empress' health and sudden fire in the palace but the Alpha chose to ignore them. The fire was a personal issue and the Empress can answer well to his people about his health. He doesn't need a spokesperson for himself, the Alpha is well aware. 

His thoughts went to the omega from time to time, imagining his reaction to the redecore of his chamber. He didn't mean to but among those whispers around him, he heard that the Empress hadn't come down for breakfast or lunch. 

As the evening approached, the counts of Eclipsers started diminishing to their homes. 

His attention got caught by the slow steps of the commander who just arrived in the courtroom. He focussed back on the person who was speaking about the thefts around the borders of Eclipse. In the corners of his eyes, he could see the commander's nervous features. 

"I'm sure the thief will be some stray rogue. They won't be crossing the borders, that's a promise. But as an individual, spread the word among others to be attentive and aware towards the surroundings." The Alpha commanded and the folks sighed in relief.

As the crowd started to disperse, the Alpha caught the thief who was present in the courtroom right now, "Commander?"

Hoseok raised his head in attention," Your Majesty." He bowed and stood in front of the patio.

"You haven't briefed me about your journey yet. I would like to know what you observed and dealt on western land." 

"I apologise, Your Majesty. The land of western packs survived the cattle deaths but it wasn't a plague to begin with." The commander described as Alpha frowned and leaned closer to the edge of his throne.

"There wasn't a pattern in deaths to declare it as a plague, it wasn't spreading on its own but instead of that, somebody was purposely killing the herd of cattle."

"Who?"

"Stray wolves. Who else? We spotted and held down a few in prisons but before we can squeeze the information out of them, either they perform suicide or claws their own tongue." 

Strays. The wolves who think they are above any governance and control the world. The demeanour around the Alpha turned dark," Invade must be on a larger scale, I assume. You must have declared war, who won?"

"We won, Your Majesty. But we couldn't reach the depths of their sudden disruptive behaviour. In war, Either they killed or died. No room left for the talks." 

"What about the condition of western packs now? Are they protected fully?" 

"I have left a few soldiers behind me in each pack. To guard and to patrol. They will inform us if things change for the worse." Hoseok had prepared everything in the security of those packs before he left for the Eclipse. All they need is to wait if his strategy will work or not. 

And the commander is known for his best planning skills.

"Good. Now voice the trouble that has your fingers trembling while reporting to me." The Alpha said as he rested his back on the throne once again.

Hoseok gulped his gathered saliva down his throat," Prince Jimin hasn't returned from his ride yet. I am worried as he isn't replying to my links." 

The Alpha looked confused at that, eyes boring into the soul of the Beta," You don't know where your mate is? What is the last time you spoke to him?" 

Hoseok looked down and there went his acceptance of his mistake," Yesterday night." 

Taehyung didn't say anything for sometime as he focussed on his senses and tickled his tongue inside the lower tongue," He is with Artax. Will return soon." 

As afraid as the Beta was to look up, his heart expanded in relief," Thank you, Your Majesty." He bowed to the Alpha and stood straight again. 

He didn't match the Alpha's gaze to imagine the blank eyes when he heard, "Submit a written report with details by the day after tomorrow. I think you have taken enough rest." 

Hoseok schooled his expressions from shock to agreement as he looked down in respect," Yes, Your Majesty." 

"And one more thing." 

"On your command, Your Majesty." 

"Find the details of Usaru Kingdom. About the king, their heirs and their relation to Lunar. Their last visit and the purpose behind it. I need them in writing by this week." 

The Commander stood stunned as the Alpha walked past him. He tilted his head in confusion, brain running with fast speed," Usaru Kingdom?"

~

Jimin returned to the palace when the Sun slept in the sky. His ride with Artax was successful, he had taken long strolls in the green fields and let the horse roam around till its heart's extent. 

His shoes were dripping with mud but he cares less about it. He jerked away some of the mud while walking back to the entrance of the palace after leaving Artax in its stall. 

