Let's follow some rules before diving into the new chapter;
1) Some scenes are fast-paced and some have slow moments. But they hold importance so to avoid confusion, kindly read slowly.
2) Grab the pillows and water.
3) At one point if you want to scream, don't do it loudly.
4) Heartily Thank you for 9k💜

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The commander of the Eclipse was escorting the Empress towards the Royal Library in the rush hour of the day. His steps were steady as compared to the soldiers running around him. Behind him, Jungkook was following the commander while accepting the frequent greetings of the soldiers. The last day before their departure to the western land seemed too short to breathe into. 

The crowd of soldiers who were speaking and ordering around to check all the necessities for their departure appeared too occupied to be disturbed yet a simple appearance of their Luna…and everyone knew how to conduct their utmost behaviour. The Commander understands their rush, after all, who wouldn't want to finish all the duties before spending a handful of hours with their loved ones? 

The orders of decree say that the Alpha wouldn't be taking all the pack soldiers with him, only the chosen ones will have the fortune to fight the war alongside their Emperor. 

But Hoseok’s sharp eyes could detect some sneaky soldiers who seemed too stubborn to let the war troops leave without them. The commander sighed as he listed a new chore of making them understand how their presence could be required in the palace as well. He understands their fierce protectiveness for the Emperor and the other Royals but the decisions were taken by the Emperor himself and if the Royal Alpha wants some soldiers to retain their pride and stay back in the palace then no one can disobey him.

Two days back when the Royal Alpha announced the roles of their moralities for the upcoming weeks, every person was present at the premises of Eclipse grounds. 

Hence it was decided that The Royal Empress, Royal Highness along with his noble mates would accompany the Royal Alpha on the journey to Western Land. People were concerned, and they still are… but the Alpha was polite to assure them that all of them would come back soon. 

With the promise of meeting once again, the Alpha had adjourned the courtroom to lead the duties on his own accord. Everyone had shown their agreement at that moment but now as the day of the departure has fallen above their heads, some of the soldiers are raising their voices to go on the war as they have gained this dignity by heritage to serve the Emperor, dead or alive. 

Before this small outburst of the soldiers can raise a hindrance in war troops, the commander needs to talk to them. 

They entered the Royal library which…by the goddess grace… was as quiet as ever. He leads the Empress to the large table where the map of Western Land was spread upon, “Our troops will follow these territories that are coloured with red, Your Empress. His Majesty wanted me to show you this Map so you could get familiar with the path.”

Jungkook flattened his palms on the Map and his eyes darted from the starting point to the end, “How much time will it take us to reach there?”

The Commander clasped his hands in front of his stomach, “Without putting up the breaks in between, the troops can reach within one day. However, if we take a pause in between then the duration will solely depend on it.”

“How come we aren't passing through the Salva River? I thought it was important for us to cross this river before reaching the Western Land.” Jungkook pointed his finger at the splashed blue colour which came off far from the red lines on the Map.

The Empress had just finished the last training session of the day, the sweat was dripping from his front red tresses as he breathed through the scarf that was covering his face from nose to neck. His training clothes were profusely sticking around his body. Those questionable eyes were pointed towards the Commander and Hoseok was aware that he would be questioned like this after all the Empress had outrageous geographical knowledge. 

“You are right, Your Empress. But this time the river is in spate due to a lot of rain. It could be dangerous for us to cross the river in this season so the Alpha has decided to choose the route of Apex Dunes. This route will take us three hours later than the previous one but it will be safer for the troops.”

Jungkook’s lips left a sigh of relief before nodding his head. He walked to the chair at the front and thanked the Commander who was quicker to pull out the chair for the Empress. 

Jungkook sat on the chair and untied his scarf. He breathes freely by pressing the back of his palm on his sweaty upper lips. Soon a flask of water was placed in front of him. He looked at the commander and smiled in gratitude, “Thank you, hyungnim.”

Jungkook turned his attention towards the map and couldn't notice the blush going higher on the tip of the Commander's ears. The Commander coughed, heart blooming in pride as if swallowing his entire chest in it. 

Hyungnim.

He can't wait for the moment when he will brag about this to his Sugar as he is not the only one who has the privilege of being the Empress’s hyung now.

Unaware of the Commander’s turmoil, Jungkook’s eyes were digging holes at the spread-out map, he was reading it thoroughly. The Royal Alpha had mentioned the importance of the routes they will be taking for the departure of the troops. 

They will start the journey from the Eastern gate of Eclipse, then by passing the Silver Bow pack they will cross the barren desert of Okaws. The North axis of Okaws will lead them to the forest of Blue Moon pack. Once they pass through the western territories of Blue Moon, the mountain range of The Great Goddess Wall will start. 

Before entering The Great Goddess Wall, the troops will get divided on the basis of their shifted forms. The werewolves would accompany the Royal Alpha and under his supervision they would cross the first mountain of the range. The second mountain of this range happens to be the Chinra Mountain through which they will cross the territories of Western Land. 

On the contrary, the military troops will be led by the Commander and his mates in their human forms. They will enter the Western Land by crossing the Gigere forest. 

The Royal Alpha has decided to settle his stay in the footings of Mosnic so it will be easier for him to look over the lands more efficiently. In Jungkook’s perspective, the Alpha’s plan is strategic and complies well with all the needs of their companions. 

His finger was tracing the red line on the Map when he noticed the Commander was still standing behind him, he couldn't help but question him immediately, “ Hyungnim? What happened? Don’t you have to visit military chambers?” 

“Eh. Yes, Your Empress. I have to visit the soldiers before the troops settle to leave for the journey.”

Jungkook nodded his head as that's what the Commander had told him before, “Then what's occupying the Commander’s time? I wonder if the Alpha has instructed you to read out the Map for me.” 

The smile on the Empress’s lips was worth being teased like that so the Commander shook his head lightly, “ No. His Majesty hadn't given me any commands on that topic. We are aware that people of Lunar are good with directions. Actually, I wanted to ask something if the Empress allows it.” 

“What is it?”

The Commander clasped his hands a bit more tightly, his posture straight when he talked to Luna, “I wanted to ask if His Majesty has decided something on the pairs who would lead the pack from front and back.”

A sudden frown surged on Jungkook’s brows, “ Alpha hadn't told you about it?”

Hoseok couldn't help the sudden disappointment that his heart felt at the Empress’s question, “So… Has the decision already been made?”

The light nod of Luna's head made the Commander tide a step ahead in urgency, “ May I please make a request, Your Empress? I know it's disgraceful to change the already decided judgement for the Majesty but it will be just my humble request.”

Jungkook has never seen the Commander being this eager for something before and it doesn't settle right in his mind, “ What request, Hyungnim?”

His words were deprived of hesitation when he spoke in the most earnest way possible, “ It doesn't matter the position of leading but I want to be paired with my mates. This won't be their first war…I am aware but their presence around me will assure me of their well beings. It's not admirable for a military commander to be this concerned but it's not something that falls under my control.” 

The concerned features of the Beta for his mates brought a smile to Jungkook’s lips, “Well. If it helps then I must tell you that the Alpha has decided for you to lead the front troops along with your noble mates.” 

And finally, In the span of the busiest past week… Jungkook has finally witnessed the relief on the commander’s face.  Does this protectiveness of mates run the same in all ranks? He didn't ask the question and continued his talk while reading the Map, “But of course, it's only till we reach the Western Land. After that I don't know how the positions will change.”

