Third Person’s P.O.V.

“I challenge you to a duel brother...and it will be a fight till the end.”

The words had Jungkook’s breath hitching as he stood unmoving at the same spot, facing his brother in an equal standing for the very first time.

“It was not betrayal” Jungkook’s words were calm and almost glad “I merely took a calculated risk, I knew Do-Hwan wouldn’t stand a chance before your trueblood in rage, who’d be mad in fury to protect its mate. I was aware that our troops were in no condition to battle against that large an army…I had to find a way to kill Do-Hwan n then the war will come to an end on its own with Kleon’s victory.”

He sounded so sure of himself but his words made Taehyung bristle, his wolf snarling is blazing anger.

“So, you decided it was okay to just let enemy soldiers attack my home and abduct my mate?! Who gave you the right to decide that you could use my omega as a bait?!!”

“For my land I can take any decision I seek…a small sacrifice is nothing at the face of the safety of thousands of others!” Jungkook’s voice boomed against his brother’s as a frown overtook his brow.

“Will you fucking stop lying?!!!” Taehyung growled, his sword raised as he took another step in challenge against his brother “it is still betrayal against me!! Jin got hurt…I could have lost them-” “You could have died…yeah I know” Jungkook shrugged, the smirk still lingering on his lips “but just like I said…I’d sacrifice one little family to save thousand others.”

The soldiers held their silences but a chilling sense of what was about to happen was rather evident to everyone there, a duel with the trueblood meant making a deal with death…especially with how infuriated their Commander looked at the moment. But their gazes were fixed on their King as they waited to see if he’d take the challenge or deny.

A sort of aggression had begun brewing in them after knowing how the King had made secret allies with the enemy, their trust dwindling and their loyalty leaning away from their monarch as they realized that today it had been the trueblood’s family who had been used as bait…tomorrow it could be theirs. 

The knowledge of the betrayal from their very monarch had them feeling used and befooled, their families had been thrown into danger and they were beginning to realize that to the King to whom they had pledged their allegiance to accept death in his and the nation’s name, their lives were but used as mere playthings in a wicked game. The plans made and carried out behind their backs proved that their voices didn’t matter, neither did their lives. They didn’t have the right to say it aloud but right now as they stood watching the scene of the King being rightly confronted for his actions, their emotions made their faces glow with pride to see the man that led them in battle was here as well to stand up against such devious treachery, not only because of reasons that were personal to him but also for all of them.

And although their were no particular sound or voice of support yet one could easily sense where their allegiance stayed as their gazes burned against the King, waiting for him to take the decision to fight or surrender. 

Taehyung looked very ready to finally show Jungkook his place, the wolf within him was roused and eager for the fight. It had actually been prepared for this fight for a long time and to claim the name of being the strongest alpha of Kleon who bowed to none and couldn’t be made to kneel before a petty insecure weakling like his brother actually was.

But there was the other side in him, the human one which had for some reason always held back from killing his brother.

Since the time they were kids he had known that he could easily overpower Jungkook and kill him. When he was but a mere kid and his father would still allow him to train at the palace among the finest swordsmen, he would watch from afar when the crown prince trained with the royal guards and had often thought that the future King was but a weak alpha to guide the nation. And his views were proved very true when their father would profusely commend him for his greater strength and perfect skills before a grim looking Jungkook who’d watch him from afar with a rigid glare but would never engage in any conversation or spar with him.

Taehyung realized that he could learn things way more easily too and found it laughable to see Jungkook taking ages to learn something that he could master in a couple of hours. And told himself that was the reason they were not allowed to train together or spar with each other, although it was something Taehyung would always wish for…he wanted to prove that he was the best, in front of his father’s eyes…in front of the lords and all of Kleon…he wanted to establish that as an alpha he was the embodiment of true strength.

However, in all honesty he never wanted the throne…maybe as any other child looking up to his father, he too had once thought of how grand and powerful it must feel to have the power to command every man, woman and child of Kleon…as a kid he too had tried to replicate the way his father talked, walked or commanded…he had wanted that aura of power but never the throne nor the crown…nor the responsibilities that came with being a King.

Fighting for his people came naturally to him, he believed that he had the responsibility to protect his people…as an alpha his wolf was rigged to do that…it ensured that those who trusted him and his power had to be protected because they were trusting him as their leader.

And hence, although he hated the people…he still strictly attended to his duties.

It was probably also the reason why he never challenged Jungkook…defeating his brother would mean he’d have to take his place on the throne…and he who had been cursed as a bastard child, he who had been the reason his mother had been defamed by all of Kleon as a tramp who ruined the King and he who had seen first hand how cruel and selfish people can really be to you when they know you aren’t in a position to fight back and yet those same hypocrites would come to kiss your feet when you hold a position of power...he couldn’t come to tell himself to accept the idea of being a loving leader to them.

People disgusted him, he knew how to take care of his responsibilities but he wasn’t sure how he’d feel compassionate towards the people knowing how they loathed him.

However, right now as he stared back at Jungkook at the open field as the day rolled towards its end, all that went through his mind was the voice of his mate as he remembered one of those declarations he has often cherished…the time when Jin had spoken in clear words that he believed him to be a better alpha than their King. It was one of his proudest memories, especially because of the fact that he knew his mate could hate him with all he got and would never say a thing just to make him feel good or give a passing compliment. Jin was many things but never a hypocrite…naïve, ignorant, arrogant, difficult but never someone who could lie just to play with someone’s emotions neither could he flatter another.