Jimin ignored everything around him as he climbed the stairs with confident steps. Rather than going to his own chamber, the Royal omega turned left and kept walking. 

The red haired Beta was standing in front of the Empress' chamber just like he had promised. His back was facing the door while gaze was fixed on the now repaired railings. 

The Royal omega moved toward his mate and stood beside him. He observed his face before turning to the door and ignored the Beta when he opened his mouth, about to speak. 

He raised his bruised wrists and knocked on the door.

"I asked about the dinner, he denied." Yoongi informed the Prince but only received silence in return. Jimin knocked on the door again and after some shuffling behind the doors, it unlocked slowly.

Jungkook looked up to greet the Royal omega, he got so immersed in the old books that he couldn't keep the trace of the day. However, when he was about to open his mouth, Jimin was already speaking. 

"I'm sorry I had to disturb you like this, Jungkookie. Your mate asked me if you like the redecores of your room. Is everything positioned in the right place? Something missing?" There was a humble smile pasted on Jimin's lips.

Jungkook stared at the Royal Highness with wide eyes. He didn't expect such a straightforward question," Uh… No. It's good."

The omega bit his lips as he hid the words of distaste about his half empty  closet. As It's not the time.

Jimin smiled at the nervous omega," I will send your words. Would you like to eat dinner in the dining hall or in your chamber?" He asked another question and this one made Jungkook more confused.

"Hyungnim? Why are you speaking so formally? Come inside, let's talk. I wanted to apologise for yesterday." Jungkook said, reaching to hold the Royal omega's hands. 

But Jimin shook his head gently," My feet are dirty, Luna. I will come again tomorrow. You don't have to feel apologetic, I'm sorry I had kept secrets from you. Please trust me, I couldn't say such things behind my brother's back. Still, I should have been here to support you in your lowest, I'm heartily sorry." His eyes were holding genuine concern for the omega and Jungkook is well aware of this overwhelming emotion, the fear of hurting the person you care for.

"This is not hidden from anyone how you have taken care of me, Hyungnim. You haven't let me feel lost in this big pack house since my arrival. I didn't have much energy to say yesterday but I understand you…upto some extent I do." 

Jimin blinked his eyes slowly, no, he won't cry anymore. Especially not in front of his mate, he doesn't want any uncared attention. However, Jungkook has an ability to speak so softly that you don't have any option but to melt. 

"His Majesty has apologised to me. Although I haven't forgiven him yet, he has cleared out the misconception between me and his past mate. I'm feeling better from yesterday, Hyungnim." Jungkook crossed the distance between them and hugged the Royal omega. 

Jimin sighed in the embrace, telling himself that he can give some space to the omega till he decides to step out from his chamber," You are so understanding, I don't deserve you." 

Jungkook's worried eyes fell on the Beta that had his back towards them," What are you saying? Have you two fought?" 

"Enough about me, Your Empress." And the abbreviation was enough to pull giggles in between them," You didn't reply to my question. Aren't you hungry?"

"Not yet." Jungkook pulled away from the hug, the smile comes more naturally on his face now," I will go to the kitchen when I feel like it. Actually, I wanted to finish the book first. I promise I will eat later." 

It didn't take a big analyser to see what the omega was doing. He is trying to ignore the Alpha as much as he can. Jimin smiled brightly when he realised that," Okay then. I will send your words to your worried mate." 

He tapped Jungkook's chin who wasn't matching his eyes and decided to leave the flustered omega at leisure. The Royal omega turned back and took his leave without blessing his mate another glance.

When Jungkook came out of his thoughts he found Yoongi still standing in front of his door," Hyung, Come Inside. No one is allowed to roam in the Royal hallway, I'm not insecure about the soldiers anymore." He grabbed Yoongi by his arm and pulled him inside. 

"Why did Jimin hyungnim seem mad at you? Have you two fought? Hyung, tell me you didn't blame His Highness for everything." Jungkook asked many questions in one breath as he sat the Beta down on his bed, ignoring the scattered books on the sheets. 