“Yes, Your Empress.” The Commander bowed in appreciation, “The departure has a long journey ahead, there are some packs and dunes we need to cross so I was worried that scenting them alone wouldn't help my protective instincts. However, the region of Western Land is more closed off so I won't be much worried.” Or It could be the only excuse the Commander’s mind could find to stay close to his mates before the horrendous war began.

The Commander’s reason, nonetheless, made the Empress’s nape hairs shiver in the cold. He looked at the Commander with warm wide eyes, “Is scenting important before leaving for these kinds of troops?”

The question caught the Commander a bit off-guard as he was sending links after links to his mates, informing them about their joint responsibility. He collected himself together with a deep breath, “ It solely depends on our instincts, Your Empress. For me, scenting my mates before leaving the palace provides an emotion of belonging, a place where I wish to return soon. For Sugar…”

Jungkook blinked as the Commander coughed a bit and continued, “ For Royal Guard Min, scenting us provides an authority over his possessions. Royal Highness gains peace and protection while casting his scent on us. If one chore provides serenity to all of us then it should be doable in my opinion.” 

A part of the Empress longed for such emotions but then he noticed the Alpha’s rings around his own fingers, face flushing at his another failed attempt of returning them to their real owner. He was supposed to give them back before he left for the grounds in the morning but it seemed that he had failed once again. 

The rings fit around Jungkook’s fingers as if they were made to belong there only. And it was his third attempt to wear them with a thought of returning them to the Alpha. But the thoughts flew through the air as soon as he started talking to the Alpha and then both parted ways for the duties of the day. 

He pressed his lips in a thin line, accepting his failure with all respect. From his peripheral view he watched the Commander who was smiling while looking at his face, “Is something on my face?”

Hoseok took a step back and bowed once again, “I shall take my leave now, His Majesty asks for my presence at the grounds. But I would like to comment if You can pardon me for it later.” 

Jungkook gave a nod of his acknowledgment before gazing down at the Map. 

“You are glowing, Luna.” 

The Empress’s head sprung towards the Commander, his eyes widening not expecting to hear such words. 

“Ever since the night of the old library’s revelation, we all have been very concerned for you and His Majesty. I would not contemplate on the thoughts further but It makes us happy to see you much healthier than before.” 

Before the Empress could comment on his words and hid his flushed face, the Commander moved past the table. As the rapid steps of the Commander become distant, Jungkook’s mind starts raising the memories of the tree house. His eyes were stuck on the red line but his heart took him on the peaceful journey that he had been living for the past four days. 

The days where his wolf learnt the art of swimming from his mate, spent enough time together to adapt the skills of harbouring his breaths in and out of the water. Jungkook could feel the pride of his wolf through their bounded souls. 

Then the memories of the nights afterward…squeezed his heart in the worst way possible. He can still feel the tightness of the Alpha’s arm around his waist. He comes to know that the Alpha doesn't hold… He grabs. The way he grabbed him by his waist and held him against his chest after every passing pain of his shift was enough for him to melt in his embrace.

Their talks were changing from being extremely formal to careful ones. That thriving voice of the Alpha when he asked Jungkook about his well-being after each shift… These bare memories had Jungkook bury his face right into his palms.

He calmed his rising heartbeats and sighed heavily into his hands, raising his palms over his eyes to wipe away the dizziness of the eyelids. 

Pure souls are often cold.

A bashful grin spread on his lips as he remembered the talks Kookie shared with him. Van seemed similar to his human in learning the behaviour of the omega, he appeared to be as observant as the Alpha.

How could they be so alike? Jungkook wondered and his wonderment made him presume what their mates must think about him and his wolf.

His bones were becoming habitual to the bending and breaking and it delivered him immense comfort because if he hadn't gained the power of shifting, it could have become his weak point during the war.  But now that he has conquered the pair, he doesn't have anything to be distressed about. 

Well… apart from the well-being of the people of the Western Land. The Alpha has received reports from the land which looked much worse than before.

The Reports?

Oh. Jungkook recalled that the Alpha had told him to read the reports during their walk back to the palace in the morning. The memory made Jungkook rise from his seat and stroll towards the Alpha’s desk where a large accumulation of reports were piled up. 

He picked them one by one to read out their titles and found out the one he was looking for. He was about to arrange the other reports back on the table when a blotched drawing of someone caught his attention. 

He placed all the reports on the table and picked the one from which the drawing was peeking out.  He pulled out the rough sketch, it seemed to belong to a prince, the crown and the cuffs around his collars screaming his position out loud. 

Jungkook tilted his head and squinted his eyes to look closely. The image looked familiar but he can't pinpoint the exact name of the Prince. He opened the report and his lips parted at seeing the title of the report. 

‘The Pack Usaru ’

His mind ran through the memories and Jungkook recognised the male in the sketch immediately. But still… he wasn't able to concede the importance of this picture on the Alpha’s desk amongst the other reports.

The time passed as the omega kept looking at the title of the report. His eyes bulged out from its sockets when he recalled the memories of the night they had spent at the southern territories.

Have you ever kissed before?

He gasped at the insolent question of his own and shut the report close on the table. He had noticed the writing of the report, it surely belonged to the Commander of Eclipse.

Remember his name?

His pack?

Jungkook flinched away from the table when he heard the voice in his head once again. How come the Alpha finds out this Prince? No..Why is he searching for him in the first place? Why is there a whole written report about him on the Alpha’s table? What is the Alpha trying to do?

His thoughts were going haywire all around the library as he strolled back and forth. He couldn't understand the need of the Alpha to go through such measured aspects to find about a person who once tried to… to force a kiss on him?

Is this the only reason? Or that's the way of the Alpha to show his protectiveness towards him?

Jungkook rejected these thoughts before they could bubble a big theory and make him believe in it. He would rather occupy himself on the standard issue of the war than play these heinous thoughts again and again. 

The door of the library opened and a guard entered with his eyes focussed on the floor, “Your Empress, the Royal guests of the left wing expressed their wish to see you before the departure.” His one was clutching the sword around his waist while the other hand was clasped behind his back. 

“I will soon be joining them during the mid-day feast. Thank you.” 

Jungkook watched as the guard bowed and left the library. He picked up the report that was required to be read and went back to the marble table. He saved all the thoughts of anything other than the preparations of the departure back in his mind. He needs to focus on the matter in his hands rather than distracting his attention. 

~

Jimin folded his hands into his lapels as he watched the last batch of the goods leaving through the Eastern gates of Eclipse with a bunch of soldiers. The heavy chests include the necessary accessories for the Royals to use for their stay in the Mosnic. However, they aren't going on some valuable voyages where they can use jewels and their robes to reflect their position as the family of the Emperor. He is aware that they are going on Western Land where people are getting injured and abused, where the possibility of a war is way higher than peace but they are born to maintain conversations in between bad and good.  If they are looking for any accord in between the Strays and Western Land to avoid the damage of war they will need to show their power. 

Strays are hungry hunkers, for them power includes status, wealth, possession of gems, lands, large governance and the connatural abilities of wolves. Jimin can't show them all during one or two meetings, he can't even take much but he surely can't make them feel superior over them on any level. So he packed all the necessary things with focused planning, outlining every kind of future situation. 

He looked to his left where his brother was standing with a blank expression on his face. His eyes were watching the same path as him, “When will we be leaving with the troops?”

Taehyung eyed his brother before focussing on the road again, “ At the first dawn of the day, howls of the soldiers will alert the exact time.”

Both of them turned around and walked back to the palace grounds slowly. The Sun was blinking at the shore of the west, getting prepared to disappear from the axis when Jimin decided to have a talk with his brother, “Where should our first stop fall during the journey?” 