It was that same voice that had made the fire of revenge burn in him…it still did, his wolf could never overlook nor forget the way his mate had been hurt by Jungkook. He had seen Jin face every trouble with a tough face, he had seen him stand resilient through every difficulty he had faced but Taehyung will probably never forget the way he had seen the omega weep weakly and tell him to not leave him alone because he was scared of Jungkook hurting him. And today yet again Jungkook’s stupid cruelty had yet again thrown his mate into danger, he had sensed the pain Jin had to go through that felt like tearing through his insides, he had sensed the fear Jin felt of losing their pup and felt real fear numbing his very veins to make his blood run cold evev at the thought of it.

He had decided that he wanted Jungkook to pay for everything…he wanted to watch him be equally scared…he wanted him to go through that pain and sought to make him learn that although he never used his greater strength against the other to show him his real place but he could if he ever decided to…he could make Jungkook go through the same pain he had sat n watched him go through a decade ago…he too could make Jungkook feel helpless and beg at his feet…he would make him fear him.

“However, according to the law, you can be punished for using your trueblood at the battlefield…your stunt affected Kleon’s troops as well” Jungkook’s voice was a calm explanation but a rush of murmurs overtook the silence in the next moment as Yoongi, Hoseok and almost every other soldier there resisted to the suggestion and one could see the King’s gaze turning a little troubled for the first time to see so many voices suddenly standing up for the one who didn’t deserve such support.

Taehyung listened to Jungkook’s words silently, his gaze solely set on his brother and it irked him to see how low he could go to say that knowing he was the reason Jin had been abducted by the enemy and it was that news that made his rational mind slip into rage and he had given to his wolf’s aggression.

“And because this is the third time you have committed the same offence of taking decisions that has hurt the soldiers, as the King I can declare your execution brother.”

“Go ahead and declare it…but I swear to end your life before I lose mine” Taehyung’s voice was firm and decided, his gaze boring into the other’s.

The troops went into a frenzy of protest this time, declaring in loud voices how they needed their Commander to lead them to war to help them win their battles in the future.

Jin watched Taehyung as he stood by his side still, blinking at his alpha before his gaze moved towards the cold hard stare Jungkook was giving the trueblood. A whimper threatened to slip out of his lips to hear Taehyung speak about death, he knew how cunning and cruel the King was and his heart twisted into a knot as he remembered the way Taehyung was made to endure the torture last time in the name of punishment.

He saw Taehyung’s grip remain strong on his sword as he stood resolute before the King.

“The challenge still stands, whether you declare my punishment or execution. Will you dare to fight or surrender to me eh?” Taehyung’s words were a taunt and Jin wanted to tell him not to anger the other more and just to rather get on with the duel and defeat Jungkook so that the trueblood won’t be made to suffer any of that torturous punishment.

It wasn’t that he was worried that his alpha might lose because he knew it was quite impossible for the King to win in a combat with the trueblood, and honestly Jin knew Taehyung couldn’t be wounded or killed as long as he stood beside him knowing he could heal any and every wound on his alpha but he didn’t trust Jungkook to play fair.

There was an eerie silence that waited above them as wind whizzed through the open field, biting cold air nipping through their heated skins and anticipation burned through every heart as they waited.

Jungkook’s eyes moved from Taehyung towards the omega who stood by his brother’s side, staying on those arrogant eyes that denied to drop down as one would expect from an omega and he smirked knowing very well the keen intention in those brown eyes. He knew even if he managed to wound his brother the omega will ensure no harm will come to him and heal him on instinct…as mates they were bound to protect each other.

“I accept the challenge” Jungkook finally spoke with eyes dead set on his brother, making the sombre atmosphere go even more grim and the wind dared to be the only thing to cut into the silence as it whistled through the open field “but I have two demands.”

The words made a frown crimp on Taehyung’s frown “what demand?”

Jungkook’s chin tilted up, eyes moving to Jin “your mate cannot interfere in the duel-” “He will not” Taehyung’s reply was quick and decided but he saw Jungkook shaking his head with a smirk, eyes shrewd as they skipped between the two who stood facing him.

“Well, we all know how much your omega likes to defy you brother…I will not make the mistake of taking just your word for it.”

Jin stared back at Jungkook trying to understand what he meant, he too knew it was beyond his rational control to watch his alpha get wounded without reacting in anyway. He would try to heal Taehyung and ensure his safety no matter what.

“I will accept the challenge only if your omega agrees to take a scentblocker to ensure he won’t be using his powers and you do not use your trueblood against me. You want a duel, then let’s make it on common grounds…you want a fair match, right? I think this is a valid deal…I mean I am aware how you hate unfair play after all” his smile sent something chilling through Taehyung, his alpha growling within him at the very thought of his omega’s scent being blocked from him.

He could instantly sense Jin’s scent going distraught with worry by his side and turned to the omega to see Jin blinking unsurely at him.

“No! I will not take scent blockers…those block my omega…I won’t be able to heal” Jin’s exclamation was loud and definite, eyes blazing for a short minute but his words were cut off to feel Taehyung grasping at his hand, his grip firm as he stared back at the omega.

“Taehyung don’t listen to him-” “It’s ok…calm down” the alpha spoke before his gaze moved past him to Yoongi, who was shaking his head at him as he understood what he wanted to know “the blockers might not hurt the pup but his omega will feel completely lost and disconnected from you...and neither will he be able to use his powers.”

Yoongi asserted gulping to himself, he too had a weird feeling coiling in his gut as he tried to understand if Jungkook was planning something beyond what they could anticipate.

They watched Taehyung turning to face Jungkook, eyes sharp against the other “I will not be letting my trueblood out...and neither will my mate interfere-” “He has to take the blockers…I will not have your mate giving us anymore surprises brother” Jungkook shrugged, unsheathing his sword now.

Yes, he had a plan…he wasn’t going to accept defeat so easily. He had a feeling that if Taehyung survived it would come to this…his trueblood will seek for revenge and he’d face a challenge. And he had made proper preparations for it too, but for his plans to work he had to make sure Seokjin would be rendered powerless to interfere.

