Dear lovely readers, the update is here 💜. The chapter crossed 21k words and became longer than I expected.

Thankyou for waiting with me. I hope you will enjoy the chapter.

Please read slowly. A lot of events are happening at once, to understand the sequences and the character's emotions, I would recommend slow reading.

______________________________

When the rain stopped, Jungkook found himself finally wearing the upper robe that Yoongi had left for him. His face was turned towards the wall and he was aware that just behind him, his mate was wearing his shoes while sitting on the ottoman. This presence, this moment provided Jungkook some time to collect his thoughts and his mind redefined the purpose of the Alpha's departure once again.

His thoughts carried assurance at the importance of his departure for the people of Western Land. These frequent attacks, the uncertainties and feared atmosphere needs to be eliminated from the people's life for once and all. His thoughts carried trust towards his mate to come back to him soon.

He will be back.

He will be back for us.

Jungkook prayed silently while closing his eyes before grabbing his sash and wrapping it around his waist to hold the robe in one place. He tied a secured knot and wandered his gaze to look for his hyung's hat. As Jungkook would no longer be wearing the scarves, he needs to wear that hat in order to pretend the image of the red-haired Beta.

However, Instead of finding that hat, his eyes found the Alpha tying the laces of his shoes around the back of his knees. The Royal Alpha has brushed down his used ruffled shirt and it was adorning his body perfectly, straight sleeked pants tucked under the gusset of shoes was making the Alpha look taller than his usual height. He was wearing a short robe over the shirt, its polished flakes resting just above the Alpha's knees making the look complete.

Taehyung rotated his body towards the mirror and his eyes got fixed into the drawer that was placed in front of the ottoman. Jungkook followed his gaze through the mirror and realised the concern of the Alpha.

“May I?” He proposed while looking at the Alpha through the mirror.

His question was caught by the Alpha's vision and answered through a nod. Jungkook moved on his toes swiftly as he turned towards the closet of the Royal omega and took out a pair of combs from it. He chose the wooden one and approached the Alpha before standing behind him.

Taehyung's unwavering gaze was still following the omega when he felt clammy fingers threading across his scalp. The touch grounded his neck in a specific way just so the fingers could glide more freely on his scalp. Eyes widening to keep the image of the omega under his vision. He didn't feel the ravelling of comb but the caressing of fingers till all the knots fell into resolved threads.

Jungkook blinked away the moisture from his eyes when he watched his fingers gliding through the soft lushes. The pressure was settling over his vocal cords and Jungkook knew he should start talking if he didn't want to dwell over his thoughts anymore and burst into another fit of crying. He swallowed the heavy weight of thoughts down to his throat and asked the Alpha, “Will you wear the crown for the departure?”

Jungkook didn't raise his head while asking the question so he didn't notice how the Alpha's eyes tilted to match his gaze through the mirror, “I have decided to not wear it.”

“Why? Hyungnim might not like that.” Jungkook asked in a quiet voice, knowing very well how the Royal Omega has packed all of their precious jewels to wear on the special occasions. He remembered how the Royal Omega exclaimed about the vile arrogance of the Strays about their authority over remarkable gemstones.

“Pure grief towards him but I will be visiting there as the negotiator between the two packs. If I bring my crown with me then it's a possibility that people of Strays might get an earlier perception of my inclination towards the Western Land. All of my words and my suggestions would be considered as biased and one sided.” Taehyung explained and his pupils dilated when the fallen eyelashes of the omega finally raised and his eyes matched with him.

Jungkook adorned a soft smile on his lips and gave a warm nod towards the Alpha before focusing on the luscious hair on his palms, “True.”

He brought the hair at the back and started to comb them from top to bottom. Now that he knows that the Alpha won't be wearing the crown, he knows exactly how he should be entitling the volume of the hair. The Alpha's hair has started to fall past his collarbones so some uneven braidings will complete the look entirely.

He kept himself busy when his fingers started to pick small portions of black hairs and braided them knot over knot. However, the Alpha's eyes were still stuck over the image of the Omega smiling towards him… That smile held something… which he was waiting to witness for a long time now.

Trust.

Belief.

Faith.

Words fell short to express the adoration of the Omega's eyes and when Taehyung finally looked upon the fingers of the omega, entwining the braids of his hair, he knew he would have enough time to pervade the void of his empty eyes. But in between the swirling softness he could see the moist lashes that were fluttering over the cheeks of the Omega every once in a while.

“Do you want to come with me?” He proposed because he has made this mistake before. The mistake of leaving the omega behind unattended, unaware and unconcerned. Truthfully, the Royal Alpha doesn't want to repeat even an ounce of his past. So when those moist eyes flickered with light, Taehyung answered them with an encouraging nod.

He would come up with new strategies for reviving the strength of the Western Land. Holding up the departure won't come out as a disrespect to Strays as they have received their reply after one full day as well. They can thoroughly wait some more for the negotiations and if not, they can declare the war as well. But the Royal Alpha ought to consider the wish of the omega or else he will be proven wrong to himself, to his promise.

He doesn't want to sabotage the emotions of the omega in any way, he had once thrived his fear of separation to such a higher milestone that the Empress still faces the outcomes of that fear.

Jungkook looked towards the Alpha instantly, eyes wide and betrayed by the glints that surged over his eyelids. But soon those glints flickered into soft waves when the omega shook his head in denial, “I don't want to withdraw myself from my duties as the Empress.” His fingers picked up another bunch of hair to start a new braid, “ You have assigned me a duty for the first time and it's not about the separation and departure only, it is about our people. I will… wait for you.”

Taehyung wanted to ask more, wanted to know about the thoughts he was having in his mind and he would only achieve that by talking with the omega, “ You have accepted me as your mate, An Emperor… You have to be stronger while waiting for me.”

Jungkook's fingers trembled while completing a braid and making a knot at the end. He glanced at the Alpha with a doubtful gaze, “Am I not?”

When their eyes match this time Taehyung didn't let the omega to move his eyes in order to finish the braiding of his hair, instead he turned towards his left while sitting on the ottoman and placed his feet forward till his knee touched the pants of the omega's hanbok. Taehyung placed his hand on his own left thigh and gestured to the omega to take a seat.

Jungkook's hands were hovering over the Alpha's head so when Taehyung turned towards him, his hands felt the warmth of his face. He looked down when the Royal Alpha removed his hand from his thigh, leaving the space empty to take a seat upon.

Jungkook's feet moved ahead when his hovering hands got captured by the Alpha and pulled his wrists till the omega took a seat on his lap, “Not enough, Luna. Conquering fear is much… much harder than a physical war. I am aware that my words won't be able to pledge your faith in me but I will… return to you. There wouldn't be any mishappening, mistrust or misfortune that would be tenacious enough to stop me from coming back to you.”

Jungkook wanted to say that he trusts his words, and wanted to say that his words, his presence were the only reason that he hasn't moulded on the floor like a mess yet. But his tongue was tied by a suffocating force so the omega could only nod his head. However, when the absence of words started raising doubts in those grey orbs, Jungkook pushed that force down to his throat and replied, “ I do have faith in your words but I guess… It's finally an opportunity where I can embrace my fears and conquer them.”

Taehyung placed Jungkook's wrists on his lap and proceeded to take out his sword rings one by one, “ I hope you are not forcing yourself while preparing your strength. It resides inside you, you just have to let it drizzle outside. A warrior’s strength is his best weapon but it won't remain fruitful if that warrior forces his limits without any precautions.”

Jungkook eyed the Alpha's fingers which were busy in removing the blessed stones one by one. The omega's confused glance changed into a baffled gaze when Taehyung clasped his hand and started to put the first ring in his index finger, “I will be leaving these rings in your care.” As a gift of departure. He didn't say these words, however, Jungkook knows this ritual by heart.

The omega was facing the Alpha while sitting on his thigh, a minute space in between their bowed heads when the second ring, the red one graced his big finger.

“How would you be able to use the Royal sword if you are leaving these rings with me?” Jungkook asked while his heart thundered when the Royal Alpha skipped his ring finger and put the last ring in his small finger.

“I won't be needing the Royal sword for the negotiations. There are ancient rules of Royals that a negotiation can't be moulded into a war. There should be a week difference between the war and negotiations so that both poles can prepare their best.” Taehyung explained with a calm face and tilted it when the omega's fingers started to braid the hairs behind his ear.

“Then the general of Western land must be accompanying your small troop.” Jungkook concluded because one can never negotiate the problems and achieve their solutions if the victim and assailant doesn't participate and put their thoughts together.

“Yes. We will be taking some soldiers as well, for the decorum of the court. As soon as the rain stops, they are ordered to unveil the boats to cross the river.”

Jungkook's fingers continued to cross the knots one by one while moving his attention on the hairs only. He tried his best to not show the indifference in his aura when the Alpha mentioned the time of his departure. He knows he needs to gain enough strength to defeat his fears but there is no way he would be able to do it in such a short time. He could feel the intense eyes reading his face but he covered his expressions successfully.

To avoid that gaze and buy some time Jungkook decided to abduct another topic out of the context, equally important as well, “How do you manage to persuade Yoongi Hyung to become a pretentious image of the Empress? Have you concluded the addressing abbreviation for his title?” He finished the braiding on one side and pulled back so that Alpha could tilt his head to the other side. But the Alpha kept staring at him instead, the same gaze surveying his face features without any hindrance.

Jungkook took the matter in his own palms and raised his hand before letting his fingers touch the Alpha's chin. He pressed the back of his fingers to the Alpha's chin and momentarily forgot what he was about to do next. The reason laid behind the eyelids of the Alpha, the engraving eyes enlarging till he witnessed his own reflection into them. His lips stuttered when a hand came around and secured his waist on the Alpha's lap.

The touch grounded the omega's notions, making his entire body hyper aware of his actions. Jungkook pressed his lips in a thin line, attempting to stop their quivering and turned the Alpha's head to the other side, saving his flushed face entirely from that treacherous gaze.

The Royal Alpha blinked his deceitful eyes, tongue coming out to swipe across the bottom lips when his upper cheeks got covered in a red hue. What kind of impolite habit is this? Where he even forgets to blink his eyes? and stares at the omega till he indulges the other in some intolerable situation.

He let his eyes blink one more time when those clammy fingers started to braid his free hair on the other side. His mind recalled the question that was left unanswered due to his incoherent manners.

“The first question isn't mine to answer. I am sure Brother-in-law will explain the reasons when he will be back from the negotiations. For the second question, Yes, I might have found a suitable abbreviation.” Taehyung's eyes now roam around the empty pavilion, peeking across the window to see the rain still pouring down in drizzles.

“And what could that be?” Jungkook asked. However his fingers were busy doing the work but the omega failed to hide the curiosity in his voice that peaked way too high than he wanted to muster.

“Your Worship.”

Jungkook didn't lift his gaze from his work but the smile on his face was enough proof that the Alpha finally got his approval. Deciding against tormenting the omega any further, the Alpha remained silent as his gaze returned back to its previous position. He read the omega more openly, the deliberate stretch of his lips in a light smile, captivating eyes following the gracious movement of his fingers.

When Jungkook rolled the last thread in a perfect knot beneath the braid, he looked up to inform the Alpha that he finished the work. But Taehyung doesn't need to look towards the mirror to see the results because the twinkling glints in those black eyes has now spread upto the brims of his eyelids. So he bowed his head in gratitude and thanked the omega.

Quiet footsteps were heard outside the pavilion but the Royal couple picked up the noise instantly, “Yes,” The Royal Alpha exclaimed while his hand remained seated around the omega's waist.

Two pairs of shoes entered the pavilion and stopped just behind the large curtains. Jungkook recognized those shoes as his body stiffened on the Alpha's lap.