“We will have only one stop, at Apex Dunes.”

The name of the place made Jimin halt in his steps, his eyes understanding the cause even before his mind could wonder, “Are you sure?”

The Royal Alpha gave a nod of acknowledgement and both of them continued their walk, “ The Dune will be colder at night but safer to change positions without the chances of attacks, we will have to avoid dense forests as much as we can.” 

“I'm not concerned about that matter. What I was implying is that, it's not the only reason that you have chosen Apex Dunes as our stay of the night, is it?” Jimin asked.

The Royal omega looked full of disruption when he looked at his brother.

“No.”

“Have the conditions gone so severe that you had to bring- that - with you?” 

Taehyung could sense the concern in his brother’s voice so he decided to elaborate more, “The witnesses of attacks indulge the presence of some outer energies, we never know what we have to deal with once we reach there.”

“You mean… wizards?”

“I can't be sure just yet but something is supporting Strays on an essential level. A lost pack who was struggling to keep up with their food and water suddenly has enough courage and resources to challenge three packs at one time. If the conflict must be held in between Strays and Western Land, it could be more understandable or it could fall into their reasons of letting out frustration but they included the tribes of Mosnic and Chinra… the oldest tribe of werewolves. They can't be foolish enough to not know about their strict traditions and barbarous punishments yet they decided to invade their territories.”

The Royal omega mulled over his thoughts, there must be something behind their sudden fearless ambiance, “You are right. It's questionable. Will you be going there alone?”

Jimin couldn't help but feel unease at the mention of Strays. The chances of avoiding the war are already nought to null and no matter how hard he tries to forget the warnings of his father, everything seems to be surfacing on their path in a very twisted way. 

Taehyung slowed down his steps, his grey eyes wandered on the ground before he got a glimpse of the Empress going toward the left wing, changed from his ground gears now the omega was wearing a deep blue hanfu, hairs swaying from left to right as a pair of ribbons holding half of them up in one knot. 

He turned his gaze and looked at his brother while contemplating his thoughts, “I am thinking of asking for the companionship of the Empress. I believe it's time for him to know more about my present than my past.”

The features of the Royal Omega changed historically into shocking ones. Jimin looked at his brother and he controlled himself as a big smile tried to bloom on his face. It's not the time to poke the beast in the eye. But his eyes conveyed the pleased emotions of the omega, “I support your beliefs. He will be the right choice for you to visit the caves of the Apex Dunes. Much importantly, he should be aware of such things that you have achieved for the betterment of your people, the things that authorised you as the Emperor of the Eclipse.” 

Taehyung couldn't assess any particular answer for his brother. He doesn't want to take the omega with him for boasting his accomplishments, he just wants him to accompany him for the sole purpose of companionship. 

In the last few days, he has observed the omega more deeply. He has seen the omega’s condition deteriorating with time, less to less. But right now he was noticing the Empress in a very different light, beside his divine virtues he saw changes in his energies around him, and they were improving for the better. 

And what is the possibility of any harm if he spares some wishful time of the day for the omega? It's not for the therapeutic purpose of the omega’s ailment, nor does he want to fabricate his attention just for the sake of it.  It's not something that he wants to do for the omega or something that he should do for their bond. 

All he wishes for is to know the Empress more.  

On genuine terms. 

He wants to see his reactions and calculate all of his judgments towards the deeds that he performed in the past, in the present and might decide in the future. He wanted to learn what aspects of life affect the omega more. From all of their time as courted mates, the only thing that the Alpha has concluded is that the Omega has a fear of separation. Its roots run deep in his blood and it couldn't be only because of his past departure from the Eclipse. 

There is something more. 

And as much as the omega wants to know about the Alpha’s past, Taehyung doesn't want anything different either. He wants to know about every speck and log that the omega had spent in his unique journey of twenty-three years. 

He wants to provide a parchment paper to the omega, a paper which is as white as the moon and as empty as the sky and then he wants to hand the omega a pen filled with ink to write their conversations on the drained-out pages of their lives. He wants to let him assemble a personality of his own so that Taehyung could specify what kind of person he is.

It wouldn't be effortless, he knows. But if his minimal efforts can bring the omega more at ease, more comfortable around him to speak and explain his thoughts then he might work on such efforts. He knows that he hasn't been excused by the Omega yet, but if they could live past the emotions and stand together against the war for their people then he couldn't expect more from him.

Taehyung noticed the Royal Omega going pale while drowning in deep thoughts, “What? What are you thinking?”

Jimin looked at his brother as if he just got yanked out of a deadly trap, he gulped his shallow breaths before looking at his brother in sheer guilt, “Before coming out for the last inspection on the goods, I was at the left wing with healers and there… Father said something and I don't know if I should express this in front of you or not but it indulges the Empress so…”

His breaths quivered with slow vibrations when he watched those blank eyes glaring down at him. The glint behind those eyes changed into the shadow of darkness when the Alpha turned his attention towards him. 

Jimin knows that furious glint, has witnessed it for a long part of his life and now he has to explain what his father had been warning him for a while. 

“He said that an unmated omega shouldn't be taken to war. I tried to argue a little but all of my defences were declined by his strong belief in some tradition. He is adamant on his thought that either you should mark Jungkook before leaving together for war or leave him in the palace.” 

Jimin watched the palms turning into fists before Taehyung turned and exhaled harshly, “ Now he will teach traditions to me?”

“Taehyung, his concept seems baseless. We don't have to act on it. But he has raised these discussions many times in front of me and now I can't help but feel nervous about it. I’m afraid to enrich vileness around any one of us just because we decided to be ignorant of it.” 

Being an unmated omega himself and having taken part in tons of wars, Jimin doesn't believe in the words of his father. 

However, he could never take a risk when the question was about the Empress’s safety so he decided to share it with his brother. But now watching Taehyung’s silence turning into a boiling anger was making him regret it.

The Royal Alpha tried to overlook the words he just heard from his brothers. He tried. It's nothing new after all, the former Alpha always had a say which reflects his ideology ‘cruel but true’. But it was before centuries when he liked to hear these phrases, now he doesn't find any significance in these meaningless words. 

Foolish utterances of a fool should be quoted in bold letters for people to avoid them specifically. 

But the thoughts of seeing the Empress walking towards the left wing crossed his mind and suddenly the whole view of dismissing that foolish talk died down to the drain. His jaw clenched when he took the first step towards the left wing. 

The Royal omega’s mouth fell open in horror when he saw his brother going towards the left wing. Is he going to confront their father? But Taehyung doesn't like to see the former Alpha’s face, so…what changed?

Jimin needs to stop his brother, they already had a war over their heads and he doesn't need one in his own house, “Taehyung, stop. Listen to me, we can deal with this in another way. Hold on.”

He attempted to follow his brother but his hanfu kept coming in between his legs whenever he tried to rush his steps, he huffed and clutched his skirt tightly to hurry behind the king who seemed too far from him now.

The soldiers on the gates of the left wing squeezed their swords tightly when they saw the Royal Alpha approaching with a wild look in his eyes. 

The Alpha’s black suit had a sharp and pointy deep neckline, beneath the suit he was directly wearing a waistcoat without any shirt which showed some glinting chains gleaming on his golden skin. The belt loops of loose pants were occupied with a golden sash that had a tailored knot over his left hip.  The black pants were covering his thighs and hovering down to the boots very elegantly. 