Yoongi finally looked at him with dull eyes and then those feline eyes turned miserable," I kinda… yelled at him." His voice was the smallest Jungkook had ever heard but the words made him shot up from the bed. 

"What? This is not acceptable!! What do you mean by kinda? Hyung, are you listening to yourself?" 

Yoongi looked down again," I was angry and you know how I lost my ability to think straight once I popped up some veins." 

Jungkook was fuming in horror, he moved back and forth in his chamber," Does the Alpha know?"

"I don't know." 

The omega looked at Yoongi with sympathetic eyes," Hyung, would you go behind my back and share my secrets with your mates without my permission?" 

"Never, Jungkook." 

Luna sighed as he sat beside Beta on the bed," Then why are you expecting the same from Hyungnim? When we arrived in Eclipse, who looked after us? He didn't even know that you were his mate and he still exceeded all the preparations for us. That's how kind hearted he is. Hyung, you should apologise, I know things aren't going well for everyone right now but don't be like this. It will only hurt you in the end and you will be left with undying regrets." 

Yoongi pushed his hairs back and sighed in worry," I don't think he will forgive me." 

"First try and then complain. You can't just give up even before trying." 

Yoongi sprawled on his back and stared at the ceiling. He doesn't think he will get any chance to speak again. 

~

It was the night when Taehyung finally stepped inside the palace. He eyed the hallway before deciding to take a stroll around the palace. He checked the old library which had now turned into a black abyss of ashes. 

He didn't walk inside the library, not yet. It's not good to challenge the ropes of hopes which he has started to weave with slow but strong threads. 

From the courtroom to the cookhouse, the Alpha was walking with several thoughts in mind. People around him were thinking that the king was taking territorial rounds but in reality, Taehyung was waiting for the Royal kitchen to be vacant. 

When the last person left the cookhouse, Taehyung was analysing a map two halls away from it. He pinned the important locations on the graph before folding it back neatly. The chair screeched on the ground as the Alpha slid it away and made his way to the kitchen.

The kitchen was neat and clean, ready to use. Taehyung untied his robe from his neck and kept it on the centre table along with his crown. He hadn't imagined he would step inside the kitchen to ultimately use it for its literal significance. 

But tonight… the Alpha will try to make something for the upset omega. 

Does it sound absurd to ears? Yes. So Alpha decided none would hear about it and waited till the palace became less crowded. He doesn't have much in mind, just a comfort recipe which he uses for himself while staying away from the pack house. 

His face was still blank but the little peek of his tongue over his lower lip was showing his nervous thoughts. Is he doing the right thing? Shouldn't he let the omega take his time to rest and give him space to reach any decision to forgive him. 

But some harmless tries to make the omega feel a bit better isn't wrong. He isn't thinking about these things to persuade or manipulate the omega but for the ease of his mind. His mind… which hadn't seemed to remove the image of those wild tears. 

Taehyung wanders inside the kitchen while combing his hair back before tying them into a half bun. He focussed on his surroundings more to locate any presence around him. When he found none other than the soldiers down the hall, the Alpha removed his rings and placed them beside his black robe. 

He was quick to rinse out some shrimps that he found stacked in salt pots and threw some coals in diminishing fire. He measured a good amount of flour in a bowl and kneaded it skillfully, fingers moulding the dough after adding some basil leaves and salt into it. 

When the dough starts detaching his fingers and bowls, Taehyung covered it with a short napkin. 

The stove had built up enough fire now, the Alpha moved and grabbed a pot from the upper cabinet. He filled it with water and placed it on the stove. Next came the small chopped garlic, chillies, salt and a spoonful of sugar.

He let the soup boil till the water evaporated halfway and spread out the dough in sheets. He rolled the dough and chopped it in large stripes. 

Taehyung hovered his nose over the stove and rolled the ladle while sniffing the aroma of spices.

The soup was ready.