He had to ensure that the omega will not be able to protect his brother…neither heal him. 

A hush fell upon the crowd before Yoongi was walking out of the lot of men with a frown gathered on his brow.

“That is beyond the norms...you cannot force him to take blockers if he doesn’t want to. If Seokjin agrees to not interfere that should be enough.”

“His omega is bound to react, don’t you remember how he killed thirteen officials in the blink of an eye only to heal his mate? You do understand what this duel would decide if it’s till the end right?” Jungkook’s eyes bore into Taehyung’s as he discarded Yoongi’s words “I am willing to take up the challenge but I will not accept any treachery on your part.”

Taehyung wanted to laugh at those words “and how am I the traitor when you literally made a deal with the enemy and almost let your nation fall?”

“I already explained why I had to do it. You can only think of what’s in front of you…but as a King, I have to see beyond today’s loss to secure tomorrow’s win.”

“Who the fuck feeds you these nonsense huh? You are the one who brought all those troubles on us!” Taehyung snapped at him being annoyed with that air of greatness Jungkook wore despite the fact that almost every decision he had taken had only added to Kleon’s troubles.

“I was trying to make things right…and if you hadn’t messed up my intentions they’d be perfect” Jungkook’s gaze began burning red and it moved to set on Jin again, a growl building in his throat as he spoke the next words “that omega was supposed to be the weapon against the monster…he would have finished you under my command…I’d have purged Kleon of the curse father had burdened it with and the future would be safe…I won’t let you ruin what my ancestors worked so hard to build.”

The words made Taehyung stun for a bit however, he realised at that moment that Jungkook knew way beyond he had guessed.

“Haven’t you felt it yet?” Jungkook’s gaze was borderline crazed, his red eyes swirling with something eerie “haven’t you sensed your wolf’s weakness towards him? You might be the strongest of alphas brother, but even your trueblood is but a mere mortal before the wrath of what resides within him…you’re in denial if you think that omega is yours to hold under your claim…when the time comes, you will know why he was brought to Kleon to be a weapon against you.”

Taehyung’s nostrils flared to hear those words, his wolf stirred within him taking those as an insult to its power and his need to put down the other grew as he denied to listen to anyone saying anything about his dominance over his mate. His wolf shook itself, striking angrily against the fetters he strictly kept it behind to come out and show every eye there of his claim over his omega.

Yes, Jin was powerful…tremendously so but his omega would never try to defy his dominance, that was out of the question...he wouldn’t allow that…he’d never allow that.

He felt a touch on his arm, the familiar warmth making him turn to see Jin blinking at him.

“Taehyung” Jin finally spoke up, eyes blown with setting panic “don’t agree to this…I don’t feel right about this...he might hurt you and I won’t be-” “Trust me…trust your alpha” his words were hushed but determined, spoken only for his mate. His hands gripping Jin’s leaner wrists in a warm clutch and his thumb gently nudged against the skin as he saw the omega’s lower lip wobble as if he debated to say something but then held back only staring back with those big brown concerned eyes. He could tell Jungkook’s words had had an effect on Jin, who looked terrified and there was an odd guilt swimming in the omega’s eyes “don’t pay attention to any of his words…those are just words…don’t believe any of those…”

Jin’s lips parted, his palpitations rising as he watched the other. There were too many things happening around…too many words troubling him…Jimin’s warnings blared at the back of his mind…Taehyung’s silence that had made him realize that those were all true…the voice within him still droning to take control, angry and irritated with him for giving in to his alpha’s call which had led to the breaking of the stupor the spirit had kept him veiled in.

And now another information…the knowledge of being the only one who could overpower the trueblood…the spirit that lived within him was supposed to be a weapon against his own alpha.

A shaky breath slipped his mouth as tears pricked the corners of his eyes and he watched Taehyung’s darker ones bore into him “I don’t…I don’t want to see you get hurt…please don’t agree to this…”

Taehyung stared at Jin, his dark eyes gazing into his mate’s as he breathed evenly reading the concern in those eyes and felt a tug within to feel how restless and worried Jin looked at the moment. They were so different from the arrogance he had seen when Arcana had taken control, those cold dazzling eyes declared his destiny with godly pride but right now it was his mate who was looking at him with fear for his wellbeing brimming in them…Jin’s voice was so soft against his ear, the care in him spilling when he said that he was scared to see him get hurt.

His mind began playing games with him yet again as a charmed feeling spread through his insides to sense his omega’s need for him, it was moments’ like these when he told himself that Jin did feel the same way he did for him, at least a little…how else was it possible for him to make him feel so shaken just by the way he looked at him. 

The touch on his arm became a little tighter and his hand moved in its own volition as it set on his mate’s jaw, he could feel the distress his mate was currently going through and it made the alpha in him want to calm him down the more. 

“I said don’t listen to those words…I don’t believe in fate or destiny or whatever it is that they want to intimidate us with…my brother needs to learn that he has made his last mistake and I don’t care about fathers’ warnings anymore either…this is my fight Jin, I need to do this…if not for Kleon or the people but for myself, my wolf is enraged with him” his thumb caressed Jin’s cheek while his mind made him remember all the times he had seen his mate being hurt and in pain because of the other “this isn’t about the throne, it is between me and him…do you get it?”

Jin blinked up at him, gulping his fears down as he touched the hand warmly settled on the side of his face “my powers-without it I…you could be in danger…” 

A smile pulled at a corner of the trueblood’s mouth, his gaze doting on the omega as he leaned just a bit “you know I won’t lose…”

“I know that but…it’s not safe…he’s shrewd, I don’t trust him at all” Jin looked utterly distressed as he glanced at the King, his omega whining within him to think about being left helplessly powerless at the face of seeing his alpha in danger.