The ground seemed thundering beneath the sharp steps of the Alpha or maybe it was their hands that had started to shake behind their backs. 

They quickly mind linked the other soldiers about the arrival of the King and looked down. Something is wrong, the Royal Alpha appeared to be furious at something. 

“Disperse.”

A brush of harsh wind flushed past their bodies as they shivered on their positions before scrambling away from the building. The voice of the Alpha echoed against the empty walls of the palace and soon a bunch of the healers strolled out while bowing to the Alpha. When they looked back at the entrance of the left wing, their eyes could only catch a glimpse of a black cape which was draped around the Alpha's shoulders.

Taehyung went inside and didn't stop till he reached the second turn of the hall where the room was occupied by the Royal guests. When he entered the room, a dead silence got spread in all the corners. His eyes searched for what he was looking for and soon found the Empress standing against the footer of the Davenport. However, the omega wasn't looking at him, his back was turned and his eyes were situated on the former Alpha rather stupefyingly. 

His mother looked at him first, face deprived of all smiles and filled with concern or fear? His eyes sharpened when Madelyn put a hand on the former Alpha’s shoulder and asked him to stop talking. 

What was he even saying?

Jungkook couldn't believe his ears when the Imperial Majesty asked him not to leave for the war or get a mating mark on his neck. What kind of absurd choice is this? Are the herbs acting negatively on the Majesty’s brain? 

The sudden pressure of the high decrees left him standing in his position utterly dumbfounded. 

Ever since he came to the Eclipse as the Empress of the Empire, he hadn't felt this pressure. The pressure with which he spent his days and nights living in Lunar, the pressure which kept him deprived of numerous fateful things, the pressure which stopped him from experiencing the basic emotions of nature, the pressure where his voice gets buried under the orders of his mother.

The pressure which reminds him of his mother. Or maybe it's not the pressure alone, it's the fear that comes laced with the anger of being such a coward that he couldn't even raise his voice against the unjust.

Jungkook’s teeth clinked together as his eyes stared at the Imperial Majesty pointedly. 

Either get a mating mark or don't leave for war. 

Don't leave for war.

Stay at the palace.

Don't leave for war. 

The more the Former Alpha’s words echoed in his head, the more his grip around the dagger tightened. 

Don't leave for war. 

Means separation.

Separation from his mate?

No. 

Stay at the palace.

Lonesome palace?

No.

Jungkook didn't know but his breaths were turning harsher and harsher, a burning lava was bubbling inside him, seeking a rupture to burn each and every minute thing around the room. His throat was burning and he knew whatever he might spit out today, it won't be having any place in the list of Royal etiquettes and behaviourism.  

But Jungkook isn't a coward anymore. The passing days of Eclipse have shown him how to raise his voice when he truly doesn't like something. And as the Alpha has said about him, he isn't a man who would engage in any forceful remorses. 

Biting his tongue with his canine Jungkook put his feet forward to deal with the Imperial Majesty when all of a sudden his vision was covered by a broad back. A black cape collided against his chima as the person hid his entire body just by standing in front of him. 

Jungkook blinked back the anger to realise the presence of the Alpha in the Imperial’s chamber. His eyes went wide when they matched with Madelyn’s horrid ones. 

‘As long as he stays away from my eyesight, I won't oppose your decision.’

Then How come the Royal Alpha is standing here while facing the Imperial Majesty? He could only see the Alpha’s back and wasn't quite able to look over his face. He watched as the Alpha’s hand came behind to rest on his back and he noticed the clenched fist almost immediately. 

“Old habits, die hard. Aren't they?”

Jungkook dragged a step back when the iciness of the voice slashed apart all of his jumbled thoughts. The chamber was drowning in silence, only if eyes could recreate the shadows of battle the chamber would have filled with noise. Imperial Majesty changed his position to sit a bit straight against the headboard before leaning onto it. His eyes were locked with his son’s raging orbs, he had a calm expression on his face and about the Alpha… Jungkook hasn't seen his expressions yet. 

He moved towards the Alpha’s left and stood beside him, he tried to look towards his face but when the Royal Highness barged inside the chamber while heaving on short breaths he decided against it and looked at the Royal Omega rather miserably. 

Jimin was beside his brother the next moment, his hand holding Taehyung’s upper arm in a tight hold, “Let's not do it, please. We have to leave for the Western Land-”

Taehyung raised his hand in the air and the only voice that was echoing in the chamber diminished in silence. Jungkook glanced at the Alpha and gulped when he found his intense gaze fixed on the Imperial Majesty. His brows were slanted flatly and it was making his face appear to be more serious. 

“The nonsensical talks are rising high in the left wing, you should be careful with rumours, Mother.” Taehyung’s eyes took a glimpse of his mother before glaring down at the former Alpha.

“Back in my time, people had chosen death against calling their traditions nonsensical. The time indeed has changed.” The Imperial Majesty said as he looked back at his son. He felt the pressure on his shoulder again, his mate trying to convey a message of staying calm.

“No one needs to validate someone’s awful thoughts under the mask of traditions. A mere guest won't tell me what is a tradition and how it works in my Empire.” 

The temperature of the chamber was rising, air suffocating the lungs in the pressure of raging pheromones. If the Alpha was spitting fire, the glint in the Imperial Majesty’s eyes was surely provoking it to the next level. 

“It’s an Emperor’s trait to always listen. As far as I'm aware neither the rules have changed nor the duties of an Emperor.”

Jungkook bites his tongue again, he really doesn't like how the former Alpha was talking in front of the Royal Alpha. Were these the true colours of him? He could be faking the injuries just to be a hurdle in the works of the Alpha, or worse maybe he was deceiving his own mate because from the expressions of the Imperial Highness, he doesn't want more than his mate to shut up. 

“Listen to whom? An outcast?” Taehyung asked, his neck tilting and eyes taunting the sitting Alpha.

“How could marking your own mate be harder than battling a war? My thoughts solely confine concern for the people of Eclipse, they won't find another Luna again. Won't they?” Imperial asked.

Jimin was stunned at his father’s words. He had never seen him being this dismissive, what is he getting by asserting such thoughts in his mind? 

Taehyung took a step ahead with raging eyes, “Dare you say his name again and I won't hesitate to drop another power of mine.” 

Jungkook’s feet have turned into thick stones by now, no matter how hard he tries, or how hard his mind encourages him to approach the Alpha, his feet keep standing on the same position rigidly. 

“Mark you say? Mind you elaborate how your mark protected my mother when he ran through the forests while bleeding down to his legs! How your mark helped him when he was on the verge of dying just because your grandfather decided to walk on the path of some traditions!” His voice was crossing an octave with each sentence, the Royal Alpha was aware but those nonchalant eyes of the former Alpha were inviting him, even waiting for him to break out. 

That's not easy anymore. His face, his dignity, all of his talks are as spoiled as the mud on his shoes.

Imperial Majesty turned his head away, the crinkles around his eyes hardening as he glared towards the open window of the chamber, “The past doesn’t-”

“Aren't the traditions rely on its glorious past, trusted by the folks enough to make sagas of rituals? Do elaborate. I would like to hear a chunk of excuses.”

Madelyn rose from the bed and stood beside it, “Taehyungie, please try to be a little calm. He doesn't mean-”

“I'm old enough to know the meanings and intentions behind his conversations. I heard he was discussing these things for a while now and you didn't mind to seal his thoughts then and there. My apologies mother but the moment he mentioned my mate, he crossed the line!”