“Your Majesty, the rain has stopped. As per the orders, soldiers are unveiling the boats in the river. The time of departure has come.” The Commander said and Jungkook could see his shadow bowing in front of the fallen curtains. His stiff back melted under the warmth of the Alpha's hand when Taehyung brushed his thumb over his hip.

“Bid the farewells then. I will be leaving the pavilion in a moment.” The Royal Alpha ordered and the Commander straightened his back but when both the pair of legs started to go out of the pavilion, Taehyung spoke again, “Brother-in-law must leave the pavilion with me. It will be more suspicious of the Empress to roam around the commander than the Emperor.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” The Commander said and left the chamber while another pair of feet that belonged to none other than the red haired Beta remained rooted to the ground.

“I shall take my leave now.” Taehyung said and successfully gained the attention of the Omega. Jungkook stood up from his position with a heavy heart but he soon stopped the Alpha from getting up. His hands hovered above the shoulders of the Alpha as the Alpha looked at him with muddled eyes, “You have completed the ritual of parting gifts in the form of the rings. Am I allowed to do the same?”

Taehyung closed his parted lips for a moment and then opened them to reply to the omega but Jungkook took a step closer to him, “ It would conclude my several prayers into one. My concern would be satiated.” He reasoned with affirmation before the Alpha could find some another.

“You don't have to ask permission, Your Grace. As an Alpha and as an Omega, both mates are allowed to bless each other with parting gifts. This right is truthfully yours if you want to.”  Taehyung said as he looked at the omega.

Jungkook sighed and moved his hovering hands around the Alpha's head, letting them drape around his ears as he came closer. Taehyung looked down when Jungkook bent enough to leave a token of love above the hairs of the Alpha. Jungkook let his lips linger above the black locks of the Alpha and whispered his prayer, “ May my Alpha have a safe journey.”

It wasn't some words that Taehyung had heard for the first time but it surely was his first time when the omega whispered these words right above his ears. Everything stopped for a moment, his breaths, his thoughts, his mind, his heart. Only the words of the Omega circulated around the Alpha till their echo resonated inside him. The words were conveyed by the omega in a lone whisper but its meaning carried the thundering sirens between them.

When the omega straightened his back and pulled away from the Alpha, Taehyung stood up on his feet almost immediately. Jungkook was looking down on his feet when he felt a light brush of fingers against his cheek, “Dear mate…” the hushed voice sent shivers all around the omega's face as he looked up, “Look out for our people in my absence and don't forget to take care of…”

Taehyung's eyes held the serenity of darkness when he whispered the last words. He moved backward and caressed the omega's cheek one last time before moving towards the curtains. He stretched his hand towards the red haired Beta who now had a short veil over his head. Yoongi hesitated briefly but then the hooting of boat loaders reverberated in the air, it's time. Yoongi nodded his head towards the Majesty and placed his hand into his own.

Both of them left the pavilion and Jungkook felt so relieved when none of them looked back at him because the second the Alpha left the pavilion along with the red haired Beta, Jungkook collapsed on the ground. Numb legs and mushy knees loosened his all strength, leaving him boneless on the floor. Jungkook underestimated the power of the Alpha so foolishly, he dared to think that he would survive the days and nights with him as his mate when he couldn't even survive a few words from him.

His trembling hands pressed around his lips in a shock when the words bounced around the walls of the pavilion and returned back to his ears once again, “Look out for our people in my absence and don't forget to take care of… my omega as well.”

Jungkook opened his mouth to engulf as much air as he could to regulate his heart and it's heartbeats. That doltish man, that… that imbecilic, that witless man had the courage to address him as his omega at the verge of his departure? Dared to leave him behind after announcing his belongingness?

My Omega.

The Alpha can't do that, he has to stop him. He has to stop the origin of his misery. Jungkook clutched the collars of his hanbok and moved from the floor. With wobbling feets he found the large hat to wear on his head. He tried to run after the Alpha but before he could step out of the pavilion, the omega realised something as well.

The lapels of the upper robe were falling apart rapidly. Jungkook tried to close it again and again but it couldn’t be detained in one place. When he looked down to his waist, he understood the reason as well.

The sash was absent.

Jungkook frowned in confusion as there are wits of memories where he has worn it around his waist, just a few moments ago. With hurried notions, Jungkook looked around the ottoman and the Royal Omega's closet but his sash was nowhere. However, he found some new ones and used one of them to tie the lapels of the robe back into its place.

Laced with confused thoughts when the omega tied the last knot around his waist, his mind stuttered at one memory.

Do I have the right to grasp that thing before my departure?

Jungkook hugged his upper body quickly and kneeled on the floor. What does that even mean? The goosebumps on the omega's skin turned into chilly spikes when he realised that it was the Alpha who had stolen his sash. When? How? All this while when he was sitting in the Alpha's lap, his inner shirt was on display?

His whole body flushed red when he recalled the intense gaze of the Alpha. No. His mate was only looking at his face. Yes. Jungkook pushed his face into his arms and hugged himself. He wanted to scream instead, wanted to run behind the handsome man and accuse him of his insolent behaviour.

But then. He has no rights. He is the one who has given rights to the Alpha to grasp that thing before his departure. Jungkook groaned in his arms and pushed himself on his feet. Turning around to look at the mirror, only to find his red face staring back at him in reflection.

Why does the Alpha have such an effect on him? Why does Jungkook struggle to breathe when his mate doesn't look at him and forgets to breathe entirely when he does? In reflection Jungkook noticed the shining jewels on his fingers and looked down at the rings. And finds the empty ring finger mocking Jungkook from all directions.

He bit his lips in desperation and wiped his face to focus on the time that was slipping past his enclosing fists. Jungkook tied the hat down to his chin and with one last look in the mirror, he left the pavilion with hurried steps.

After crossing some of the dense streets, he found himself stepping behind a huge banyan tree to look over the crowd of the people that were hailing the slogans of the Alpha's prosperity. He scrunched his eyes, tunnelling the vision until he found the broad back of the Alpha who was helping the pretentious Empress to step inside the boat. With pressed lips in accusation, Jungkook watched the Alpha commanding the troops.

The hailings of slogans roared high in the sky, praises and prayers were wafting from all the corners of the Western Land. And if Jungkook heightened the power of his ears, he could even hear the hushed whispers among the crowd.

May the Alpha conquer all the evil entities!

Look at the Empress, I always wonder when I will be able to gain even a fraction of his elegance?

They are holding hands, My husband never holds my hand in public.

I don't think holding hands are frowned upon in the Eclipse. Haven't you heard? Folks of Chinra witnessed the Empress sitting on the Alpha's lap.

What?!?

Yes. The noble head of the cookhouse told me. She said it was mesmerising to watch them together.

Have you seen the Empress? I mean, What kind of features does he hold to capture the heart of the divine Alpha?

None have seen him. But I think his features must be captivating enough if they have tied the vision of the Alpha solely to him.

When will they come back?

No one knows.

I just wish that they return before the celebration of the autumn moon festival.

Yes. You are right. We are finally blessed enough to celebrate this festival with the Royals but at what cost.

But his Majesty has ordered us to continue our routines until the dawn of the war is not decided.

How thoughtful!

But I won't be able to truly enjoy it if we have to celebrate it in the absence of the Royal couple.

Moreover, it will be Luna's first autumn moon festival right?

Yes.

I can trade on my fortune that His Majesty will prepare something special for his mate.

I agree. I can't wait to see. We all shall be able to witness it.

Only if they return before the day after tomorrow.

They will. Let's pray with our earnest wishes. In the midst of this dark ambience, may the Moon Goddess bless us with a joyful day!

*Gasp*

The Commander just hugged the Royal highness, have you seen that? Oh moon, I have witnessed everything in my life, such pure souls.

Look at the Royal Highness waving off his mate but where is the other one? What was his name?

The one who wears that large hat?

We haven't seen him today.

Will you please lock your mouths, His Majesty is saying something!!

Jungkook was close to turning into a puddle of mess when he looked above the crowd and found the silhouette of the Alpha. He sneakily passed the crowd and his big hat helped him to divert the crowd as people started to give him a clear path to reach the Royal Highness.

As soon as Jungkook reached behind the Royal omega, Jimin turned and locked his one arm with him.

“What happened?” Jungkook asked in a hushed voice involuntarily. They were standing on the shore of the river and easily catching the attention of the crowd when Jimin replied enthusiastically, “Nothing. We should match the energy with the Royal couple, shouldn't we?”

Jungkook looked around with a confused expression till he saw his hyung wrapped around the arm of the Alpha. Not wrapped. But linked indeed. And This is not how an Empress should behave in between the folks. He has never done something like this! Okay! Even when he did, He was never this clingy! Never! Right?

But if not? Why hasn't he done it till now? The Royal Alpha seemed content though… there wasn't any discomfort visible on his face. So all this while… it was allowed to hold Alpha's arm like that?

How spectacular!

The hailing around the land stopped when the Alpha raised his fist in the air. His observant eyes looked around the span of people that were wishing them fortune. He nodded towards the soldiers who raised themselves from bowing down. All the soldiers of Eclipse in the western land are aware about the pretentious Empress. And they explicitly know about their duties in the absence of the Alpha and the way they have formed a circle around the Royals, it seems like that they have understood it very well.

“Till the next dust arrives, be attentive and careful with your surroundings. I will be considerate to inform the Royal highness about the situational negotiations. The General of Western land will put the perspectives of all the folks during the discussions. The decision will lie towards the protection of peace and authority.”

He turned towards the soldiers and declared, “ Beware of the false news. Unless you hear the orders from me, none should feel restricted to any kind of fear.” The soldiers bowed to the Emperor for the last time before the Commander ordered the servants to pave the boat. Soldiers immediately freed the tremendous boat from its shackles. The clouds reverberated as if someone had rolled the drums all over the sky once again.

However, there was no evidence for rain anymore. With drifting gushes of the chilly wind, an unknown fear settled down in the pit of Luna's stomach. He watched with bated breaths as the Alpha moved with the pretentious Empress. He was helping his hyung to sit on the deck of the boat. With only his broad back in vision, Jungkook recalled the Alpha.

“Alpha.”

The boat has travelled far in the river now, some feets of distance visible from the shore. The misty waves of the river have engulfed the boat in its embrace, making it less visible for the folks. However, Alpha could hear the calling of the Empress from afar.

Jungkook became rigid beside the Royal Highness when the Alpha turned halfway and looked right into his eyes. It was hard for the people to notice the gaze of the Alpha because of the building mist around the boat but the Empress could see.

He could see those eyes looking at him with warmth and when those enchanting orbs captured Jungkook's attention entirely. He couldn't notice when the Alpha moved his hand to his pocket and took out a bundled sash. The omega flushed red when his eyes fell on the sash and something fluttery swirled around his stomach. It jumped up to his throat when Alpha started to wrap that sash around his palm, with each circle Jungkook wanted to leap into the river and would like to drown his body floating weightless on the water.

But his stomach bursts into tonnes of goosebumps when Alpha raised his palm and placed a kiss on the sash.

“God forbid my eyesight. I did not just watch that.”

Jungkook shrinked behind the Royal Highness when Jimin whispered it loudly. He pulled down the edges of the hat to hide his red face when his heart screamed, this man… this intractable man would not let him breathe even in his absence.

“I have never seen him enacting such a….”

Royal Highness couldn't complete his sentence when Jungkook took his leave and went towards the Gigerè forest. He is determined to complete his tasks before the dusk arrives. He can march up to the end of the spherical earth to escape from the Alpha's gaze. His legs picked up the pace when the Alpha's boat was no longer visible to the sight. His heartbeats slowed down when his mind brought back the memories of the pavilion.