“I thought I was supposed to be your armour…why do I feel like you consider yourself to be my protector?” Taehyung chuckled leaning closer, his nose nudging softly at Jin’s temple before he was pulling back to look down at those troubled brown eyes again “calm down kitten…don’t be this concerned for me…or I might mistake it for affection yet again”.

The words made something snap within Jin, his throat choking up as a hundred words of protest gurgled up to the tip of his tongue…there were so many things he wanted to say but he wasn’t sure which one to pick. Should he choose to tell him that he did feel worried for him? Should he tell him he didn’t know if the twisting feeling in his gut at the very thought of watching Taehyung getting hurt was affection or not? Couldn’t Taehyung see how the very idea of seeing him get hurt was breaking something in him? 

His hand moved to grasp at his alpha, apologize to him for the way he had been mean to him, tell him he didn’t intend to say those words to hurt him…that he knew Taehyung was nothing like his father. Most importantly, he wanted to say it again and a thousand more times if that was what the alpha needed to believe him that he really feared seeing him get hurt, especially now when he knew he’d powerless and wouldn’t be able to heal him. He needed him safe…he needed him unharmed to feel safe himself.

But Taehyung had already turned about to walk a few steps ahead and was facing the King now.

“I accept the conditions for the challenge.”

A smirk pulled at the corner of Jungkook’s mouth “very well then-” “The royal decree states that a challenge if agreed by the King should occur before the people” Yoongi’s voice cut through before Jungkook could complete the sentence, a murmur rose in agreement to the royal advisor’s words.

And although every eye there were still set on the three who stood at the centre of the crowd circling them, Hoseok’s gaze moved to set on Yoongi while a smile broke on his lips as he began realizing what the other was trying to do.

A challenge before the people would ensure that Jungkook won’t be able to play any mean tricks on the other and the victory of the trueblood will inadvertently mean that the people will take him as the new ruler who had defeated the King on fair terms. It would establish Taehyung as being worthy enough to wear the crown.

Hoseok could tell Yoongi was trying to affirm the fact that Jungkook would not be sitting on that throne anyway ever again.

Jungkook fell silent, gaze cutting through to set sharply on Yoongi who took another step towards where they stood to stand shoulder to shoulder beside Taehyung.

“Besides, we need the scent blocker…there aren’t any at the camps.”

“That can be arranged…the guards-” “We also have another issue” Yoongi looked around drawing the gazes of others to see what he meant “they seem to be waking up, we need to make provisions to settle the enemy army down first.”

It was the first time they could see Jungkook looking fidgety, and not quite glad with the idea of setting the duel with his brother before the people.

“The night is upon us already” Yoongi relayed, his gaze checking at the gathering dusk around, the fog and chill of the northern mountains heightening with the sun gone out of sight “I say we give out a declaration to hold the duel at the palace tomorrow morning.”

“I agree…it is a fair suggestion my lord” Hoseok spoke up stepping out of the crowd as well, his voice showed his allegiance to the king but his eyes glinted as they took a short glance at Yoongi.

The royal guards looked at each other nodding to the words as well but dared not voice anything before their King had passed the decision.

Taehyung waited and saw Jungkook’s flitting restless eyes to finally set on Jin, before moving to him. The gaze cold and blank as he spoke “at noon the people should be gathered at the palace…send out the declaration for the duel to be held there tomorrow.”

With that he turned about, heading to his stallion and mounting it one swift move. The guards getting instantly busy after him, as they too mounted their horses alongside him.

“General…make sure the enemy soldiers are restrained and informed of their fate if they dare to defy. They will become a part of Kleon’s army if they are smart enough…kill anyone who tries to escape.”

He spurred his stallion, letting it trot to where Taehyung stood still watching him without a word “get some rest…I am sure it has been a long day for both of you” he smiled at Jin who stood scowling at him.

“Yeah…we will…but I’m not so sure about you though…will the nightmares let you rest?” Taehyung taunted and almost instantly one could see Jungkook’s smile fall, eyes going red as he glared at his brother “they will end with you...I will sleep most peacefully after tomorrow.”

Taehyung grinned back at him “and hopefully never wake up again.”

Jungkook visibly flinched at the words but said no more, the reins in his grip whipping against the air as he spurred the stallion to move forward and the train of royal guards followed after him to head towards the palace.

There was a certain uncomfortable silence after they left and little grunts and groans erupted letting them know that the enemy army were slowly recovering as they tried to understand what had happened to them.

“So, anybody got any idea where do I put thirty thousand enemy soldiers and keep them restrained?” Hoseok’s question broke the chain of thoughts and Taehyung turned around with a resting glare at the other.

“Who the fuck cares…your responsibility, you deal with it” he walked back to clutch at Jin’s arm deciding to get his mate back to the castle as fast as possible and then get back to the camps to take further decisions. But was intercepted again as Hoseok placed himself before him.

“The dungeons at the North Gate are pretty convenient to hold at least some of them don’t you think?”

“No” the reply was strict as Taehyung tried sidling by again.

“Come on…help me out will you!” Hoseok was almost whining as he followed after the other, and Jin could tell he really was distressed.

“Take them to the palace for all I care…but they cannot be at the camps and definitely not at my home.”

“Besides, there’s no more space at his home” Yoongi spoke up this time “last time I saw there were a couple hundred women taking shelter there.”

Taehyung’s head snapped around to stare at his hyung and he suddenly paused “what?!”

His startled gaze zapped to move to Jin next who stood quiet and innocent as a lamb “it was supposed to be thirty people!?”

Jin bit into his lower lip at the question “well, it was thirty…in the beginning” his voice was small and eyes looking everywhere but at Taehyung “but then there were more…they all needed help and I didn’t want to look biased…so…”

Taehyung bit down the curses “but…a couple hundred women at my home…?” He sighed trying to calm his jitters down at the thought of how he was going to handle the amount of torture it would be for his wolf to feel comfortable among so many unsettling scents.