He added the fresh spaghetti into the pot and let it bowl till it loses its flavour in the soup. 

The Alpha stepped back from the aisle and sat on the centre table, wearing his rings one by one. When the dish was done, he poured a bowl out and put it aside before adding the seasoned shrimps into it. 

"The smell is not letting me sleep, Taehyungie." 

The Alpha turned back swiftly, catching the Royal omega standing on the threshold of the kitchen. Jimin had a tired expression on his face as he invited himself inside and sat on the centre table. 

"You should make sounds while walking. What are you? A robber?" The Alpha clicked his tongue in disappointment. 

"I DIDN'T KN-"

"Shushhh." A finger was hovering over Jimin's lips as he stared at his brother with bored eyes. Taehyung waved him off and grabbed the bowl he kept aside before.

"Here. Eat." 

Jimin clutched the warm bowl in his small fingers and positioned it on the table. He took his spoon and chopsticks from the cutlery sets and started chewing on his food without any argument. 

He hummed in contentment when his hungry stomach found the nourishment and warmth of the food. 

He eyed his brother in approval before opening his mouth," Aren't you going to eat?"

"I added some shrimps in mine. You don't eat them." 

No. Jimin won't cry no matter how foolish people around him react. Foolish or caring, he won't mention in detail. He will just focus on his food and will fall asleep once his grumbling stomach satisfies.

"It's my comfort food. No one makes it better than you. But why tonight?" Jimin asked.

The Alpha didn't reply as he made himself busy in pouring another bowl. He extinguishes the stove by sprinkling some water on the coals, unstowing the pot. 

When Jimin wiped his lips with the lapels of his hanfu, he spotted another bowl which was placed in front of him. But this one has shrimps on the top. He looked at his brother in confusion who was now carrying his black robe over his left arm, ready to leave.

"Tonight someone else also needs this comfort. We should share it."  The Alpha took some steps back while looking at Royal omega before turning to leave the kitchen. 

Jimin stared at the empty hall for a good amount of time before his eyes welled up," You don't deserve to be so romantic about this." He buffed before blinking his eyelids back. 

Jimin carried the bowl with some cutleries and walked up towards the stairs while mumbling tons of complaints about his mother.

What Am I now? A delivery boy?

First preach the laws of Do not lie! And then force me to lie!!

What am I supposed to say to Jungkook now?

Dear Empress, Your mate has made delicious food for you. Please accept his undying labour as his apology? 

You will shred me into pieces if I take your name! 

Sneaky bossy abnormal riotous king! 

I hate you.

The thoughts vanished in silence when he saw the red haired Beta still standing in front of the omega's chamber. Jimin straightened up his posture and started walking with his head held high. He flicked his black hairs from his shoulder and looked right into Beta's wide eyes.

Yoongi was stunned, he hadn't expected to see the Prince at such an hour with such a glow on his face. He watched as the omega rolled his eyes at him before turning and knocking on the door. 

"Jungkook didn't demand the food. He isn't hungry." Yoongi tried to deliver as the Empress had strictly instructed him to not stand here and mop around his chamber not long ago.

"I have developed a habit of hearing loud noises, try raising your voice at me again." Jimin said with a bored face and waited for the omega to open the door when silence surrounded his mate. 

When the door opened, Jimin didn't even let the omega open his mouth. He practically shoved the tray in his arms till Jungkook's elegant finger caught it and smiled brightly," The chefs have come up with a new dish and they seek your approval, Luna. Please taste it and tell me the results." 

"I'll be off now. I ATE too much actually. Have a peaceful night, Jungkookie." He cupped Jungkook's cheeks in adoration and then he was out.

Out of sight out of mind. 

Jimin will sleep off this embarrassment, he swore on the sullen face of the Beta. He didn't look back till he turned left and hid away in his chamber, closing the door loudly behind him.

Jungkook looked back at Yoongi with a confused frown on his lips, the Beta shrugged his shoulders and was about to stand in his previous position again when he stopped by the sound of heavy footsteps. 