You have to be stronger while waiting for me.

My Omega.

~

Kenji leaped down the tree when he finally found the cave where Nami was hiding. Or… meditating…. per say. His one hand was clutched around the pouch which carried the herbal paste for the blisters while the other was busy flicking his long hair behind the shoulders. He entered the cave unannounced, unexpected and unasked while the long lapels of his hanfu trailed around his ankles.

He found the wizard meditating in front of his oracle which was glowing with all kinds of spell charms, “You can't even take care of your borrowed skin and here you are having fun with this twinkling torch? Stop this.” Kenji announces loudly and circles a stone to approach the sitting wizard.

Nami opened his eyes and calculated the image of the Alpha from head to toe before closing his eyes once again. Kenji huffed and caught that glowing ball in his hand before it could glow again and held it against his hip with one hand, “Jimin has sent medicine for your hand. It's time to revive your hand's dead skin.”

He pointed out the hands of the wizard that were placed folded in his lap. And that's when Kenji noticed the straps covering the wound with some poor skilled wrapping. Nami opened his eyes again and replied calmly, “I will just get another skin.”

“Oh So you can raise the hazard of borrowing another skin but you refused to adjust your thick skull and take better care of this body? You can do everything but this. Right?” Kenji scoffed. His bitterness filled eyes accusing the wizard with open thoughts.

Nami was sitting on a stone to mediate the thoughts that he had started to dwell in order to secure the borders in the absence of the Majesty. But in the presence of this overbearing man, he knows he won't be able to do anything. He stood up from his position , making the oracle disappear from Kenji's hold.

“Move. I have to find the Empress. Gigeré forest needs deep analysis.”

But instead of moving away from Nami's path, Kenji took one step closer to the wizard. His eyes were boring holes on the poorly wrapped straps once again, “How did you get these blisters? It's not easy to trick an ancient wizard like you.”

I don't know.

Nami wanted to say but he gulped down the thought when those brown eyes matched with his gaze. He happened all over again, even after centuries, he is still weak for this Alpha. Denying the fact on its wake, Nami avoided those eyes and replied, “ That liquid was odourless which caused blisters around my hands. The entire forest was damp because of the rain. I thought it was water and…”

“And what?” Kenji cut him off in the middle and snickered, “ You tried to drink it?” Kenji keeps taking the steps ahead until Nami strives back and sits on the stone once again.

“I am serious when I say your spell needs deep revision because the Nami I knew can even trace the height of a falling raindrop… not just the type.” The angry lines on the Alpha's forehead triggered an outrage in the wizard. He used his wounded hands and pushed Kenji back.

“You won't tell me what I need to do. I have refined my spells every passing night of my life… alive or dead. You better take this medicine back, I can heal myself.” The wounds on the wizard's hands and the calmness on his face irked Kenji's anger more and more.

But he has sworn to not reflect his emotions on his face so he chuckled in response, “ Among us, You heal the slowest. And everyone knows that. Moreover, Do you think I will let Jimin's medicine get wasted in such a miserable way? Do you have enough thoughts about how much time he must have invested in this medicine for you?”

Nami's face was as stoic as his heart that has turned immune to these kinds of talks. Heart. Immune. He wished he had both by his side but if not then it must be the pain of the blisters that was reflecting in his heart or maybe the pain of his joints that occured after sitting on the stone for hours. But it turned out… the pain resides in the words that were leaving the Alpha's mouth.

Wishes.

A very fragile thing.

Nami hasn't wished many things in his life. But He did once. An unfulfilled, unaccepted and unspoken wish. Later, he craved that wish deep into his heart and let it fade with the time. But time… often ruins everything for him. It was the time when Nami used to have dreams, or one dream?

He blinked his eyes when Kenji twisted his fingers in front of him and brought back his attention down to earth, “Unwrap these lousy straps, I need to apply the medicine.” He declared and opened the pouch that holds the herbal paste without glancing towards the wizard.

Nami stood up from the stone and looked away from the Alpha before walking ahead, “Just leave it here. I will apply it myself.” His feet stopped in the middle when Kenji raised a hand in front of him to stop his movement, “ And if you could bless me to elaborate, how are you going to do that?”

Nami was about to open his mouth when Kenji raised his hand once again, “You simply can't until you have three hands, or a tail and as you have none of them I am here to help you. So accept my help and sit on the stone that's about to have an imprint of your ass!”

Nami kept staring at the Alpha with his stoic gaze, wondering where to put his belief that the man standing in front of him visited this deep forest to cure his hands or he is simply fulfilling the request of the Royal Highness. Of Course the wizard has more deeds on his sleeve to cover so the sooner this nonsense can finish the better.

He sat on the stone and unwrapped the white straps one by one. Half of the blisters were stuck over the strap and if one could ask Kenji, Nami was very… very inattentive while unwrapping them. So he tsk his lips and stopped the wizard in the middle before kneeling down against the stone.

Kenji used his slowest pace to unwrap the strap to lessen the pain of the wizard but Nami was just staring into space with nothingness… he doesn't feel pain so the question of it being less or more should be useless.

~

When Jungkook finally arrived at the forest, he realised the reason behind Stray’s jealousy towards the people of Western land who get to live on the right side to the Lavin river. The forest was indeed filled with the luxuries of nature, the hot springs, lavish trees laced with ripe fruits, the enchanting aroma of herbs, shining stones and the most interesting and suspicious thing… the amount of animals it holds in its core.

Jungkook arrived at the forest almost an hour ago and he has already witnessed monkeys, baby hippos, huge elephants, deer, some kind of birds that he doesn't exactly know the name of, rabbits, foxes and some alligators.

It was mesmerising how the scenery in front of his eyes captured his attention that he even forgot the dull ache present in his heart. He flipped the ears of a rabbit that was strolling around his legs when a squirrel climbed up to his arm and slid over his back. Jungkook let out heartful giggles at the squirrel's little jumping tactics.

However, the Gigeré forest left Jungkook in suspicion because an entire community of wolves resides around this forest. How come so many prey are able to survive here without satiating the hunger of werewolves? They could be the easiest prey after all.

“Nobody tries to harm you here, bunny?” He asked one of the rabbits who flopped on the ground immediately to accept the light scratchings on his stomach with little purrs.

“Because this forest is blessed with a boon.” When his question was answered, Jungkook turned around to find Sang standing behind him with a smiling Yunhee around his right arm.

“A boon?” Jungkook asked.

“A monkey boon. The protectors of this forest are these long tailed monkeys. We can only enter here in our human form or they will feast on our heads for breaking their territories.”

The information left Jungkook flabbergasted because he does know that Monkeys are territorial by nature. Yes, he has heard that before but their strength matches with the werewolves… this is something new that he has learnt on this journey.

“So… No one can hunt in this area?” He asked.

“Yes, it's strictly prohibited from ages. I don't know the exact treaty that happened between our kind but we respect their boundaries.” Sang replied while walking towards the Empress and that's when Yunhee sighed while noticing Jungkook's presence.

“Why? Are you hungry?” She asked the Empress while tilting her head towards her husband's shoulder.

“No. Just curious. It's rare to see such treaties which are respected by werewolves.” Jungkook expressed his thoughts but in the middle of his conversation Yunhee smiled towards her husband and nudged his stomach, “ Why don't we run around the boundaries of this forest?”

Jungkook could see how Sang's eyes smiled when they fell on his wife, “Will it be a race, sweetpie?” He tried to look away when the couple indulged themselves but his deprived soul wanted to appreciate the love around him.

“It could be. If my Alpha would be able to catch me.” Yunhee teased. And it came out as a surprise to Jungkook because the fewer times he has encountered the lady, he always found her persona stoic and serious but around her mate, her entire personality becomes questionable.

“It reminds me of your small feet. I can pounce on you with a single paw, my lady.”

Yunhee pushed him back and with staggered steps smiled widely, “ Barking is not allowed in this forest, Alpha.” She bolted towards the deep forest with an annoyed Sang on the toe. He didn't waste a single moment to follow his mate in the forest.

However, he twisted his body towards the Empress and yelled out, “ We will be around the territories, Your Grace. You just have to hold the right ring to call us.” He said while running behind his mate.

He was so focussed on his mate, Jungkook doesn't think that he has noticed the rings on his finger. How would he know that he has their rings? Does the Alpha tell them before leaving for Strays?

He strolled deeper into the forest to examine the boundaries when the nausea of blood hit his nostrils. Jungkook's body reacted swiftly to follow the awful smell of rotting skin. His hand came forward to push the bushes around when he diverted his path from the muddy road. This forest floor was more damp and dark and it leaves an unsettling urge inside the omega.

His omega heightened the power of listening and he stopped when he heard hushed talking of two people or more. Or maybe those were profanities. He passed the last tree to look forward when he saw Kenji scolding someone while putting his hands around his hips. While Nami was standing away from him with an expression so pitiful that Jungkook fought the urge to just punch Kenji.

He showed himself fully when Nami's skin started to glow differently, he can't bear to uphold another hazard in the absence of Alpha so it's better to just stop the happening before accepting its consequences.

“Your Empress.” Nami noticed his presence first and bowed in greetings while Kenji twirled around to roll his eyes, “You can't just roam around in this forest so openly. Taehyung will kill us if something happens in his absence.”

The words shouldn't affect Jungkook this much but in reality they did. His body warmed up when he let a small smile spread on his lips, “I can take care of myself, Brother-in-law. You don't have to be worried about me.”

“I'm simply not. But I'm worried about my existence more and…”

“I was admiring a meeting with you, Your Grace. I've been analysing this forest for two days now and it needs more attention than we earlier decided to.” Nami explained while cutting off the Alpha in the middle. Jungkook ignored the frustrated expressions of Kenji entirely and started to walk beside the wizard who picked up his steps right beside Luna.

“Why? Have you noticed something different?” Jungkook asked while eyeing the bandages around the wizard's hands.

“Yes. I have noticed the behaviour of these animals. Some of them react differently once the Sun sets for the day, their voices become ragged while the chirping of birds turns into constant sharp whistles. It's alarming because they are not attached to us primarily. So in my opinion they can only communicate with us through the sounds they make in our presence.” Nami expressed while clasping his hands behind his back. He didn't look behind but due to the sharp thumping of boots, he knew that the Alpha was following them silently.

“Your hands are the result of these night strolls, right?” Kenji grumbled behind them but both of them ignored his advances and kept walking forward.

Jungkook's nostrils flared at the smell of blood once again, the same rotten smell of skin. His hand tilted his hat as his sharp eyes examined the place thoroughly. The wounds of the wizard are covered entirely so this deep pungent smell of blood can't come from the blisters, “What is this smell of blood?”

Kenji was in front of them in a breath with his predatory eyes raking around the surroundings, “What smell?”

“A rotten skin with blood all around. I came here following this smell then I thought it must be from Nami's wounds but it's clearly not. It's getting worse and worse.” Jungkook said while clutching his dagger.

“Fućk these human genes. I can only smell this soil and rotting algas.” Kenji cursed while walking forward. They might have revived their skin by using different natural materials but they lost their wolves on the day of their deaths.

Jungkook looked towards the wizard, “ Can't you smell the blood?”

Before Nami could open his mouth, Kenji answered for him, “His power becomes half when he's injured. Someone must have known about it so he purposely tried to hurt you. That fućker, I will bend his spine like a string when I find him.”

Nami reacted passively and ignored the Alpha while following the Empress who was leading the way. Jungkook jumped above the jumbled up branches of bushes and entered another part of the forest which was filled with sticky algae all around the trees and floor.