Jin tried to ease out the tension in the other now “it’s just for a few days…they will be leaving now that the war is over” he held a forced smile as he tugged at Taehyung’s arm now “I’m sure they’ll be eager to return to their homes too…well most of them for sure, some of them wanted to join the troops and wanted me to help them to learn so they might need to come back from time to time…”

Jin walked a few steps ahead while Taehyung was literally sulking now, his alpha already aggravated with annoyance. However, it went worse as Hoseok came to walk by his side.

“Geez…a couple hundred omegas eh? I bet you must know some of them…” he quietly sniggered by his side to see Taehyung’s eyes going wide before they turned red as he glared at him but silently “it’s gonna be one hell of an awkward few days” he whistled to himself only to earn a growl from the other.

“Shut up fuckface” “Worried your mate will kick you out of the bed if he knows what a fine alpha you have been while waiting for him?” Hoseok taunted again before stumbling down because he had gotten kicked at the back of his knees.

“I said shut up!”

Jin turned about from conversing with Yoongi, and the two could see Taehyung glaring and cursing and fuming over Hoseok who was grinning like a fool at him.

“W-What are you doing?” Jin blinked from one to another before Yoongi sighed beside him and rolled his eyes at them.

“I think I have to put more thoughts on my decision to see you as the ruler of Kleon, stop acting like kids…why are you two fighting again?” The elder spoke to Taehyung, who glared one last time at Hoseok before coming to grasp at Jin’s arm again before he was tugging him towards a carriage to take them to North Gate castle.

“I don’t know how you endure him” Taehyung was grumbling under his breath as he passed Yoongi “there’s nothing to like about him.”

Hoseok came up after him, watching Taehyung’s back while Jin half turned to bow and bid them farewell for the night as he walked alongside the alpha.

“Don’t get too busy in the bed tonight…remember you got a challenge to win tomorrow!” Hoseok yelled out the words at his back, a large grin on his lips and that only earned him a middle-finger in return from the trueblood.

-

The decision to shelter the beta women and the omegas had been a noble one indeed.

Jin too believed that, especially after he had seen how zealous they were to fight for their own and for their children’s safety…he would say they were brave enough to stand up for themselves if given the chance, hence proving the long held belief that they could not endure a scene of violence or that they needed to be kept away to ensure they are protected was wrong.

Even a dog bites back when a stick is raised against it…every living being, no matter how weak or puny had the strength to fight against oppression.   

And as their carriage entered the castle, he could see crowds gathering at the open courtyard to greet them, relieved delight spreading on their faces as they realized that the omega prince had been rescued and brought back safely. The moment they stepped out and Taehyung helped Jin down from the carriage a roar broke out accompanied by peals of laughter as they rejoiced to see both of them unharmed.

“The war is over” Taehyung declared with a smile “Kleon has earned its victory yet again.”

Ha-yoon hurried out of the crowd, eyes watery as she took in their forms and pulled Jin into her embrace, apologizing to him vehemently for not being able to keep him safe in the castle.

“Please don’t apologize” Jin spoke into her shoulder “I took the decision to go with them.”

She pulled back, cheeks moist with tears “I was so worried…especially when Yushik said that the omega slave of the King had come to persuade you-” “Jimin didn’t mean no harm…I knew I could trust him” he felt Taehyung clearing his throat by his side, still not very convinced.

Ha-yoon turned to her son, pulling him into her embrace next and Taehyung stiffened a bit, his arms unsure as they coiled around her. He was not familiar to such gestures from her, it was unusual for his mother to show him such tenderness although he knew she loved him and cared about him.

“You stupid boy…you should have taken at least a few soldiers with yourself…you’re not immortal!” She growled at him and yet her voice shook as she tried to hold back her emotions “barging into enemy land without any help while they have your mate! You knew it would be a trap! Were you trying to get both of yourselves killed?!”

“I wasn’t thinking straight” Taehyung found his voice was small with a weird guilt, he really hadn’t thought of anything at the moment as he went in search for his mate, his wolf was stark mad in its need to ensure the safety of his omega and his pup. He truly hadn’t thought how it could affect his mother or the others who cared about him.

“You aren’t thinking straight most of the time” Ha-yoon griped but Taehyung could feel his mother’s raging heartbeat as she held onto him tightly.

“I am sorry” the apology was soft as he dipped his head down to set his chin against her head and let his arms enfold around her in growing fondness, a smile pulled at one corner of his mouth as his voice remained the same soft one “I’m fine though…you need not worry so much”. 

Jin watched the look Taehyung had at the moment, that contentment on his face was so soft and so unlike the natural hard face the trueblood usually wore. He could sense the pleasing sensation his alpha was feeling right now, how calm he was and how content his wolf felt. He saw Ha-yoon pull back a moment later, rebuking Taehyung in a few more soft growls while the other stood accepting the scolding with a few nods and a smile.

But Jin’s smile fell and a fear gripped him to think about what waited tomorrow, his throat going dry as his eyes stayed on his alpha and almost instantly he saw Taehyung’s eyes come to set on him, his brows arching in question and Jin shook his head to assure him that his rising heartbeat was nothing he had to be worried about.

But if Jin was being completely honest, he was a little worried as they walked into their home and crowds greeted them and thanked them constantly while Taehyung literally looked like he was trying too hard to hold his breath.

“Are you ok?” Jin asked seeing him nod hastily but utter no word.

Taehyung didn’t look like he was breathing, red in the face and eyes blinking vehemently and the grasp on his wrist was so tight that Jin was wincing and worrying that he was going to cut off his blood flow.

“Too many scents” his voice was choked “it’s very difficult to keep my wolf calm.”