The Royal Alpha gazed down at the former Alpha again, “What? Have no excuses? Could you recall the justifications you have delivered in front of your grandfather to resist the smouldering of infertile omegas?”

Namjoon shuddered in his position when a sharp gust of memories of his past rushed into his mind. His white hairs were coiled around his shoulder in a long braid. The words of his son weren't hurting the male but they were surely bringing back some hideous remembrances. 

“I hadn't think that you would compare some harmless traditions with noxious rituals of-”

The next booming voice of the Royal Alpha made Jungkook realise that he indeed had less patience than him. The disrespect carried such venom that he denied the miserable looks of the Royal omega instantly. No. He wouldn't try to approach the Alpha when he was clearly dripping with burning flames. 

“Just say what you had said that time! None of this matters to me.” 

The urgency in Madelyn’s walk when he touched the Royal Alpha’s bicep was evidence that anything could happen in the next moments if the Imperial Majesty didn't compile his words soon. 

To the grace of the Moon goddess, he found his voice soon, “ Traditions exist because we exist. Traditions can only decide the way of living, not the life of an individual.”

Taehyung moved his hand away from his mother’s touch, “ You better know how to stay by your words then. I don't consider my mate less of a man who would need a mark on his neck to protect himself or the people of his clan.” 

He glared at the former Alpha who had a sceptical look on his face before turning around and storming past the door of the chamber, “I would appreciate it if you take your cure and leave the palace soon.” 

Jimin and Jungkook left behind the Alpha, leaving the chamber in isolation.

Namjoon stared at the empty door for a while. He proceeded to lay on the bed, his wounds were aching by sitting in one position for long. His eyes wandered all over the white ceiling before they fell closed with a small smile on his face. 

“Ah… He finally made eye contact with me.” 

Madelyn sat on the footer of the bed with a sigh, his hand touching his chest as he inhaled some deep breaths, “ You need to stop doing these pranks! I was scared for a moment that he might tear your wounds apart.” 

The chuckle that left from the former Alpha’s lips didn't fit the silent ambiance of the chamber, “ That would raise more reasons for my stay. What's wrong in wanting to see my son before his departure for war?”

Madelyn shook his head and flicked his Alpha’s leg, “ We could greet them farewell to the Eastern Gates.”

“He wouldn't have looked at me there. This was much better, I was so close to earning a touch.” 

“Not touch but a punch for sure. You are turning into an insane person day by day, Mio. Even Jungkook will agree with me, you traumatised that poor soul, I'm sure he was reconsidering his decision to invite us here. And why did you use Jimin like that?” Madelyn wasn't angry but his Alpha could have used some consideration towards other people rather than creating such dramas. 

No wonder whose dramatic qualities their omega child has inherited.

“My Minnie is my lovely child, I didn't use him but I know who could have concerns similar to mine.” 

“You used him. And he better not be aware of this in the future or he will get hurt.” It wasn't a statement but an order that Madelyn passed onto his mate. 

He walked to the window in hurried steps, “I hope Jungkook won't go behind Taehyung. He has a habit of lashing out his anger on others.” 

The smile spread enormously as the Imperial Majesty shook his head fondly, “ Had, my mate, had. He doesn't seem to have one now.” 

~

As soon as Jungkook stepped out of the left wing, he noticed the distressful turn of the weather. Giant gusts of wind had taken over beneath the heavy clouds, the lapels of his hanfu understood the pattern of the wind and started to glide with it. He raised his elbow to see clearly in between the dusty air, his feet weren't stopping at all after finding the lost strength. 

His nostrils flared as the wind made him lose track of his mate, he could inhale that smokey scent of burning wood inside the chamber just fine. It was a new fragrance for Jungkook, a bit suffocating but he didn't remember anyone who smells like this when they are angry. But now he doesn't have a clue where the Alpha has gone. 

His eyes were trying to look everywhere as he made a run towards the warehouse. The weather was indeed changing for the worst, he knew that it's the end of the rainy season but instead of settling up for the transition, it's turning into something bizarre. 

Trees were leaning down due to the harsh wind, leaves making noises of sudden hustle and bustle. From afar, Jungkook saw the horses ruminating on gram and jaggery inside their open stalls in the backyard, nonchalantly. Their eyes were closed as if they didn't want to be disturbed by the weather, the only witness of the weather were their hairy tails which were drifting along with the wind.

Jungkook’s feet led him to Artax before his eyes could catch a sight of him, “Have you seen the Royal Alpha?”

Artax didn't raise his head above the food bucket but his hairy tail pointed towards the left in the air. 

He thanked him before taking a run toward the woods. The forest gets denser similar to the clouds above his head but Jungkook runs through it all till he reaches the large banyan tree. The opening of the cave has become larger due to their frequent visit, he climbed on the high dune before entering inside the cave. 

The darkness welcomed him with a sharp hiss of snakes, he closed his eyes and clutched the chima before running towards the end of the cave where the source of light was visible as the shining dot. 

His heart was thumping widely against his ribcage when he crunched on his knees after crossing the cave. 

He ran, ran and ran. But his nostrils couldn't pick up the scent of the Royal Alpha. He followed the path of greenery which led him to the treehouse. 

Where has the Alpha disappeared?

Disappeared?

What if? What if he went out of Eclipse to clear his raging thoughts? Or what if he emerged on the Western Land directly?  But Alpha has a pack to lead, he wouldn't do that.

His cluttered thoughts were creating all kinds of scenarios in his head. He bends on the first staircase of the treehouse and rests a bit. His breaths had turned uneven, he hugged his waist before catching some whiffs for himself. 

Jungkook focused on his breathing as he heightened his hearing towards the house. He could only hear the dangling of lamps and fallen leaves colliding against the house. When he didn't hear any short sound of the Alpha, Jungkook bolted towards the path of red leaves. 

If he doesn't find the Alpha on the lake, he would have to mindlink him. He doesn't want to disturb the peace he must be seeking but if he doesn't hear from him soon, his mind will explode. 

The red leaves were creating a whirlwheel with the wind on the path. It appeared to be a bit lusher as the path started to become more curvaceous and Luna entered in the storm of leaves with his head first.

His eyes saw nothing at all. His clothes were flowing in all directions, and his hands were raised in front of his face to protect himself from the hasty attack of leaves. His hairs were flowing along the wind and a bunch of the leaves had taken shelter inside these tresses. 

His feet measured all the miles and reached the entrance of the lake, Jungkook emerged out of the storm of leaves and coughed out some dust that was resting on the tip of his tongue. Many red leaves were attached to his blue hanfu, no matter how hard he jerked the clothes, they weren't sliding down. 

He forgot about his clothes when his eyes looked around the lake. His lips parted and his heart pumped with beats when he saw the Alpha standing on the shore of the lake with his hands clasped behind his back. 

He sighed in sheer relief, eyes not living the sight of the Alpha as he satiated the hunger of his lungs. 

“Alpha.”

~

Taehyung’s lips altered in a snarl when he left that chamber, noises of people rushing and running were buzzing all around him. He could have taken a walk towards the Royal Lake but he knows his pheromones must be high in the air, it often creates a suffocating ambiance around him. He shouldn't spoil their last night because of his own dusky attitude.

So, the Royal Alpha decided to walk towards the forest lake. His head was filled with fog, a fog which could only be released by murdering a body that was lying in his palace’s left wing. The only thing that’s stopping him is his concern for his mother.

His fists were so close to destroying that calm face till it bled and only flesh remained behind. The former Alpha shouldn't have to have this opinion but he would surely make it up to create another load on his way.   