The Empress took out the dagger when he had to cover his nose while walking forward, “It's stinking all around here.” He twisted on his toes when he heard fast footsteps behind him. Byungs were coming towards them, maybe Kenji informed them or they picked up the sudden hustle in the forest.

Jungkook raised his hand in the air when he found a group of monkeys screeching in front of a cave. The noise was heart shattering, the constant screeching lurched out on Jungkook's thoughts in a bad way, “ Have someone seen this cave before?”

“No.” Nami whispered, his hands coming out to form a spell but the bandages around his fingers were stopping the charm from travelling into the surroundings. He was about to rip the bandages apart when Jungkook stopped him, “We will have to enter the cave so no need to use your charm. The bandage is important for you to recover quickly.”

Kenji stepped forward and looked inside the cave but all he could see was damp soil and muddy stones, “ The cave is deeper than it looks. We have to walk inside while inspecting it fully.”

“We will then.”

Sang came forward and stood in front of Jungkook, stopping him from going any further, “ Kenji and I shall inspect the cave. It's not safe for the Empress to walk inside an unknown territory.”

“I agree. We will be quick to inspect and end our worries.”

Jungkook glared down at the Alphas’ with his stoic gaze, “ I appreciate the concern but let me remind you that none of you can spot or follow the smell without my wolf's help. I have decided to step inside the cave along with Brother-in-law Sang, if not I can go there alone as well.” He threw a glance towards Yunhee, “ You are fast among them so I suggest you could inform the soldiers to send one troop down the forest. Make sure not all of them change their position or create chaos, we need only a few to patrol the whole area.”

Yunhee moved on her heels without any delay or argument and as per the Empress's observation, his waning figure moved fastly behind the trees.

“And what am I supposed to do here, Your highness? Chat with these monkeys?” Kenji scoffed, not content with Luna's decision.

“If you think it will be fruitful, I would suggest you do it or look after Nami. Choice is all yours to make.” Jungkook dismissed the Alpha and Sang nodded while walking together with the Empress.

The screeching of Monkeys stopped when the two of them went inside the cave. And Kenji sighed while pushing his hair behind his back, “ This stubborn Empress is not what that stubborn head needed in his life! Aren't mates supposed to be opposite to each other so they could fulfil the incomplete virtues in each other's lives?”

Kenji asked no one, particularly but his head moved towards the wizard involuntarily who was looking at the Alpha with a blank face, “ Mates don't come with similar or opposite qualities, Kenji. It's us that label those qualities, look the general's mate is fair but the general himself has a wooden complexion… alas! look the noblewoman is so smart but her mate's wits lie at knees. Envy! Both mates are so tall, his mate should be smaller than him afterall she is an omega… people like you label such worries and let them wander around the society unethically but the ones who are connected with the holy thread of being mates… doesn't rely on such qualities that makes them alike or different. They live beside each other while accepting each other's virtues day by day.”

The way Nami talked had Kenji captivated entirely, the wag his lips moved while forming the words and educating the Alpha reminds Kenji why his heart melted for the wisdom of this man. He blinked his eyes when the wizard continued further, “ In the end what’s important is that… they have found each other in this world and accepted their fate.”

Kenji brushed off his talks with a waving hand when he heard sadness under that soft tone and pointed towards the cave, “ Wish Taehyung fortune because he will need to accept more changes in his life in order to accept the Empress as his fate.”

“You are blind. Because from what I can see… His Majesty accepted him long ago.”

~

Jungkook was close to vomit when his  boots touched another dead body, his shoes were drenched in mould and blood but both of them kept walking deeper into the cave, “ You had exclaimed that hunting was prohibited in this area then who dared to perform this massacre?”

“This is not hunting, Your Grace. These murderous bodies looked like a scarification. Someone sacrificed them to uphold their authorities over the desire of God.” Sang said while following the Empress, his expressions looked more stoic as his senses weren't as heightened as the luna.

“Witches?”

“Could be a possibility. But Western land and Chinra, both lands, don't have any support from witches. While Mosnic remain untouched from such creatures for ages.”

The deeper they walk, the freshness of blood rises in the air. The grip on the dagger was loosening up because of the sweaty palms of the omega but Jungkook redefined it and focused on the path.

“This…” Sang hissed and bent down to touch a rolled out head of a wild boar. Its canine was sharp and shining in the dark, “ The blood is still flowing, someone might have just dropped it.”

Jungkook covered his nose with elbow before speaking, “Either they are bringing the poisoned animals with them to be crucified on the land of Gigeré or they are alluring them from the forest to perform this ritual inside the cave.”

“Gigeré doesn't have wild boars. The entire forest is filled with prey animals only.” Sang said with confidence, specifically after observing the borders and asking around the people.

Jungkook doesn't reply for a moment then his eyes blazed Royal blue, “Is there any waterfall nearby?”

Sand was stunned to see the omega whose eyes were shining blue before he shook his head urgently, “Only hot springs.”

“There is water running somewhere. I can hear the streams. We should… we should go deeper.”

Sang caught the Omega's steps when Jungkook walked ahead whose wolf vision was helping him to see clearly in the dark. The path was becoming less bloody after they crossed the carcass of that wild boar. The Royal blue orbs wandered over the walls of the cave to find a hint of something but he could only witness scratches of claws all around.

After walking a mile or so Jungkook caught his breath while holding one of the curved walls of the cave. Sang took the opportunity and brought out the small satchel around his hips, he pulled out a bottle made from iron and presented to the Empress, “ Have some water.”

Jungkook accepted the bottle with one hand and soothe out his lungs which were struggling to get enough air properly. He looked around the dark cave which seemed endless without any trace of light. He closed his eyes to focus on his ears, he could hear that sound of flowing streams, the continuous buzzing of beetles and the ringing of bumble bees.

He thumped his feet on the ground and observed the shape of the floor, “We are climbing forward, somewhere around here…should be the shore of this cave.”

“The dampness reduced as well. Here the soil is much more dry.” Sang commented while taking the bottle from the omega's hand and wrapping around his hips.

They continued the climping till their lungs started to feel the suffocation more evidently. The now empty bottle was clanging against Sang's sword so Jungkook had to gulp down his saliva to protect his throat from gasping for air.

Their bodies were sweating profusely, Sang slammed his fist on the wall and grumbled, “ We have travelled so far, can't even go back. Do you want me to thrash around and break the walls of the cave?”

Jungkook was about to shake his head but then his eyes saw it, “There!” Jungkook pointed when he saw the light emerging inside the cave with another opening. Both of them huddled around the curved stone and pushed them aside to step out of the cave and finally breathe in the open premises of……..

“Where are we?”

It wasn't Jungkook who asked the question because Jungkook was squatting down on his knees to let his lungs inhale as much air as it should. It was Sang who asked the question because he has never seen this part of land before.

While panting heavily Jungkook looked around as the sweat rolled down to his chin. His eyes blinked fastly to get accustomed to the light and establish his vision properly. The Sun had already set in the sky when he watched those tall trees and stony marbles… he has been here before as well. He has seen these ranges of trees and the shiny marbles along with the sound of streams. His feet picked up at a sudden pace when Jungkook ran towards the edge of what looked like a clif of this mountain.

Sang followed the Empress till Jungkook stopped abruptly with his eyes blown wide, “What happened?” He asked.

“This is Chinra mountain.” He panted with a gasp and pointed at the waterfall that emerged from the mountain in streams before falling miles down, “ His Majesty has shown me this waterfall. We were down there!”

Sang grimaced with anger and looked around, “So these rats are sneaking around for a while, huh! There must be another cave around to join this path with the Strays.”

“There was another cave that opened inside the premises of Chinra. Soldiers had covered it and patrolled around the area for two days. But it seems like this entire mountain was hollowed out by the Strays.”

“It has become their new playground. We have to close all of such caves before the war starts for the good. Or the troops will receive heavy damages.” Sang suggested and Jungkook immediately sent a warning to all the patrolling soldiers.

At the end of Gigeré, we found a cave filled with carcasses of animals. Its other end is connected to the peak of Chinra. Without ensuing chaos around the folks we need to cover these caves as soon as possible. Each patrolling post of Lavin will send one of their soldiers to deploy to the forest. Each patrolling post of Chinra will send one of their soldiers to the peak of the mountain. They are creating burrows like rodents, we need to find their holes and destroy them before the war.

Jungkook's eyes returned to their normal colour when the words were received by everyone. He turned towards Sang and suggested, “ We should inform the folks of Mosnic as well. It could be possible that their land harbours these kinds of caves as well. They should be alarmed about the situation and its consequences.” But the only problem is that Jungkook has never seen the folks of Mosnic so how would he approach these people to warn them?

“I have heard about their secrecy towards other werewolves. I don't think they will allow us to penetrate their territories.” Sang contributed his suggestion while sitting down upon one of the stones.

“We can't just sit here like this. We have to approach them even if they oppose the meeting but I need to send the words. They lie under the governance of Europe, if I shun them away from any information, it will be my fault entirely.” Jungkook felt the frustration in his veins when he couldn't conclude the right decision.

“Then I will accompany you to the territories of Mosnic. You need to show them that you are the Empress of Europe, not by any material but your words and your confidence will speak out for you. If the guards get satisfied with your claims, they will let us meet their pack Alpha.”

Jungkook pushed the dagger back into its sheath and removed the hat to wipe the sweat off of his face. Sang looked down to provide the Empress a little space, “ I would suggest you to change your attire before going to Mosnic, Omega. Your boots and ankles are soiled with blood and fungus.”

“No. I'm afraid we are not blessed with much time to do that. I will encounter the pack Alpha on my own. If they refuse to listen to me because of my clothes then they will be shooting their own feet.” He adjusted the hat on his head and looked towards the sky to observe the night turning dark with each passing moment. With a heaving sigh of determination, Jungkook wished his utmost prayers for the safety of their people.

He brushed out the sleeves of his hanbok and jerked his legs till he got rid of excess blood and mould out of his boots, “Brother-in-law Sang, will you show me the path of Mosnic where we can find its folks or guards?”

Sang kept staring at the omega for a moment as if contemplating the amount of courage those bony fingers holds in its palm or tried to measure the determined with which those orbs were burning, his lips twitched in smirk when he finds the exact virtue where his dear friend must have fell on his knees for the omega.

This stubbornness.

He could recall the time perfectly when Taehyung hated the people who used to show tantrums in front of him or let's say have a thicker skull than him. But after spending an entire evening with the omega, he can only laugh at his friend's fortune.

Sang nodded while standing up from the stone, “ I will. But before leading you on the path, I would suggest you to not hide your face. Mosnic pack come under a few sacred and rooted to their traditional type of packs so concealing any kind of information from them could be perilous.”

Jungkook eyed Sang's hands that stretched forward to show him the path making the omega contemplate on the sudden advice. But his Alpha has requested him to keep his face hidden till he comes back from the negotiations. And he had promised to fulfil Alpha's request before leaving the premises of Eclipse. So Jungkook held the hat around his head and tucked it down before looking forward, “ My face will remain concealed till my mate asks me not to. If it brings out danger for us then I simply chose to face that danger.”

~

The Royal omega's finger clutched around the needle when he stitched a torned out sleeve of a small boy. He cut the thread with his crooked teeth and smiled brightly when the boy thanked him politely. However, his smile dimmed when the boy went back to his mother who was busy stacking the plates for the soldiers. It was close to midnight and everyone was returning to their chambers as shifts got altered for the day.

Jimin looked towards the ranges of Chinra but there was no sign of either Jungkook or Sang. And now the Royal omega has started to worry for their well being. The last news he got from the Empress was his location before the omega entered the locality of Mosnic. Not to mention the two times Yunhee visited him to ask the whereabouts of his husband. But nothing seemed to lessen their worries at this point.