“Oh” Jin sounded as if he discovered something “it’s exactly how I feel when you take me to war…it’s scary how intimidating those loud threatening alpha pheromones make me feel…my omega becomes so restless” he spoke walking alongside him “I think I had to gulp down my puke at least half a dozen times.”

Taehyung cringed with disgust at the words “that sounds…gross.”

“And yet I can tell I hold through it a lot better than you are doing right now” Jin shrugged taking a glance at the other “you know you’re gonna pass out if you don’t breathe right?”

Taehyung ignored his words, his eyes snapping around to check through the crowds of women roaming about the castle. He didn’t want to agree but that fuckface’s words were still rolling through his mind and honestly, he did not want Jin to know about any of his earlier nightly games.

Well, there wasn’t any harm if Jin did but he’d just like it if he didn’t…mostly because of the fact that he controlled himself severely whenever they mated and his rut was probably the only time Jin had witnessed the height of his lust. He had tried really hard not to let that side of him show before his mate either, knowing Jin wouldn’t be able to accept him like that.

His omega was delicate, divinely powerful n with an arrogance that ran higher than the very clouds but in bed he was his little kitten. His mate was unaware of what an alpha really craves for or how crude the lust was that ran through them and in most of their times together in bed, Taehyung had merely tried to get Jin comfortable with the idea of sex…let him enjoy and had not demanded to pleasure himself the way his trueblood wanted to knowing his omega wasn't ready for such rough touches.

Had he enjoy getting dead drunk and then spend hours satisfying his mad lust? Well, truthfully no…it was just a way to deal with the dull emptiness that left him stressed and agitated, and he tried to satiate himself with drink and sex, only to never feel satisfied enough.

Things had changed a lot with him finding his mate, though the initial few days had been torturous on him because Jin had denied to accept the claim which made his wolf feel agitated beyond measure. He could sense the omega’s need for him…he could feel Jin’s body reacting to his alpha and yet his mate denied to acknowledge him as his alpha. It made his wolf feel furious, insulted but mostly discarded and lonely…as his mate Jin was supposed to make him feel complete. The trueblood in him felt weak and torn to have its omega shun him completely.

And he had kept telling himself it was the fault of the incomplete bond…things would be better once their bond would be consummated, the sealed bond would make Jin feel him the way he could feel his omega.

He had been right too…Jin had accepted his claim after he had sealed their bond and knotted in him, his omega had submitted himself to his care and Taehyung had realised why no other scent or any other omega could ever satisfy him the way his mate could. He had learnt that very day why it was called a mating bond between the alpha and the omega as he realised that it wasn’t just the omega’s submission to its alpha…but he too had submitted to his mate’s need for him, the consummation was not just about planting his seed in his mate’s womb and claiming him as his…but it was a promise to be a better mate and care for the one who was his other half till the day he’d breathe his last.

And that, Taehyung had learnt, had a satisfaction of a different kind…to know none but him would be more important to Jin…to know those fragile hands could tear him apart and he’d have to accept it in silence…to know that all his mighty strength turned but weak before the honeyed gaze of his mate…to know that one cruel word from those lips could scar him deeper than any sword would dare.

Jin could make him feel vulnerable…weak…and yet he had never felt as strong as he did now…to know that his mate was right by his side and needed him to make him feel safe.

And he never questioned the feeling that he had let grow...the affection that came naturally...the protective instincts that were beyond his control, to him as well as his wolf it was but a welcoming change. This was how he was supposed to feel for his mate...he couldn't hold it back, probably not even if he tried...it was the reason he had chosen to overlook all the accusations Jin had thrown at his face...because truthfully he couldn't stay angry or away for too long, the punishment backfired on him n he was the one who was left feeling tortured and agitated without his mate's scent to calm himself down when Jin denied to let him stay around him.

But despite the hurdles they had overcome n the troubles that kept positioning themselves before them all the time, Taehyung knew Jin trusted him a lot more than when they had begun being mates.

For now, he’d prefer keeping it the way it was, he could tell things weren’t really smooth between them yet. Although he too knew that those accusing words Jin had said were a part of his own agitation…however, that doesn’t mean those didn’t hurt. He’d really like it if Jin just kept away from mingling with these women too much or know about his past, maybe someday he’d reveal it all to the omega himself but tonight wasn’t the time for that. He tugged on his wrist meaning to head into their chamber to ensure that.

But his mate had never really been one to abide to him calmly…

“Wait…I want to check-” “Later” Taehyung’s voice sounded rather strained, his face still hard and discomfort clear in his features.

“I need to talk to Yushik-” “I’ll have the guards summon him to our chamber” the reply was rigid and decided.

“B-But-” “I need to get back to the camps” he led them towards their chamber “I’ll tell them to bring your food, freshen up and rest awhile after your meal. We’ll talk when I get back.”

Jin blinked up at him noting the heaviness in his voice “about tomorrow?”

And he received only a nod as a reply. He could tell Taehyung was really uncomfortable, his breathing awry and features distressed. He could sense the wolf in him being utterly disturbed.

“You...you can use my scent or scent me if it helps” Jin's voice was a soft assurance right when they stepped inside their chamber. He stood in his place with flitting eyes as he sensed Taehyung halting right ahead of him as he said those words.

“I'm just letting you know that I wouldn't mind helping you” his words were just a little above a mumble as he blinked up to see Taehyung turning to stare at him wordlessly.

“You sure I won't be accused of using my mate for my own needs yet again?”

The words came as a severe taunt to Jin whose eyes dropped down almost instantly and his jaw went tight. He could see Taehyung's steps coming closer towards him and gulped to himself when he say him standing without even an inch's distance between them.

“N-No...I just said I won't mind” Jin tried not to fumble but his heart was beating way too fast, he didn't even know why he was this jittery. Taehyung had scented him almost a thousand times already.