Taehyung raised his one foot to step inside the woods but it landed on the shore of the forest lake instead. 

His lungs expanded when the icy breeze of the lake touched the pores of his skin. The weather was changing, the wind was picking up on the dust of the soil before raising it high in the sky, rejected by the heavy clouds it would soon be flowing in whirl wheels. 

In the grimy environment of the lake, he could still see the mockings of the former Alpha. What does he think of himself? Even after centuries of modification, His face still carried the grimace just as before. His thoughts were still as unpleasing and sardonic as they were on the night of his exclusion from the pack. 

But if he thinks that his vicious methodologies would bloom into a flower during this visit, then he might crush his entire existence before that happens. When things were between him and the former Alpha it was avoidable, he didn't have to intervene like this in the past but if he thinks he can give orders and suggestions for the Empress and their bond then hell doesn't have to wait long for him. He can pass the judgement with his own bare hands. 

He felt a high pressure on his vocal cords, burning the windpipe with each inhale. His veins were visible at the back of his palms as he strained his hands behind his back. 

Memories after memories flashed right in front of his eyes as the Alpha watched over the gregarious lake. Its once silent waves were now soaring past the shore, touching his boots before reverting in the backward direction. 

Once in a while… silent thing roars. It's the law of nature. Showing its presence, the existence where its emotions hurt, breaks and falls apart in the depths of the abyss. It roars to scream out the pain that it held since the start, the pain of watching everyone passing one by one, the pain of upholding a position without any motion, the pain of everything and nothing, the pain of existence and demise. 

So when the silent things roar, Taehyung likes to listen to them. He often discovers many emotions through them, about their existence, their life. 

The pressure was rising high and high and no matter how hard he wanted to take part in their roars, the anger in his veins was too much to let out. 

Such anger that wants to destroy these silent things for once and all. Such anger that doesn't know the words of mercy of life, just knows how to feed the hunger of extinction. 

He plucked out the ties of his cape and threw it at the back as his eyes started to  flicker in between golden and grey. Memories after memories, dizzy and misty memories, hidden in between the stones of centuries. Taehyung looked up and the heavy clouds were ready for the downpour but still, there wasn't any rain yet. As if they are waiting for someone’s permission. 

He kept his eyes on the clouds till the moisture started brimming at the back of his eyes. The pressure was about to crush his vocal cords but he kept his mouth shut tightly.  

He can empower these emotions. He has centuries of experience, some mere talks of hostile people can't irk him this much. 

But as soon as the dusty wind and downpour were about to merge, he heard a feeble breath behind his back.

“Alpha.”

Jungkook’s heart stopped beating when the Alpha turned and looked at him with a sharp glare. But what stopped the air reaching his lungs wasn't the fluctuating colour of the Alpha’s eyes or the glare thrown out towards him. It was the misty grey eyes that he had never seen before. 

They were a few metres apart from each other but Jungkook hadn't felt such longing before. The burning scent reached his nostrils and it brought him solace along with suffocation.  

Jungkook took some steps ahead wanting to close the distance as soon as he could but stopped when the Alpha retreated a step back. His eyes widened, fear emerging throughout his entire body. 

Rejection? 

Separation?

Enclosure? 

Jungkook wasn't very good with putting words on emotions, he didn't know what they were called but he could feel them. And right now he is feeling as if the Alpha was trying to conceal himself behind the grubby ambiance of the surroundings. 

But why? 

The fear penetrated all the tiny fences that he had created to protect himself from the Alpha and its sudden pull made him run right into the arms of his mate. 

Taehyung was only able to retreat two steps back when his shoulders were encircled by a pair of strong arms and head aligned with the neck of the omega. 

He squeezed his lips shut when the pressure of vocal cords started knocking on his tongue, his fingers dug into Omega’s shoulder, trying to push him away from his body. 

The sudden tightness around his heart was burning down all of his thoughts, he wanted to breathe but the arms around his shoulders were suffocating him more and more. He tried to push the omega again but Jungkook was adamant, he secured a hold around the Alpha’s waist with one hand and brought his other hand over…to close the Alpha’s eyes. 

“I didn't see… I won't see them.” Jungkook said as he hugged the Alpha closely, “You don't have to hide them from me.” 

He could feel the Alpha’s stoic body being as rigid as the pillars of the palace. But he knows how to keep his grip over the pillars as well… he has much experience. However, He could feel many sensations around his body which he hadn't felt with the pillars. 

Now he was inhaling the burning scent right from the origin and instead of suffocation, it nourished him with the essence of warmth. 

The pokes over his shoulders died down as Jungkook kept standing against the Alpha, as much as the closeness was making him light-headed, the moisture behind his palm was scorching a part of him.

They were standing in the lake, the cold water was reaching up to their knees but his fingers were burning with the moisture of Alpha’s eyes, his soul felt a gut-wrenching pain… as if the entire world was melting down behind his palm.

He pushed Taehyung back with his own body, dragging their steps deeper into the lake. He kept pushing him till the Alpha gave up and their bodies fell into the rising waves of the lake.

The moment their bodies touched the water, clouds shattered the downpour above them.

The force of the sudden plunge made Jungkook slip away from Alpha’s body. However, he felt a pair of hands grabbing his waist almost immediately. He kept his body relaxed to save up his breaths as their bodies floated up to the surface. His hairs were wrapped around the Alpha’s right arm as he swam them along the waves.

Taehyung found the land under the lake to put his feet upon as it wasn't much deeper. He made the omega stand in between his arms as both of them inhaled sharp puffs of breaths. 

Jungkook’s hands were resting on the Alpha’s chest as he fed upon the need of his lungs. Both of their lips were parted, his eyes were observing the Alpha, the redness under his eyelids hurting him more than he could measure. He cupped his cheeks and brought their heaving chests together under the water. 

“Are you still in pain?” He asked slowly. The downpour was turning wild around them, loading the lake with excessive water as well as soaking the forest. 

Taehyung blinked his eyes deliberately as his hand travelled towards the back of Luna’s waist before reaching up to his nape. His thumb stroked the lobe of his ear before shaking his head, “No.”

He brought him close by his nape and hid the omega’s face under his neck…similar to their past four nights, “Are you?” He asked back. 

Jungkook sighed into his neck despite supporting numb legs, “Not at all.”

His eyes fell closed when he felt the Alpha putting his forehead on his shoulder, the fear washed away from his thoughts along with the rain before drowning in the water.  

His fingers slipped from Alpha’s chin down to his chest before spreading around his back. 

In between the chills of cold water, their bodies were burning with the unsaid intimacy. Jungkook wasn't sure if his legs were standing straight or melted away in the water as all of his weight was supported by the Alpha. 

He shivered unknowingly when Alpha breathed just under his ear, “ Why did you run after me like that?” 

Jungkook snuggled his face till his nose reached the treasured spot, a gush of warmth struck his face as he replied, “I thought you might disappear again.”

Taehyung pressed his lower scalp gently, pruney fingers threading past the wet fringes, “ Why does the first thought of yours have me disappearing?” 

Jungkook didn't want to enforce his thoughts this way, he didn't want to come out as an untrustful omega but he couldn't help this fear. He doesn't know its origin, its beginning poles, its survival, its ending. He just knows the feeling of being isolated, unattended and forgotten. 

“I don't know, I'm sorry.” He doesn't want to disrespect the Alpha by doubting his whereabouts. 

In between the blustering of their surroundings, Taehyung picked the sentence which was laced with guilt. But now he knows that this guilt doesn't belong to his past, this guilt won't hurt him like before. This remorse of the omega held concern for him, not misery. 