The people of western land started their dinner and the maids started to serve the soldiers in groups.

Jimin was sitting a bit far from the soldiers with his eyes wandering around to locate his friends when a silhouette stood in front of him. The Royal omega diverted his gaze from the awaiting path and accepted the greetings of the lady, “You haven't eaten anything yet, Your Highness. Why? Do you not like today's dishes? Or Are you waiting for somebody?” The lady asked.

The Royal omega accepted her greeting with a smile, “ Lady Pyuhani. You guessed it right. I am waiting for somebody.”

The affirmation caused a frown on the beautiful red lips of the lady, “Your mate? I heard that the Royal guard Min has been posted to the forest of Gigeré since the morning.”

It was bewildering how that lady possessed the information of guarding troops but Jimin let his expressions remain passive as he delivered a nod towards her.

“How brave that he chose the dense forest of Gigeré for inspection.” The lady commented before approaching the omega to take a seat beside him. She folded her legs elegantly and sat on the futon that was placed beside the Royal omega's futon.

“Why? I visited the forest this morning, I found it rather beautiful.” Jimin asked.

Pyuhani laughed etiquettely with a delicate hand covering her lips, “Your Highness, beautiful things are often dangerous. I have heard many offensive stories from that forest. Some legends say that the entire forest was made by a witch. To hide her foul deed she created the illusion of beautiful nature.”

Jimin tilted his head towards her but didn't quite look at her, “ Then it's even more important that we catch that witch finally before she conquers more foul deeds.”

The lady let her giggles fill the dinner grounds and hushed quietly, “ Your humour is one of the best I have encountered, Your highness.” She twirled her imaginary hairs away from her cheek before continuing, “ Either way I appreciate all of your hard work. Kindly deliver my gratitude to your mate as well.”

Jimin presented a polite smile to the lady and again diverted his gaze towards the path that further leads to the mountain of Chinra. His awaiting eyes and vibrant rings were so focused on the path that when he heard a mild cough towards his left, he caught that immediately, “ Do you want to ask something, lady Pyuhani?”

And as if the lady was waiting for her heart to unload, she straightened her back and leaned a bit towards the edge of the futon, “ Actually during last dinner, I have told you about my daughter. If you remember, your highness.”

“The one who is designated as the Lady of Western Household?” Jimin doubted.

“Yes, Yes, exactly her. She wanted to thank the entire Royal family for considering our protection in your care. But My child always kept her work morals above the formal interactions. How should I tell you I don't know… actually… She wanted to meet you and express her gratitude. Please accept the humble request of my child.”

Jimin couldn't catch the tone of the lady when she expressed her desire but nonetheless he could pick up the intention clearly, “ There is no need, lady. As per your words, she has been working for the people as diligently as us. We are equally grateful for the people of western land who come forward to help.”

Lady Pyuhani hoisted herself from the futon and smiled brightly, “Her entire days and nights will be filled with encouragement if you could bless her with your presence. Pardon me just one moment, Your highness, I will bring her to seek some strength from you.”

Jimin even raised his hand to stop the Lady but Pyuhani was quick to twirl around and adjourn his actions. The Royal omega released a slow sigh. Be polite. Be polite. Be polite. He chanted the words in his mind like holy verses and tried to calm his nerves down. He has several matters to uphold in his palm, he succeeded to control the ensuing chaos when soldiers started to deploy to their new positions but he has noticed that people of Western land have longer noses than their tongues.

He finally understands why folks of Chinra feel uninvited in the premises of Western land. He has observed this absurd behaviour of these people in the span of two days only, he could only imagine how people survive in the vicinity of such arrogant, overly pleasing, nose pokers and sophisticated people.

Believe it as the Royal omega's boon but Jimin could feel the personas of people even before they could move their tongue to introduce themselves. And the energy he is observing while living inside Western land is everything but peaceful. It's not like everyone ejects out the same aura in the surroundings but there are few people who he likes to ignore rather than indulge with.

And the freshest example… is the Lady Pyuhani. In the small span of two days, this lady has approached him four times, out of which two are excessively related to her daughter. Why? Jimin has no interest in knowing about it. But again why?

Before the Royal Omega could dwell more into the subject, his awaiting eyes caught the shadow of the Empress walking down the path from behind a huge tree. Without attracting unwanted attention towards himself, Jimin stood up from his futon and left the dinner grounds as quietly as possible.

“Stop right there!”

Jungkook's legs froze on the path when he heard the Royal Omega's voice through the mindlink. He raised his hand to stop Brother-in-law Sang as well, “Hyungnim ordered us to wait here.”

“Here? But why?” Sang asked.

Jungkook shook his head in denial, “ I couldn't grasp the reason but we should be sincere about it.”

Sang groaned, “ That must be because of our clothes. If we are spotted with blood drenched clothes, people will start to deliver insane comments.

“Such as?”

“Everything but Dare to look at my neck and I will tore you apart. Were you out of your mind when you said that to the Alpha of Mosnic pack? We are werewolves! When someone exclaims to be the mate of our king… of course people will look towards your neck to see a mark or something. It was an obvious thing to do to clear their doubts.” Sang declared while resting his weight against the bark of the tree.

“Just because it's obvious to do for someone, I won't allow people to do it. In the end he believed and took the information as the warning for the pack. I'm sure they will strengthen the security and will be more cautious around the borders.” Jungkook said while adjusting his hat.

“As they should.” Sang climbed over a branch and took a seat while waiting for the Royal omega who soon stumbled on the path with two housemaids right behind him.

“Are you two alright? Sang! Get down! I was trying to reach you both but none of you replied to me.” Jimin accused while observing the Luna from head to toe, letting out a gasp when he saw his legs covered in blood from down the knees.

“I was too occupied to tie my boot laces because Your Empress here… was about to start a fight with Mosnic pack's Alpha.”

“I was not!”

Jimin couldn't understand their talk as he had only a handful of time in his small palm to hide their scandalous clothes before they caught someone's eyes, “Silence. Sang, After walking a hundred steps, take two lefts, Yunhee must be waiting for you under the oak tree. Jungkook, come with me. You need to change these clothes immediately.”

Sang's eyes shined when he heard the name of his mate. A day passed and he hasn't played with his sweet-thing yet. He missed her so much. He even imagined the fake anger of her mate when he would see her face for the night. He chuckled loudly and jumped down the tree to take that hundred steps as quickly as possible.

“Brother-in-law.” Jungkook called.

And the voice made Sang turn towards the Empress and those narrowed eyes widened when he found the omega in a bowed position, “ I am grateful that you have accompanied me for the day and taught me new tricks through the journey. Thank you.”

Sang's heart did a new thing. When the omega straightened his back and matched his eyes, Sang's chest filled with utter honour, “It's my pride, Omega.” He said his last words before embarking his farewell out to cover the hundred steps.

“Did everything go alright?” Jimin asked while showing the Empress a different path that may lead them towards the barracks of soldiers. The housemaids were walking ahead with some fresh clothes in their hands so Jungkook took the opportunity and asked, “Yes but I need to go back after the dinner. The borders of Chinra needs constant surveillance, one mistake and the army troops will be damaged.”

He looked around and purposely slowed his steps to ask again, “Have you received any link from the Alpha? Did he say anything?”

Jungkook couldn't comprehend the disappointment his heart felt when the Royal Omega shook his head slowly and said, “Not much when I updated him about the hidden cave of the forest. But he did ask one question.”

“What? What did he say?” Jungkook asked, eyes eager to hear the words.

The Royal omega nodded towards the housemaids who dropped the clothes on Jimin's arms and went back to the dinner grounds. Jimin delivered the clothes to Jungkook's arms who got caught off guard but embraced the clothes nonetheless, “ The sooner you take a bath and change these clothes, the sooner you will get to know about it.”

Jungkook felt betrayed when instead of telling him, the Royal omega walked forward and opened up some curtains of an unused pavilion, “I will be waiting outside.”

The Empress sighed in defeat and dragged his legs to the pavilion and stepped inside but before the Royal Omega could cover the curtains, Jungkook turned around and asked while projecting his huge eyes, “ One last moment, Does the question he asked anyhow related to me?”

“It could be. Could be not.”

“Hyungnim, please.” The undertone of that voice held a plea and Jimin is just a Royal Omega who is about to commit a sin as far as cursing his own brother to tease such an innocent soul like Jungkook so he smiled, “It is.”

Jungkook's eyes enlarged with delight but before he could jump out of the pavilion to satisfy his curiosity, Jimin shut the curtains right over his face, “ I can swear on the Moon that I won't tell you anything if you don't clean up now. Do you want me to swear?”

The Royal omega sighed when he heard a low mutter of no and stood beside the walls of the pavilion.

Oh no.

Jimin slapped his forehead when he realised he forgot to bring the hat with him. He quickly linked a guard to send out a housemaid with a new hat from his pavilion. They can't risk the secrecy of their identities while they are so close to finishing up the negotiations.

While the hat arrived Jimin let his thoughts slip towards the conversations he had with his mates or the conversations that he wanted to do but couldn't because none of them tried to contact him. He has no intuition about what must be happening across the Lavin river.

By his brother's voice he could only assume that some kind of meeting was going on. He wished that the Moon Goddess would bless them with a path that would be less tragic than a war. But knowing Stray's diplomatic mind and Taehyung's tolerance against that diplomacy it looked like a hard herb to chew.

He looked up when the curtains got pulled up and that hat took a place on the Empress's head. He smiled peacefully, a genuine one this time when he saw Jungkook wearing a new hanbok instead of those bloody ones.

“Do I look decent enough now?” Jungkook asked.

“Very much, Your Empress. Now grant me the honour to take you to the dinner grounds. You will eat your dinner and then join whichever post you like to guard for the night, I won't oppose for a single moment.” The Royal omega said cheekily while stepping ahead on the path. However, he soon observed that the Empress was still standing at the entrance of the pavilion with a frown on his face.

“What happened?”

“My feet won't cross a single grass on the path if you don't tell me what the Alpha has said.” Jungkook proclaimed with his upper cheeks jutting out creating a circle on his face.

Jimin approached the omega with a light hearted giggle and said, “He hasn't said much about the situational crisis of the Gigeré forest apart from The decision of the Empress should be followed. But the thing that reminds me of you on a more primary level was that he asked…”

Jungkook couldn’t even brush down his uplifting cheeks as he waited for the omega to complete his words.

“If the Empress has eaten something or not?”

Jungkook's uplifted cheeks melted down slowly as his heart consumed the words. Now the frown climbed up to his brows as he stared at the Royal Omega with an open mouth, “What?”

Jimin pitied the omega because Jungkook was truly looking as if he didn't understand his words so he decided to recite them again, “ He asked if you have eaten something or not. Which I replied with No he hasn't. Then he said something with hushed undertones… something like he should or he knows the consequences or maybe it was effect. I didn't quite hear it correctly.” The Royal omega scratched his neck in embarrassment but when he looked up the entrance of the pavilion was empty.

Without worrying about a crack in his neck, the Royal omega moved his neck sharply and found the Empress walking down on the path that leads to the dinner grounds.

“Your Grace, What happened?”

Jungkook's face was fully tucked inside the humongous hat and his purposeful finger was tugging it further down, “My stomach is grumbling for a while now. We should head for dinner.”

“oh… All of a sudden? Why is your face looking red? Is this because you recalled something that you shouldn't?” Jimin teased while lifting his chima with one hand and following the omega. The entire tiredness of the day swept away when Jungkook brushed off the Royal omega's words and laughed along with him. Waiting for his Alpha won't be harder this way.