And yet his breath hitched when he felt fingers unbuttoning his coat and his shirt to reveal his neck to the alpha. He felt a shudder run through him to sense Taehyung's touch at the side of his neck before he felt him leaning in close to nose at the same spot under his ear. Those heavy breaths against his skin making him squirm and whimpers threatened to spill out till he felt a hand pushing into his hair at the back of his head to pull his head to a side as the alpha made him to bare his neck to him. His eyes fluttered close n a whine slipped when he felt Taehyung's mouth dragging up n down his neck, till the alpha was focusing on the mate mark and sucking on it.

The reaction was instant as Jin moaned out loud, his head swamped in that blissed out feeling and Taehyung smiled to himself to feel how tightly Jin was holding onto his arms, practically clinging on him as he felt his chest collide with his as the omega pushed his body towards him.

He kissed at the mark before he was pulling back only to see how dilated Jin's pupils were n how flushed his face had become. He was blinking furiously as he tried to look not so dazed n affected by the alpha's actions.

“Thank you for that...it helped a lot” Taehyung smirked watching Jin who nodded hastily at the words, his fingers still rubbing casually at the side of Jin's neck “will you do the same for me?”

The question made Jin blink up at him and Taehyung cleared the query he held in those ignorant brown eyes.

“Scent me will you? Let your alpha wear your scent so that every omega out there is aware that I belong to you” Taehyung leaned close baring his neck to his mate.

-

“You accepted the challenge?!” The Queen Dowager’s voice was loud inside the chamber, her eyes shocked and enraged as they bore into her son “Jungkook, have you lost your mind?! He will kill you!”

Jungkook sat with an expressionless face, his hands casually resting on the arms of his seat as his gaze stayed on the nimble flames in the fireplace. He heard her steps come closer till she was blocking his view.

“What is it now? You want to die?!” She was fuming, her hands flailing in exasperation “you want the people to watch him murder you before their eyes?!! Will you for once think about what will happen to me?! I had to stay silent when your father ruined our bond and chose to mate that whore! I had to stay silent when you decided all by yourself to bring the omega prince to Kleon! Now you want me to silently watch you accepting your death?!!”

His gaze slowly moved up to set on her livid eyes “if I die tomorrow then it is my fate mother…just like you accepted yours when you let father break the bond and choose another woman.”

“I had no choice!” “EVERYONE HAS A CHOICE!!” He growled back, gaze flaring red against her now as his hand clutched harshly at the armrest of his seat “you chose to watch him mate her…you chose to allow her child to live…” he rose from his seat making his mother take faltering steps to back away from him “you chose to listen to father when he said that bastard will be the strongest alpha and the pride of Kleon!!”

He was fuming at her as the Queen watched him with wide terror-struck eyes, her hand clutching at her own chest to see him lash out at her like that.

“Jungkook…?” Her voice was shaky and breathing uneven “why did you have to do such a thing? Why would you even think of making an ally with Zyon? That omega is carrying his child…it’s too late now…it’s too late to-” “Maybe it’s too late for me to acquire that omega and get what I wanted…but it is never too late to end what he thinks he won.”

He whipped around, still fuming as he paced around the room “he will lose…he has to lose! He cannot win mother…the prophecy” his breathing was too rushed and pants spaced his words “the prophecy says he’ll ruin the throne! I can’t let him do that! It’s my responsibility! Father left it to me! I am supposed to protect the throne!”

“Why would you accept the challenge?” The Queen’s voice was still shaky but this time it was laced with worry for her son’s life.

Jungkook gulped, his eyes unfocused in the blank darkness of the view outside the bay window while his breathing slowly began toning down “it was bound to happen one day mother…you too know that” there was an odd heaviness in his voice, his gaze still set in the distance as he held back the thoughts raging in his head “my voice is losing its power…they have begun following him, trusting his words more than mine…relying on him because they don’t know what his wolf is capable of” a hush of breath spilled out of his lips and his voice went lower “the monster in him chose to tame another monster…Kleon will be left in ruins after they’ve warred with each other…if I cannot stop it then I don’t want to stay to watch that happen...” his jaw went stiff and if it wasn’t that dark then one could see the moisture lining his eyes “the throne is the only thing that belongs to me, it is mine…I will not be able to watch him ruin the one thing that is dear to me”.

And no sooner the word slipped out of his mouth his mind bolted to the one other thing that was probably just as dear to him but he could never allow himself to agree to that feeling.

He blinked letting his eyes stay in the void as he remembered his own mindless fury when he had heard about Jimin betraying him to return to Zyon…he had planned to hunt the omega down, even summoned the hunters to command them to drag Jimin out of wherever he was hiding and present him at his feet. He had told himself that he could do that because the omega was his, and he was furious to think Jimin had dared to try to flee without his permission.

But he hadn’t done any of that…he hadn’t tried to capture him, hadn’t sent hunters after him and didn’t try to impose his authority over the omega…he had rather decided to let him go, if that is what he wanted…he had realised with an odd clenching in his heart that Jimin could do that, he could choose to run away…after all Jungkook hadn’t claimed him to make him stay.

It was true, he had never considered Jimin as his mate…but he liked keeping him by his side because his scent was the only thing that could calm him…that touch on his brow the only thing that could make the nightmares go away and let him sleep. Yes, he didn’t want Jimin…the omega was but a mere slave and yet he was the only person before whom Jungkook knew he could be himself and did not have to fear being judged.

“So, you are surrendering to him? Accepting defeat?” The Queen’s words sounded to sharp against the sombre air Jungkook had surrounded himself with.

“No mother…I’m not surrendering…as a King I can never do that…” he turned to face her and the grief and pain that had been raging within him was lost again as his gaze turned dark “there will be a fight tomorrow…and it will end with either my death” he walked past her towards the door “or theirs”.