It was hoseok. 

Who looked like a mess with ink all over his hands and despair in his eyes," Come with me." He bowed to the Empress before grabbing the wrist of the red haired Beta. 

Jungkook watched the couple as the commander dragged the Beta out of the Royal hallway," What's happening in this palace? I need to leave my chamber soon." He mumbled slowly as he walked inside his chamber and placed the tray on the floor.

Yes. Jungkook has transferred from his bed to the floor while reading, he doesn't remember exactly when but now he is sitting on the floor with a dish that has awakened all of his senses with its delicious aroma.

He checked the lock of the door once again before uncovering the plate from the bowl. The aroma had Jungkook close his eyes. It's kind of a soup. He concluded. When he tasted the soup, his eyebrows went stiff. As he took another sip, Jungkook saw heaven approaching his soul. 

"What is this?" He murmured to himself when a long stripe caught his spoon and curled around it before falling into the soup again. He hurriedly picked up his chopsticks and rolled the noodles around it. 

He blew the noodles a little and his mouth engulfed the chopsticks, using his teeth to chew them slowly. He hummed in concentration, the flavour of garlic was too good. He slurped the noodles without taking breaks in between, loading his cheeks to nibble slowly.

The books were long forgotten on the floor as Jungkook's mind reminded him of the onion soup of his Ajumma. A melancholic smile spread on his lips when he emptied the bowl entirely. 

The food left his heart and soul full of life. But his stomach still grumbled in hunger. It needs more. 

He gulped the last taste of soup and contemplated on whether he should go down or not. No one will be out at this hour of the night, he should have some optimistic thoughts. And it could be possible that chefs have saved some of it. 

Grabbing his high hopeful wish, Jungkook opened the doors of his chamber oh so slowly. His one arm had a book pressed into the armpit while the other hand was holding the empty bowl. He looked to the right, the Alpha's chamber was closed. He looked left, the entire hallway was empty to walk freely.

He slipped out of his chamber and didn't slow down in pace till he saw the open doors of the kitchen. There is more. His nostrils flared over a big smile when he saw a big pot of noodle soup, he couldn't help but shriek in happiness. 

He carefully pushed away the cover by the ladle and poured some more in his bowl. Should he go back to the chamber? What if he needs more? After a bit of hesitation, the omega decided to sit on the floor. He kept the book beside him and sipped the soup with a flavoursome smile on his face.

Although the noodles had become less chewy, the soup was overpowering its flavour. He moved his head to left and right while nibbling on the large stripes of the spaghetti. He enjoyed the soup till it's last sip. When he finished the third bowl, Jungkook knew he should depart to his chamber now but he literally just ate too much to move around.

So he opened his book while sitting on the same spot, the light of the kitchen helping him to read clearly. 

The humble night of the month was truly protecting the omega from heat because if he moved his head to the ceiling even for one moment. He will catch the Alpha sitting on the hanging beam of the ceiling, watching him with amused eyes. 

The Alpha was eating his meal silently while sitting on the centre table in the kitchen when his ears picked up the running steps of the omega. He concealed his scent immediately and climbed the nearest beam of the ceiling. 

Now he is watching the omega, bowl forgotten on his left thigh, gaze holding Jungkook's smile as the centre. 

He rested his back on the slides of the beam and a tug of lips happened at the corners of his lips. It was a feeling of granting a piece of happiness to the omega and he realised something deep into his soul…he wants to pick more pieces now. He wants to provide more just so he can witness that scrunch of nose and peek of pearly white teeth again.

After two nights of agony, His heartbeats eased and the pain in his chest reduced into the boundaries of the pouch. As if the contentment on the omega's face swiped off the venom and his smile spread a magical ointment on the scar.

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I loved all of your reactions and comments on the previous chapter, it was my treat to enjoy💜.

I'm really excited to led this story to it's next level.

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Good night, lovely readers. Happy read💜.

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