When both of them found a seat on the last futon which was placed in a corner of the dining grounds, their food immediately got served by the housemaids. Both of them decided that they are not going to sit on the lap but would sit close enough to prevent the suspicion. Jungkook took the first bite and hummed in appreciation.

“It's delicious, hyungnim.” The sweet pie instantly melted in his mouth as Jimin decided to serve him one more. The sweet and savoury dinner was filling Jungkook's stomach bit by bit. He took everything in small portions, some rice, some vegetables, some meat, some pineapple gravy and was so fixated on their meal that even forgot to look around when a few ladies occupied the futon next to them.

However, their ears were aware enough to catch their talks even when they didn't want to.

Mooshin let her friend sit on the futon and pulled a plate filled with savoury food in front of her. She doesn't know why Lady Pyuhani advised them to sit in this corner despite half of the empty futons at the centre. But without opposing the orders of the noble Lady, Mooshin led Gyuri to the corner. Now only the tough part remains to do and that refers to her friend if she would like to eat something.

“Gyuri, Please eat something. You are tired from the chores all day long and now if you refuse the food, you will get nauseous.” Mooshin advised.

Tucking her fallen vines from her cheek to the back of her ears, Gyuri shook her head, “No. I have wished for His Majesty's safe arrival. I won't be eating till my wish completes.”

Jungkook's molar teeth stopped chewing in the middle when his ear caught the name of his mate. He looked to his left as his gaze fell upon the two ladies sitting on the futon next to them. He resumed to crush the bite and swallowed it as he observed the two ladies.

One of them was sitting at the edge while the other was occupying the space at the centre of the futon. The one who was sitting at the centre looked like a noble lady from the way she had adorned herself with the glinting shade of pink and red hanfu.

“The duration of the Emperor's return is not certain, Miss. You can even faint at such a rate.” The lady sitting on the edge seemed to be befriended with the lady sitting at the centre. Her voice holds genuine concern for her friend.

“No, Mooshin. Please don't request something that my heart won't compile.” The lady denied once again.

“I don't know why Mother asked me to sit here before she disappeared in the crowd. I just wish to lie down in my chamber.” The lady sighed sadly as her green eyes roamed among the row of soldiers to look for her mother.

Jungkook smiled at the lady and his smile was caught by the Royal Omega immediately, “Yes, Yes. I know you are happy how people of Western Land admire the Emperor but don't even try to look towards her. I am afraid she is the one Lady Pyuhani wanted to introduce and I will meet her but just let me complete my dinner and you too focus on your rice before I make you bite the dust.”

The Royal Omega warned and this time his voice was utterly strict, making Jungkook almost believe that it was a declaration of a threat. So both of them continued to chew his food till they heard the next words of Mooshin, “ Miss, Do you not think that the Empress must have stayed at the Western land instead of going with the Emperor? I mean it's not a custom to accompany the Emperor even during the negotiations, right?”

Both the males went rigid on the futon but soon Jungkook plucked down another bite from the meat and started to chew it slowly. However, the Royal Omega's gaze sharpened as he tried to turn towards the ladies to give them a perfect answer but Jungkook's hand on his arm stopped him, “ You had said to finish the meal peacefully. So we should only do that.”

But it seems that the lady of the house wasn't having a peaceful mind so she replied dejectedly, “The Empress must have his thoughts to express during the negotiations. But wouldn't it be considered disrespectful to converse among the group of Alphas? I would rather disregard such interactions and wait for the Emperor.”

“And this is the idolised behaviour of how an omega should behave, we have been taught like this since childhood.” Mooshin commented and heard a low scoff in the air. She looked around in confusion before focusing back on her friend.

Jimin flicked his lips and slapped his lattice back onto the plate, “Should I teach them some basic behaviour lessons?” He moved on his legs but Jungkook again tugged at his arm and threatened the Royal omega, “We are not going to resurface any doubts in the surroundings, Hyungnim. Your aggressive voice will raise and grab more attention from the people. And if you do that I will have to leave my dinner in the middle.”

Jimin inhaled heavily and puffed the air out of his nostrils before sitting with a straight back. Jungkook resumed his eating and patted the Royal omega's plate, “Everything is fine. People can have different opinions, Hyungnim.”

“They are downright disrespecting you. This is not about the lack of opinions but the abundance of vile thoughts.” He grumbled before picking up a piece of carrot and biting into it.

The ladies continued their talks and the thread of Royal Omega's patience kept running thin, “ I heard the Empress is skilled in all weapon arts.” Said the lady who was sitting on the edge of the futon.

“The Empress is from the Lunar region so I suppose he won't know how to use a bandana. You know that plain fabric I used to defeat General Dae in the dual festival? That's called bandana.” Gyuri gushed.

“Yes! And you were exceptional. However, I have only seen the Empress carrying a bow with a few arrows so I'm not sure about the bandana.”

Jimin's eyes squinted to stay focused on their talks as his mind amazed him as to why two ladies of Western land would talk behind the back of the Empress. Not like that others don't do it but these talks excessively carry some kind of comparison which further confused the omega. He glanced towards Jungkook's meal which was close to finishing.

However, he decided to not let Jungkook escape from his food just because some indecent ladies started to speak nonsensically. He raised his hand towards the housemaid who delightfully refilled the dishes of the Empress' plate. Jungkook didn't show disappointment as his plate got filled once again and started to eat till his 0hunger would satiate.

Thankfully, the ladies kept their words to themselves throughout the moment the omegas finished their meals. Jungkook sighed with a smile and wiped his hands with cotton clothes, “I am grateful for this generous meal, Hyungnim. Now I shall return to Chinra.”

“The soldiers are waiting for you outside the dinner grounds, they will provide you company and will help with the folks for the night arrangements. Please let them help you, alright?”

Jungkook nodded his head in assurement because long back his mate had told him that Lunas never travel alone so without opposing he took his leave with the soldiers. His hat granted his identity a veil as his feet strided the path of Chinra.

Meanwhile, Jimin wiped his hands aggressively and turned his face towards the ladies. He hoisted himself from the futon, eyes fierce and holding a deep anger. Just when he was about to raise questions on their conversations, Lady Pyuhani approached him.

“Oh my Royal Highness, I was looking for you everywhere. Please let me introduce my daughter, I have left her here to wait for you.” The lady was too excited to notice the grimace on the Royal Omega's face.

Soon those ladies were standing in front of him with bowed heads and sweetest smiles as Lady Pyuhani introduced her daughter, “She is Gyuri, lady of the Western House. She wished to express her gratitude but I think your vision alone would bless her with dignity and pride.”

Gyuri opened her mouth to weave some honey filled sentences. But the Royal Omega raised his hand to stop her words right at her tongue, he couldn't tolerate hearing that voice again, “How old are you?” He asked.

“I turned 26 this year, Your highness.” She said while looking down.

Jimin looked towards his mother and asked, “Is there any category which describes the qualities of a lady to present her with the title of Lady of the House or is it decided with the birth?”

All the colour got drained from the Lady's face as she stared down at her daughter. Her eyes turned frightened as she replied, “There are qualities which one should achieve in their lives to gain this title. For instance, culinary skills, coordination with people, attention to detail, Interpersonal skills, communication, discipline, proper etiquettes, polite behaviour. I am afraid why you asked such a question, Your Highness, Your wisdom rests above all of us.”

“I wanted to see if People of Western Land are aware of such qualities or not. Because if you are aware and that you must know that your daughter lacks four of these qualities. Forget achieving these skills with an exceptional amount, I do wonder if she even knows their names properly.”

Lady Pyuhani's paled expression shows that she indeed knows that her daughter isn't capable enough to hoist the title on her head but it's the first time someone has questioned it on her face. Her angry gaze fell on her daughter who shrinked on her knees and started to apologise for her mistake without even knowing her error exactly.

Jimin ignored their existence and said to the lady, “I am grateful for the dinner, Lady Pyuhani. My stomach is filled with delicious meals and your daughter's nonsensical conversations. For the blessings, I would amaze if she can correct her lousy behaviour and uphold the dignity of her title. I didn't expect from Western land to have such poor public etiquettes.”

Gyuri's entire body was vibrating with fear when the Royal Omega stepped aside and left the dinner grounds, he didn't even accept the farewell greetings of her mother.

Lady Pyuhani looked around and swallowed the vile poison of embarrassment when he found some housemaids looking towards them. Her horrified gaze fell on her daughter who immediately started to shake her head, “I-”

“Not a word, Gyuri. I have heard enough. I'm ashamed to hear what gruesome act you have performed to let the politest person of Eclipse scold you like this. Go back to your chamber immediately, I would like to hear everything away from these lurking ears.” Gyuri's eyes welled up with tears as she moved towards her chamber along with her friend.

Her head was pounding due to lack of food inside her stomach. All that she has done was praying and waiting for the Alpha's return. How could the Royal Highness and her mother behave like this? Do they have no mercy or this entire world has decided to become a hazard in the path of her unconditional love? With a sad and overwhelmed heart she wished she could hear some news about the Emperor's return.

~

The Commander squinted his eyes to see the shore of Lavin on the other side but it was too bright for his eyes to focus into. One more strategy of Strays, the whole shore is engraved with shining stones. The harsh sunlight was falling on those shining stones and reflecting right back into the traveller's eyes. The strategy is very appreciative, that sudden reflection in eyes is enough to divert the attackers and kill them because they won't be able to see where the attacks might be coming from.

The Commander was aware of these strategies because he had driven Strays away from Lavin in the leadership of the Imperial highness a few months back. He had attacked on this land and the attackers had found their way back into their holes due to these shining marbles diverted and reflected their eyesight.

As the distance between the boat and shore decreased, The Commander was able to see the army more closely. When the boat arrived at the shore, the Commander watched the army of Strays staring them down with a subtle vision. The Commander stared back at them one by one before raising his hand to stop the oars from paddling further.

Four of the Stray soldiers came forward and latched a rope to the boat to tighten its surface for stability. The Commander walked out of the boat at first, his shoes squeaking on the shining marbles but had a quiet grip with the floor. Gazing around with his blank gaze the Royal Alpha moved forward with one hand clasped behind the Empress's back.

It looked as if that hand was placed on the Empress's back but in realism, the hand was just hovering above the chima of the pretentious Empress.

Just before the Alpha could step on the land of Strays, loud drums started to rumble around. Soon the drums got followed by the banjo, lute and other string instruments. Several percussion caps were beaten up with the drums to make the soil alive when Taehyung finally stepped down from the boat. He extended his hand for the Empress who took his help and followed him out.

In between the stressed schedule of strategizing the war, the Commander had forgotten about the main thing that Strays love.

Drama.

So he wasn't surprised when he found the Strays started to welcome the Royal Alpha as if they had waited for him earnestly. He let out an overbearing sigh when he found a group of people standing in bow position to welcome them. He stepped aside and let the Royal Alpha come forward to address the people.

“At ease.” The voice of Alpha was heard by everyone and soon the whole arena got filled with gushful gasps and talks. This stranded land has often heard about the great Royal family and the Emperor of Eclipse but it's the first that the generation of their time was witnessing the Royal Alpha in front of them, in all his visuals, in all his blankness, in all his aura.

But it wasn't the bitterness that Taehyung was used to. But his vision proved right when the crowd started to separate to give a path to the brothers of Strays, “ Your Majesty, to finally meet you, we had to start a war.” One of them said, “ How auspicious the occasion is.” His eyes hardened when he saw General Dae following behind the Commander with the Soldiers.

“I would have liked this visit as well if the reason wouldn't be the attacks that Strays are accused of.” The stern voice of the Royal Alpha made the brothers clutch their swords tightly.