-

By the time Taehyung could ride back from the camps to the North Gate castle, it was almost midnight. The hallways were deserted by now and only the guards stayed alert and upright to be patrolling around the premises.

Despite his anger against the General he had obviously made provisions to ensure that the enemy soldiers won’t flee or try to mutiny against them. Kleon’s own army had been segregated into battalions and sent to Zyon to ensure no other enemy land would take this chance to attack on them and steal away their victory. Yoongi had taken the responsibility to take a troop of soldiers along to declare Kleon’s claim over the royal palace of Zyon and had addressed to the people that they need not fear because their lives would be in better hands now.

Almost everything was going according to plan…however, he couldn’t deny the exhilaration he had seen among the soldiers. One was their anticipation regarding the duel that was supposed to occur tomorrow and the other was their awed words about what they had witnessed today at the battlefield.

Initially they had thought it was the trueblood who had made the enemy defenceless so easily but the moment their Commander had said it was his mate who had ensured that the war would come to an end their wonderstruck eyes had gone wider while they gushed about what a terrific power the omega prince possessed.

Surely they were aware of how unique Seokjin’s gifts were, they had seen him annihilate hundreds in the last war and had seen the same omega heal the wounded at the camps, some of them even remembered cursing at him for killing so many while many others remembered the way they had voiced against the omega’s haughty words when they watched the prince declare in loud words his intention to let every person of Kleon be equal in their rights, be it an alpha, a beta or an omega.

But right now every mouth overflowed with praise for the omega, how he had saved them from untimely death by putting an end to the war…and it only grew when the news of North Gate castle sheltering so many helpless women under the omega prince’s command reached their ears.

Taehyung tried not to look too delighted but the pride that had filled him to hear them praising his omega and commending his fate to earn such a mate had him beaming even though he’d not say it out loud how glad it made him feel to see the same people who had cursed at his mate for being a curse on Kleon and the reason they had lost the war with Eulan were today fluently showering praises on Jin.

And he had a smile lingering on his lips when he stepped into his chamber.

However, the smile was done away the very next minute when he found the room empty…no Jin in sight.

The change in his features was evident as a frown took over his brow and his jaw went tight as he was walking out of the chamber again.

“Where-” “The prince went to check on the others.”

Taehyung bit down on the curses that almost slipped out. This…this was exactly why Jin got on his nerves…it was like talking to a five year old! You could never make him listen!

He was almost fuming now as he followed Jin’s scent to trace it back to his mother’s chamber and knocked to enter only to see his mate comfortably asleep with his head resting on her lap.

“He wanted me to check on the pup…but was too exhausted and fell asleep.”

Taehyung saw his mother caressing Jin’s head as she smiled down at him. He walked closer to where they sat on the bed and chose to sit by Jin’s feet, his hand gently resting on his mate’s ankles that peeked out of the baby blue robe Jin had draped himself in. His eyes took in the peace that stayed on Jin’s face as he slept, his mate’s too soothing scent reaching him without fault and he felt the restlessness within him settle almost instantly.

“He told me about the challenge you have made against your brother” her voice was deep as she carried on caressing the omega’s head “are you sure about it?”

Taehyung’s gaze stayed on Jin, his fingers lithe as he played with the soft fabric of Jin’s robe “it was bound to happen someday…why do you think father was so adamant on making me submit before Jungkook? He knew I’d challenge him…and he knew Jungkook would lose to me.”

Ha-yoon listened in silence, if anyone really wanted to see Taehyung claim his rightful position as the King that would be her and Taehyung knew that too. She had often told him to prove his power and claim that throne for himself since she believed he was born for it. But she was also aware of the hesitation Taehyung had always felt about the idea of taking the throne, she knew that somewhere within he believed he was not made for that kind of a responsibility…she knew that he had grown up with scornful eyes glaring at his very existence and crude mouths cursing him wherever he went. The people had never really accepted him as a royal although in truth he too was a prince of Kleon.

“You know after today, and the victory you achieved against Zyon…the people might accept you as their monarch…”

She saw Taehyung’s eyes remain set on Jin’s face, his hand clutching at the omega’s leg and his face devoid of any emotion.

“He almost lost the pup today” his voice had fallen lower still “he was in so much pain…I lost my control to my wolf because I couldn’t bear it…I couldn’t bear to think that he was suffering and I wasn’t there to help him”

“It’s the mate bond…his omega is dependent on you…it’s the reason mates can feel each other” Ha-yoon explained.

“The challenge doesn’t scare me…neither does it make me worried but the thought of him going through something like that and me not even being able to sense it or help him, terrifies me…” his grasp became a little tighter on Jin’s leg and the omega gave a little whine, his head nudging against Ha-yoon’s lap as the soft fringes on his brow rustled to get even messier. 

“It will be difficult for you to keep an eye on him while the duel is ongoing…ask Yoongi to provide Seokjin some security.”

Taehyung nodded to her words.

“He was also talking about something he did or said to you that made you very upset and how he didn’t mean it that way but he fell asleep before he could continue” her smile was almost an amused one, like a mother’s to see her child doing something silly “I guess he learned that from you eh? Thinking that he lost the fight if he apologizes?”

“Why would he learn that from me?” Taehyung was suddenly getting defensive “I always apologize if it’s my fault…you can ask him, I apologized for every fault of mine” “Ok ok shhh…you’re going to wake him up…” she rebuked, whisper-yelling at him.

Taehyung quietened down at that as he breathed out his anger “I'd like to take him to our chamber” he declared decidedly, leaving no scope for his mother to say otherwise before he got up and picked his omega in his arms “goodnight mother”.

“You too get some rest...you're going to need it” Ha-yoon spoke sighing as she watched him walk out of there with Jin tucked into his chest.

á na márië.

[A\N]
🎶Forgetting that it's just a dream
I meet you with a smile🎶

Stream My Universe!

Borahae💜