The level of the water was reaching up to their shoulders when they decided to pull away, “Would you be able to swim to the shore?”

The torrents of the rain were getting sharper and sharper, they should rush towards their shelter. Jungkook pushed his hair back and combined them in a knot, “Yes, I will follow you.”

“No, You lead. I'm behind you.”

Taehyung wiped his face and threaded his hair away from his forehead before following the omega. They stumbled on the shore and pulled themselves up on their feet. 

“The thunder seems to bring a hailstorm, let's hurry.” Their run was agile but they were making progress with each effort of pushing their bodies forward. 

“To the treehouse?” Jungkook asked for confirmation. 

“Hmm. The closer, the better.” 

He received a big smile in return and then the omega led the path ahead of him. He couldn't reckon the reason behind that smile but he followed the omega closely. And as soon as they change their path towards the greenery, small globes of ice start falling on their heads. 

“Don't stop running, we are close.” Taehyung encouraged and then the lightning flashed in the sky with a loud boom. 

“How will we leave with troops if it goes on like this?” Jungkook asked as he dodged a couple of hailstones.

“We can't. We need to wait till it gets better.” Their feet thumped on the wooden stairs of the treehouse. Jungkook quickly opened the door and Taehyung closed it as soon as he stepped inside the house. 

Both of them were standing on the threshold of the house as they huffed out of their breaths. Jungkook’s back was leaning against the wall while Taehyung opened the shutter of the furnace to flamed up the fire. 

The ignited fire spread its illumination around the wooden house, painting the two people with its orange hue deliberately. Both of them were dripping down to their toes, they discarded their shoes in one corner and picked up separate towels to dry up their hair and skin from the dribbling moisture.

They picked separate corners and changed their clothes without turning their faces in another direction. Understanding the need of the weather, they know they don't have the luxury to occupy the room all for oneself. Taehyung stood against the wall after changing his clothes till he heard the soft thumps of the Empress going towards the furnace.

He stashed his wet clothes in the corner and turned around, the Empress was sitting on one side of the futon, his palms were spread towards the fire seeking the warmth of the flames. The omega had a towel on his lap and when his hands retrieved the essential warmth to perform an effort, he brought all of his hair forward and started to tap the towel to drain the remaining water. 

Taehyung picked up his own towel and settled on the other corner of the futon. Outside the house, the blustering of hailstones still continued but inside of it… the silence was comfortable. The Alpha’s hair drained quickly but Jungkook was still struggling with the leaves stuck in his red long hairs. 

Jungkook’s hand gave up when his wrists tangled up in between his dishevelled hair.   

The Royal Alpha’s hand reached towards the other end of the Omega’s towel, “May I?”

Jungkook looked at the Alpha and sighed miserably, “They shouldn't create such hassle, it's making me feel frustrated.” 

He thanked the Royal Alpha in a whispered voice before facing the closed window of the house while turning his back towards the Alpha. Taehyung tugged at the towel till it slipped out of Jungkook’s lap. He dabbed it gently on the tips of the hair first while picking the leaves one by one. 

Jungkook bit his lips, mind immersed in several thoughts but he won't ask for any reasons this time, “Thank you for opposing the Imperial Majesty’s suggestions. It was shocking for me to see him talking that way.” 

Taehyung’s fingers reached a bit high on his hair lengths to pick some strands away to find the hidden leaves in between them, “ There was a reason I didn't entertain his presence.” 

Jungkook hummed while eyeing the blazing fire beside him, “His talks were very irrelevant. How can someone suggest a sacred rite of marking when people are dying in attacks?”

The Royal Alpha realised that while bashing on the former Alpha, he hadn't acknowledged the opinion of the Empress, “ Have you considered his suggestion?”

Jungkook turned his face sharply, he wasn't looking at the Alpha but his face was halfway turned towards him, “Of course not! Certainly not when our minds are too occupied with other things.” His face turned back to its original way in a swift motion, “And we are not ready to achieve that bond. Don't you think surging such activities can ruin our accomplished peace? I would never trade our conversations for a mark.”

Taehyung’s skilled hands were working on Luna’s hair finely, he dabbed the towel on the top of his hair after tucking out the last pair of leaves, “ Hmm. It was an attempt at disrespect, people often tend to impose their suggestions when things aren't going according to their demanded pace.” 

“But I hadn't expected that from the former Alpha, his character seemed far different than what has been explained in the book. I caught on to some bits of what you were talking about when you mentioned the old traditions, it's about the massacre of infertile omegas. Right?”

“It was a bloodbath. Mother had taken several years to come out from the nightmares of those times.”

Jungkook felt sudden pain for all the omegas who lost their lives just because they were unable to raise a new life. How cruel that time could be to kill those innocent omegas who weren't even aware that their death would include one of their physical inability over which they don't have any control. 

His chest became heavy as he looked down, “ Can we change the subject of the conversation? Let's not go into the details of that past.” 

The unease was evident in his voice and Alpha understood it, it's not easy to surpass a generation who has hated your rank to the point of decision to demolish it from its existence. 

“Tell me about your past then,” Taehyung said as he used the towel on the wavy strands. He untied the band which was holding half of the Empress's hair and the volume of the hair doubled. 

The sentence threw Jungkook off, his voice showed surprise when he said, “My past?”

Taehyung spread the towel in his palms and captured the hair from the lower scalp before dragging it down slowly to make them linear, “When did you attend your first war? How was the experience?”

The questions made Jungkook turn towards the Alpha fully, his hair sprawled around his shoulder, slipping away from the Alpha’s hold but they looked nicer in shape and a lot drier than before. 

“But you have said that you had read me through my thoughts when I was sleeping. So… Is there anything that you don't know about me?”

Taehyung put the towels behind him after wiping his hands, “I read the important aspects of your life, not all. Only the memories which had left their impressions on you. They weren't related to your emotions or stored memories that you would remember again and again. They were just the happenings of life, it doesn't tell anything about your character.”

Jungkook’s eyebrows raised a bit as he nodded his head when the Alpha continued, “So if you want to share some of your experiences, I would like to hear them.”

Jungkook unfolded his crossed legs and brought his knees closer to his chest, his hands hugged his legs as he placed his chin on one knee. The feeling was strange… he didn't expect the Alpha to be interested in his past. He didn't have many memories but if he can surely answer some of these questions. 

“I… wasn't allowed to step out of my pack house. But since childhood, I had a habit of sneaking out of the pack with Yoongi hyung. So… when the Hunaq pack declared war on us, I requested Yoongi hyung to let me take part in it as all of my practices were already done. But He denied.” Jungkook huffed as if the memories were still offending him. 

“I kept distressing him till he suggested a combat duel. I accepted and defeated him for two rounds then true to his words he took me to the war, after polishing me with scent depressants of course.” Jungkook smiled but gulped when he found the Alpha staring at him intently. 

“Do you know why King Humail had declared war on us?” Jungkook asked, not knowing if the Alpha had read about this or not, it wasn't even an important thing to remember.

“The one who proposed to marry you?” Taehyung asked back.

Jungkook looked at the rising flames in the furnace when he couldn't hold the intensity of those grey eyes, “Yeah, that one. When the Queen denied his proposal, he took it on his self esteem and declared war.”

“But you know what’s my favourite part in that war?” There was an excited grin on his face as he put another wooden log inside the furnace. 

“What?”

“I defeated that scum with my own sword! When I ruined his eloquent pride, I gained unaccountable satisfaction!! 