One of them heaved a deep sigh and introduced themselves, “I am Kim Cheol, the oldest among the twins and the pack Alpha of Strays and he is my little brother, Kim Hyejoon. We welcome you here for the negotiations that a pack needs before the war.”

It was an open threat that the war will definitely be happening and it won't be depending on the results of the negotiations. Yet the Royal Alpha walked forward with his hands behind his back and ordered, “Introduction accepted. Show the path where I should hear your counter explanations.”

Kim Cheol raised his hand while looking at the Royal Alpha with a disturbed gaze, “Disperse.” He ordered but it was the first time when his Alpha was trying its utmost to keep eyes up and not look away from the blank eyes of the Alpha. Those orbs don't even carry any threat yet there was a charisma around the Royal Alpha's soul that was forcing every other Alpha to either look down or away from his gaze.

The crowd separated but the music didn't stop at all. The rhythm picked up the pace when Taehyung stopped for the Empress as both of them walked beside each other. People kept bowing to the Royals till they passed the gardens and reached more open grounds.

Taehyung felt a pinch on his wrist as he looked towards the pretentious Empress. But as his Brother-in-law was instructed, they won't be using their voices to communicate but the mindlinks.

“Your Majesty, I won't be sitting on–... where Jungkook usually sits during such meetings. Right?”

Taehyung didn't let his expressions phase when he looked around the grounds, “You won't. I have promised your brother, that position only belongs to him to sit upon. And I can see they have two chairs in the front.”

No one heard the sigh of relief that Yoongi let out behind the veil. But someone's eyes were closely following his each step and soon warned him, “Your right leg is stepping on your chima, Sugar.”

“For the love of my life, please stop looking at me!! Walking in this hanfu is hard enough to tolerate your introductions in my head.” Yoongi grumbled while tucking his chima just above his hips.

“I wasn't the one who chose to act upon His Majesty's wish.” The Commander gushed.

“Oh bury me alive then because it was me!”

“What if I say I want to see you in hanfus for the rest of my life?”

The words stopped Yoongi in his tracks for a moment before his feet started to follow the Royal Alpha once again, “ Then I will be more than happy with my one mate. You can start your journey to hell.”

The Commander smiled widely before wiping his face to change his expressions, it's another kind of fun to tease his hard-headed mate under the control of the Majesty. He looked around to find a few groups of omegas taking up some space on the ground to dance freely. They are entertaining the crowd while moving on the beats of the rhythms.
Or maybe wanting to entertain the Royal guests. But as usual the Emperor's gaze remained passive.

Half of the crowd got attracted towards the grooving omegas’ while the others walked behind the Stray brothers to the ambience of court.

Just as the Royal Alpha assumed, the front chairs were offered to the Royals and Yoongi took a seat on the left chair before leaving the right one empty for the Emperor. The Royal Alpha gestured to the people to take their respective seats while sitting on the chair and looked at General Dae who bowed and came forward for the negotiations.

Kim Cheol stood from the Strays and signalled his brother to keep sitting on the chair who started to rise from his seat. General Dae started when the Commander took his place beside the chair of the Royal Alpha and nodded towards him.

“Your Majesty, as we have informed you before as well, the attacks on our people isn't a new thing for Strays. But before they used to attack only our survival resources but lately they have started to send us several death threats. They always demand us to not use the water of Lavin because according to them the river fell under their territory but it's a lie, a baseless humour. So we denied their demand and kept using the water of the river. In response to this, they spread poisonous algas around the shore of the river which further turned into a dreadful plague for the cattle of our land. Half of the cattle died and the counting would have reached to the fullest if the Commander hadn't arrived with the aid.”

The courtroom was listening to the General when he continued, “ Everything went silent for a month when the Commander drove them away and deployed a few safeguards around the territories but they came back again with full strategy once again. This time they had targeted the folks of Chinra, none of us knew where they came from and started to attack. We lost many lives that night and requested you to come for our protection.”

“What do you have to say in your explanation to these accusations, Alpha Cheol?” The Commander asked.

“Explanations are given by those who are subjected to the crime. Strays don't have such blood in their veins who will attack in such a cowardly manner. The truth is that they have always threatened to shut off the water. The origin of Lavin seems to emerges in between Strays and Chinra but in realism, the most streams lies in the Chinra Mountain, that gigantic waterfall of the Chinra mountain decides the directions of Lavin and these headrollers threatened my people, planned to leave them thirsty for decades by making a portable dam on the mountain, which is highly unacceptable, Your Majesty.” Kim Cheol was looking at General Dae with murderous eyes but his words held something new.

Interesting.

The Commander picked it up as well and asked immediately, “ General Dae, have your people urged such a threat?”

General Dae's eyes held authority and fear both when he replied, “People were devastated because of their death threats so to counter them they started to warn them back but that doesn't give them any liberty to finish off the mute cattle and attack our people. A threat can be encountered with another threat not a massacre. That's unethical.”

“So now you have decided what would be ethical and what would be unethical on your own? The offender has decided to become a judge now? I had proposed a tremendous amount of gems to secure my side of Lavin but you refused it because you are a selfish dumbfuçk who doesn't even know how to respect your elders.” Kim Cheol grimaced.

“Elders? Who? And what's your side? Your proposal letter consisted of all the important coastline posts of the Lavin, why would we agree to such baseless proposals which further provide a guarantee to ruin our people.” General Dae knows if he had agreed with that proposal then they would have lost those posts to protect the territories of his pack and Strays would have easily overpower them.

“Tsk. Cowards. We are Strays, our ancestors used to say we are the second blood of Royals. Shouldn't we become the second in hierarchy to lead the world of werewolves? Showing respect to us is far from the disrespect we feel by living as your neighbours!” Kim Cheol was turning, eyes fuming with anger to just finish off the insect who was standing in front of him.

“As far as I know. There is no such hierarchy in this world. Everyone knows how you have earned these gems and these royal luxuries. As a noble man, I would not like to resurface those reasons once again.” General Dae exactly knows which points to push to get a wild reaction from the hothead Alpha.

“Your Majesty! This is disrespect to our ancestors. Order him to shut off. Or I might commit something.” Kim Cheol warned.

The Royal Alpha had his elbow resting on the armrest as he watched the Alphas bickering with each other like a child. The bickering continued where one tried to prove his position while the other tried to prove his pain. Taehyung let his knuckles rest under his chin as he moved his gaze towards the people of Strays.

He found them oddly strange than each other. Usually pack members have some specific habits that huddles them into a group but from the outer looks all of the Strays were different from each other. Some of them are wearing exceptionally shiny clothes, some decent ones while some are allowed to only wrap a robe all around their body in coordinated plates.

Then he spotted some red hairs, wandering among the soldiers. Their clothes and their red hairs give away their identities. And all of them were staring at the Empress and Taehyung could see their lips moving in hushed talks. So he let his ears overpower the bickering of the undergrown Alphas and heightened his power enough to hear those hushed talks of those red haired soldiers.

“-destiny brother destiny. Or do you think he deserves to sit beside the Emperor of Europe?” One with a long nose said.

“In the lunar, no one hadn't even known about his existence, let alone seeing him. And here he walks as if he owns the land he walks upon.”

“It seems like the Royal Alpha knows how to tame his omega. Look at him, he is sitting with his mouth closed. With no identity and opinions.” One of the omega soldiers said as she joined the conversation.

Taehyung pressed his chin on his fingers when they started to mould into a fist.

“But I had heard that people of Eclipse worship him as their Luna and His Majesty is very protective of him.”

“What kind of protection when he had left him just after their courting ceremony. My cousin who lives in Mystic Shadows went there to present their salutation. He told me that His Majesty left forol a territorial tour soon after his ceremony. And how would An Alpha feel protective towards an omega if they can't even give them what they need.”

“You are talking about an heir? Right?”

“Or what? It's been close to two years and here they are… spending time with no worries of an heir.”

“Maybe Eclipse doesn't need one yet.”

“It's not about the pack. One needs for their own satisfaction, to complete their family.”

Taehyung's upper lip twitched in disgust as he withdrew his ears from the conversation. Among such bad influences, He wondered how the Empress compiled his thoughts while living in Lunar. His whole personality doesn't even bear an ounce of such disgusting thoughts who summarise an omega's life around the need of an offspring.

He didn't expect some sensical thoughts from those people who have their aura stained with the dirt of a sickening personality.

All of his built up anger vanished when his gaze fell on the door of the courtroom. It was made of maple wood, a hard stand and a piece of architecture but what caught his gaze was the colour of the door. It was painted with deep Royal blue, reminding him of someone's eyes. His fist melted under his chin as he blinked his eyes to let the image of the omega evident in his mind.

The Commander was handling the bickering perfectly when Taehyung received a mindlink from his brother. The Royal omega seemed rushed in his talks but the Royal Alpha picked up on the bits and understood the situation immediately. His eyes hardened as he looked around with a subtle gaze, he barely nodded towards his soldiers who deliberately spread out in the crowd to start their search without thundering any attention towards them.

Taehyung observed the absence of people around them, slowly but surely he could see the Strays backing away from the grooving omegas and disappearing down to their huts. Members of the army coming and going, moving from one place to another. But what isn't disappearing is the crowded circle around the courtroom as if they aren't here to hear the negotiations but stop the Royals to hear the outer commotion.

They are planning something, for sure.

“And you think we would let you take our river without a war? We believe in charity as per the European beliefs but I apologise… Lavin isn't up for charity.” General Dae stood his point with his whole chest expanded in confidence.

“Our rights are what We swear to take out of your palms, not charity.” The voice of the stranger was loud as the crowd dissipated to give way, a shining chair came into the view, engraved with rare gems. The chair got placed a bit far but right in front of the Royal Alpha.

The stranger stepped inside, adorning an ethereal hanbok covered with spikes of green emerald on the shoulders. The man had a long beard which has turned white due to the ageing but his confident eyes showed his knowledge when he took a seat on his throne.

“Son, Enough of these explanations. Let them come for a war and we would show them what victory looks like.” His lips stretched into a snark as he looked directly at the Royal Alpha. Taehyung didn't throw a glance at him while silencing the court with his hand, “I won't need to come here to defeat this land. I decided to come so that both poles felt heard and compensated.” When the Royal Alpha voiced out his thoughts, the whole court just listened to him.

“It's not proven yet that we are responsible for the cattle plague, Your Majesty.” The abbreviation felt forced from the man who holds the title of the Kim brother's father.

“But the attacks on the folks of Chinra are proven by the dead bodies of your soldiers’ who died while attacking. What would you like to say about that?” The Commander reflected right away.

Kim Hyejoon came forward, standing beside his brother while brushing his hand off, “ It was just some minor misunderstanding that converted into a conflict. We don't need to hold that mistake as a cause for war.”

“Your soldiers came prepared with weapons! How could that be a misunderstanding? You purposely wanted to harm the people of Chinra so that you get a hold of that waterfall!” General Dae said and the whole bickering started once again. With no ending talks, both piles started to blame each other with vicious words.

However, Taehyung's entire focus was captured by the retreating back of the Stray soldiers who were quietly leaving the court one by one. He linked with his soldiers to get news and he received one right away.

“Some soldiers are coming out from a den in a group and at the same time another group is going inside. The loop continues.”

“Do they have any weapons in their hands?” The Royal Alpha asked.

“No. Their hands are totally empty, they are wearing thin robes and when they come out their robes seem oddly attached to their torsos. Either it's sweat or water.”

Taehyung had to break the mindlink in the middle when he saw that old man still staring at him. As if keeping an eye on each and every moment. It didn't take a moment for the Royal Alpha to realise what's happening around him. He connected the dots with what the Empress has found in the Gigeré and where that hidden cave leads them to. And now these soldiers are disappearing behind a den, definitely to dig that cave deeper or preparing for an attack. Behind that den must be a portal that leads them to the mountain range of Chinra.