“And you know for winning my first war Yoongi hyung gifted me a white mare. She was so gorgeous! She was a filly when a met her, I named her Whisper. She is-”

The Royal Alpha kept listening to the omega as he started to share the details with keen enthusiasm. He didn't know that it would be this easier to hear the omega talking about himself, sharing a piece of his life that he kept hidden. His mind started to make scenarios where he imagined a younger Jungkook winning a war, ruining the pride of a prude and receiving a white mare… the second friend of his life. 

~

The night arrived and darkness enveloped the remains of hailstones in its ambiance. The rain was still pouring in light showers and Taehyung had alerted the troops about the dilation of departure. They will leave in the morning, instead of dawn. The wait of a few more hours would be better for analysing the changes in the weather. 

The window of the treehouse was now open, a chest was placed right against it. The chest was covered by a thick futon where Taehyung had found a new seat to sit and look outside. 

Behind him, The Empress was making some cherry soup by hanging an iron kettle on the slanted rod of the furnace, the kettle was stuck on a hook, giving the needed fire to make the soup. Jungkook melted some hailstones for water and dropped some of their restored cherries in it. The sour and sweet soup would definitely fill their stomach for the night. 

Their conversations remained light today, filled with comforting questions and arguments. The omega wouldn't lie if he said that these conversations were becoming a treasured part of his life. Nowadays he has started to read those grey eyes of the Royal Alpha, he sees the rare emotions, and can transform the movement of his eyelids into a stretched-out sentence. They weren't there before…something has surely changed….for good. 

But today, the distress of the Alpha was noticeable from afar, he didn't mention his sudden outburst at the lake but it makes him sad that there is certainly something which is occupying his mind and hurting him.  

Now too, he can see the Alpha gazing out of the window, buried deep in his thoughts that he dodged to share with him. 

Is it something related to the troops? Or his talk with the Imperial Majesty? 

Taehyung watched over the palace of the Eclipse, the silence was spread around the pack house. All the hustle and bustle of the day was finding quietness in their homes. 

His mind wants to seek that silence too which appears to be filled with some spirits of worry. Worry… for whom? And the reason walked up towards him after covering the kettle with its lid. 

“What are you thinking?” The Empress asked. 

“Nothing.” His tongue has rehearsed this word for centuries, it wasn't his fault. 

Jungkook sat beside him and flattened the corners of the futon, “I thought we decided to share the things that bother us.” 

Taehyung stood up from his position and his right hand came forward to clutch the sill of the window, “ Just the words of the former Alpha. I don't want to impose his pessimistic opinions but they are playing in my head bit by bit!”

His hand pressed his thumb on the still so hard that a pattern of veins appeared on the back of his palm.

Jungkook placed his hand on the Alpha’s shoulder and stood beside him, “Are you worried about me?”

Taehyung bit the side of his lips as he turned to the omega, “Hadn’t I said I care for you?”

This habit of the Alpha of replying to his question with another question brought a small smile to his face. His eyes showed such warmth that Jungkook wasn't sure how long he would be able to stand in front of the Alpha before melting on the floor. 

“It couldn't be because you doubt my skills. So… what’s the root of your worry?” 

Taehyung shook his head and looked away, “I am not aware. I haven't felt such concern before.” 

Jungkook stared at the Alpha for a long time. What? Why does he never think before expressing such honest remarks? He blamed the flames of the fire as his body turned red for no reason at all. 

Jungkook brought his hand back from the Alpha’s shoulder and hid them in the lapels of his hanfu, his fingers intertwining in utter nervousness, “Are you… are you feeling territorial?”

When Taehyung looked back at him, Jungkook was eager to explain, “ During the field visit you had said that it happens with mates. They often felt territorial. I wonder if it could be the case.” 

All of his breath squeezed out of his lungs when Taehyung left the hold on the sill and looked at him fully, his head was tilted, eyes were watching the omega intently. 

“If so?”

The chilled breeze of the night raised the tiny strands all over Jungkook’s skin or maybe it was the gaze of the Alpha which was keeping him frozen in one position. The only part which wasn't frozen was his tongue so he decided to use it. 

“Scenting helps.”

When the Alpha closed the distance between them, Jungkook wanted to take a step back but his feet remained frozen on the floor. 

Taehyung holds his jaw with his fingers, making the cheeks of the omega puffed up in between the spaces, “If you are suggesting what I am thinking, you should not.”

His lips got puckered when the hold of his thumb tightened on his jaw. Jungkook’s eyes were blinking as he stared back at the Alpha, “ Why?”

“I can hurt you.”

Jungkook didn't withdraw from his position but he held the Alpha’s wrist in support, “ You have done this before too and you haven't hurt me.” He reasoned.

The thumb caressed his jaw before dragging the touch under it. Jungkook’s face raised high, exposing the wake of his bare neck, “Are you sure?”

The Royal Alpha could see the bobbing throat of the omega, visible collarbones hidden under the white robe, “Yes.” Jungkook could only see the woods of the roof as his head was thrown back. 

His shoulders raised when he felt warm breaths just below the base of his throat. Alpha’s nose was touching the bob of his throat, making his breath stuck inside. His waist got grabbed by the other hand of the Alpha as the nose was replaced by a pair of lips. 

Jungkook’s hand slipped from the Alpha’s wrist and fell limply against the lapels. His eyes blinked fast when the thumb pressed his jaw in the other direction, revealing his scent gland. 

The Alpha dipped his nose to drag the puffs along the pale skin of the Omega’s neck. He could hear the rising heartbeats of the Empress, pumping on the beats of his short breaths. 

Jungkook lost all of his strength when soft lips circled his scent gland before pressing a touch on his skin. His eyes rolled back as rough sensations made his knees weak. 

The grip around his waist tightened to hold him in one place, Jungkook kept standing as the Alpha left his scent all around his neck.  

However, When the back of his knees touched the wooden chest behind him, he knew his spiritless body would fall any time soon. 

The Alpha inhaled the scent of pines and poured out his own. His nose moved around the skin, nuzzling the ear lobe before following the route of the jaw to reach the other side of the neck. 

Before he could touch the other side of the neck, the omega drooped his head on his shoulder. His body sagged as if melting away from his arms, He slackened his grip around his waist and the omega plopped on the futon of the chest. 

His lips were glistening with the saliva as he looked up at him, eyes gleaming with haziness. 

Taehyung lowered his body, hands landing behind the omega to seize his position on the futon. Jungkook’s hands clutched the sheets and raised his feet on the futon. Their eyes stared at each other as he dragged his body back. 

The Royal Alpha lifted his one knee and placed it on the edge of the chest. Jungkook’s back touched the sheets when the Alpha clambered the futon and hovered over him. His body was lying beside him, elbow supporting one hand while the other wrapped around the omega’s neck. 

Taehyung lowered his face when the omega exposed his unscented neck. Jungkook curled his feet on the makeshift bed of the wooden chest, dragging the sole of his feet on the sheets. His shoulders hunched when the lips exhaled warm breath all over his skin. 

Jungkook’s hands ran through wavy black hairs as he exposed his neck more. 

Drown in each other’s scent…none of them noticed the soup boiling out of the kettle. The scents were high in the air and it's making them lose their other senses. The soup swelled out of the kettle, now messing the wooden floor and soaking the burning wire. Unaware of such shambles, the couple remain soaked in each other’s souls. 

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If you wonder about the several changes of Taehyung's emotions at the lake. It was related to his past memories which will revealed later.

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