His mind provided him the solution almost immediately but he can't connect with the Empress directly under the gaze of this old man. Because as soon as his eyes would change its colour, Strays would be alarmed and that's something Taehyung wants to avoid.

So he gave this command to Van and let him handle the process of communication so that he would focus on the mindless bickering and let the Strays think that he is occupied enough to see their tantrums and tricks.

~

Jungkook stretched his hand behind when the arrow took a place on the bow, his eyes focused on the stone that was crumbling down with consistent strikes of the intruders. Someone was still trying to carve a cave inside the Chinra and Jungkook was waiting for them to howl for their success so that his arrow could tear apart their torsos right away.

He was sitting on the thickest branch of the oak tree and the night helped him to retain his focus and hide his body perfectly. His bow creaked under the force of his finger as his lips twitched in anger.

“Your Empress.”

His eyes blazed blue suddenly and the arrow slipped away from his fingers before striking at the middle edge of the cave. He blinked his eyes rapidly to turn them black at the sudden recall, “Alpha?” However the voice seemed to be a little bit more gruff then he remembered.

“I'm Van, Your Grace. My human is occupied with the negotiations and has ordered me to convey a message for you.”

The interaction was bound to happen but Jungkook's heart felt light when he heard the introduction, “My greetings to the soulmate of my wolf. What's the message, has something happened?” He had to blink again to force his wolf down who started to get impatient to resurface.

“Not yet but it's an intuition that something is about to happen. The human has seen the deliberate absence of the Stray's soldiers and it's a possibility that they might marching forward to attack on Chinra at this very night.”

Jungkook's fist tightened around his bow as his face contorted in anger, “As if they have enough strength to do that. Let them enter the territories of Chinra, they won't be able to cross the threshold of this pack alive anymore.”

“They will be coming in uncountable numbers, Your Grace. And the human suggested that it won't be fruitful for the protection of people, he has given a solution to wipe the intruders clean without upholding a massacre.”

“What's the solution? Should I evacuate the ground premises of Chinra?”

“That will be needed as well. The human has suggested for you to find the lowest point of the Chinra mountain and use Eingehen to rift an earthquake. The hollowed parts of the mountain will collapse immediately and half their army would be buried under the soil without any cause.”

Jungkook felt goosebumps on his hands when he heard the strategy of the Emperor. The mind of this man… always left him stunned and speechless. However the plan soon placed a frown on his lips, “ But if such natural disaster occured, all the mountain ranges would get affected and the lives of people, their homes, the waterfalls, the river. What if this sudden change causes flooding around the area?”

“It depends on your arm strength how much impact Eingehen would leave on the mountain. The other sword bearers will guide you through this but make sure to evacuate this mountain as soon as possible. I can mindlink the Royal highness to let him handle the area of Western Land and Gigeré.”

Jungkook jumped down from the tree and his eyes contorted in anger when his ears heard that striking again, “Thank you, Van. Please mindlink the Royal Highness while I'll be summoning the other sword bearers to my chamber. We don't have much time on our palms but if the Alpha has chosen me for this authority then I will be completing this work with all my dignity and gratitude.”

“As expected from the Empress, Your Grace.”

Jungkook tucked his bow behind his back and ran towards the other trees where the soldiers were deployed. He waved them down and ordered, “ Go down to the premises of folks and take all of them to the western land. We have to evacuate this mountain.”

“But Your Empress, the enemies are about to enter the territories. How can we leave the borders? We must remain on our posts to bless them with hell.” The soldiers tried to show their confusion but Jungkook's raised hand silenced his worries, “It's an order from Your Empress. I have sensed a natural disaster. The protection of these innocent people is our first priority. I promise you that none of the enemies will be left alive.”

The soldiers rested their weapons in their satchel while asking on3 last question, “His Empress will be leaving with us too, right?”

Jungkook nodded in assurement, “Yes. I will meet you on the shore of the Lavin. Each life matters, make sure we will protect them at all cost.”

The soldiers bowed and left to inform the others. The night helped them move fastly and Jungkook followed the path that further leads to his chamber. He moved fast on his feet and covered his thumb on the rings while chanting the names of the sword bearers.

His heart picked up the pace along with his burning lungs when he saw the folks running down the road of Western land. He moved back and diverted his path to avoid the people or they might question him about why he is running back to Chinra while they are ordered to evacuate the palace.

He jumped from one tree to another and sighed when finally landed at the ending pole of the bridge, he ran back to his chamber while moving coherently on the swinging bridge.

The door of his chamber was already opened and all of his doubts got cleared when he found all the sword bearers standing inside his chamber. Nami presented water to the Empress while Kenji started to talk, “The Royal highness informed us about the intruders. Do you know where is Eingehen? We need to hold hands just above the sword to awaken it.”

Jungkook nodded while wiping his lips and pointed towards the lowest chest under the Alpha's clothes. Sang pulled it out in one go and placed it at the centre of the Chamber. Four of them joined their hands above the sword and looked at Jungkook, “In Taehyung's absence, his mate becomes the sword bearer. Join us, Your Empress.” Nami requested and Jungkook placed his hand on top of them.

They chanted the spells that Ella engraved for all abilities of Eingehen and soon the chest started to radiate shine. Jungkook was nervous but his fingers clad with Alpha's rings weren't trembling anymore. If he is assigned some responsibility then it's his pride to fulfil  the chore for his people.

They pulled apart their joined hand and nodded towards the Empress to open the chest. Jungkook opened the chest and his lips left a relieved sigh when he looked at the sword, the ending key of all of their worries.

His fingers clutched around the handle and its sheath before lifting the sword out of the wooden chest. But when his grip tightened around the sword, his eyes hardened as well.

“Brother-in-law Kenji, you will accompany me out of the Gates of Chinra. Brother-in-law Sang, Mosnic pack has seen your presence beside me, go there and inform them to leave their territorial grounds which are attached with Chinra mountain. Sister-in-law Yunhee, Signal the Lavin post guards to leave as well. Brother-in-law Nami, secure the land of Gigeré, the animals will be devastated on the rift of the earthquake.” Jungkook requested while securing the sword around his waist.

They vacated the chamber and soon disappeared into the dark night. Kenji whistled for the horses and Artax and Dabery both came running forward, “We would have to put our trust in horses for the speed. You can't carry the Royal sword in your wolf form.” Kenji said while mounting the saddle of Dabery.

Jungkook did the same with Artax and both the horses thumped their hooves towards the gate of Chinra. The harsh wind was tearing apart Jungkook's nervous thoughts and making it hard to open his eyes clearly. He closed them momentarily to pray for the protection of his people and opened them to change its stance on the horse. He pushed himself forward, behind his shoulders while balancing his face just above Artax's neck. He could see perfectly in between the twitching ears of the horse and the wind wasn't harsh on his face anymore. His hands held the reins and legs pushed Artax's back to move fast because the time was slipping past their fingers like dry soil and he needs to raise the disaster before any causality happens.

~

Kim Cheol took out his sword and pointed towards the General as he shouted for the last time, “If you abuse my ancestors one more time, I will stick this sword inside your throat.”

“Kim Cheol hoisting weapons in the presence of the Emperor could be seen as impudence. Keep it down.” The Commander ordered and was about to urge the General to apologise but General Dae was too angry to be held down.

“The whole disagreement occurred because your ancestors rumoured to own the Lavin river but it's a myth.”

“And who are you to decide that?” Cheol spitted on the ground, his whole arms were trembling with anger.

Taehyung discarded the chair and helped the Empress to behold his presence beside him, “Both of your arrogance are too demanding to be heard any longer. If the ownership of the Lavin river is the cause behind your attacks on the folks on Chinra then I must announce that the Lavin river comes under the governance of Europe. It doesn't fall under any of your packs to decide which one of you will be using what amount of water.”

His voice contained the finality of the conversation as he stared down at both Alphas, “If Strays apologise for their attacks on the folks of Chinra and agreed to behave in the future, I could be considerate enough to propose a treaty among the both pack.”

“Or? Or what will you do, Your Majesty?” The old man challenged while showing his sword to the Strays.

“Or your entire pack will be punished for your deeds. According to the rules of war, Exactly 10 days after, either you will come to apologise or the echoes of the war will leave Strays deaf for eternity.”

The Royal Alpha adjourned the meeting and the Commander was immediately on his feet to clear the path, the soldiers came behind and protected the General till they passed the grounds of the Strays. The darkness held the silence of the night when they left the premises and entered on the shore of the marbles.

The moon was one night away to shine the fullest but it's moonlight was enough for the marbles to spread shine all around the river. The soldiers busied themselves to push the boat in the river as Taehyung looked at the sky.

“Commander, order the oars to paddle securely. Seems like an earthquake is about to happen.”

.

.

.

.

.

.

“I have seen Taehyung rifting Earthquakes and bursting volcanoes before. You need to use the strength of your wrist and forearm only. Make sure your biceps won't contribute to the force when you move your hand.” Kenji instructed the Empress when they reached the lowest part of Chinra.

“And how should one do that?” Jungkook asked curiously, his palm holding the sword a bit too securely.

Kenji put his hands in some comical position and demonstrated the movement, “You have to inhale a deep sigh and push the sword while exhaling. It will relax your bicep muscles and your wrist will press the sword enough to cause the rift.”

Jungkook analysed the sword thoroughly and practised it while pressing its sheath on the surface of the mountain which was covered with dark soil.

“Eingehen has sharp edges, it will cut through the soil with a simple press and to cause a rift in the mountain you have to rotate your wrist while taking it out.” Kenji kept moving back while instructing to cure his vision from blacking out when Jungkook pulled the sword out of its sheath.

The sword shone under the moonlight and Jungkook could see its edges reflecting the shadows of his face. He held the sword diagonally on the surface and inhaled deeply. He exhaled the air out without moving his hand and inhaled another sigh. He continued to calm his nerves till his hand got habitual to the weight of the sword and with the last inhaled breath….

Jungkook pushed the sword inside the wall of the mountain. His lungs forgot to breathe when the next swift motion, he twisted his wrist and pulled the sword out securely.

He put the Royal sword back into its sheath and looked up. There wasn't any movement at all, his wide eyes roamed from peak to peak but not a single stone turned upside down.

Kenji whistled again and shouted, “We should leave now. The path of Gigeré would be more secure to reach the Western land.”

But Jungkook remained unphased as he kept looking towards the peak of the mountain. Has he done something wrong? Why didn't nature react with the strike of the Royal sword?

“Luna?!?” Kenji shouted again but when the silhouette of the Empress remain rooted to the ground he smacked his head and made a run, “This stubborn omega!”

He grabbed Jungkook's wrist and pulled them far away from the wall, “Have you gone insane? Why are you standing under the wall like that?”

“Have I done something wrong? Why didn't nature react to my hit?” Jungkook asked while saddling Artax again.

“Because nature knows how to protect its protectors! The earthquake won't erupt until you go far from the reach of its destruction. Now move as fast as you can, Empress.”

Their horses neighed when their reins pulled back and hooves striked to surpass the mountain ranges. Jungkook turned his head to look back, his eyes shined widely when his ears heard the rumblings of stone. The ground started to fall apart when he pushed his legs to increase the speed… It's coming… the earthquake. The one Jungkook erupted with the help of Alpha's sword.

He succeeded.

Succeeded to secure his people.

Secure his soldiers.

And his mate.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜.

The next chapter will be filled with romance. We will be celebrating autumn moon festival togther. You will get to know the rituals of the festival and how the Alpha will make it special for himself or the omega.

What's going to happen with Gyuri now?

I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Good night, lovely readers.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜.