"But if the earth ends in fire
And the seas are frozen in time
There'll be just one survivor
The memory that I was yours
And you were mine"

Immortal -Marina

🐚

To think Leila had gone from princess assassin, to infatuated princess assassin in less than two months was awe inspiring. A book waiting to be written, by a solemn, romantic, and drunk author.

Before, she had wanted to kill Taehyung because she been led to believe it would break the curse.

Now, she wanted to kill Taehyung because he was being a cowardly, awful, righteous git.

In her time at this kingdom, she'd learned the power of attachments. How dislike could pull at one's tongue and make a usually calm person spout terrible things. How friendship, which she'd found in both Lily and Jimin, made her feel fiercely loyal and protective.

Like. She fancied the prince. Desired him. Both things that were not love, but their ancestors. Planting seeds and burying roots that were growing into fierce vines that wished to embrace her heart.

Now she understood why she had been barred from them. She had only felt a fraction of love, and yet it was so potent it ruled over her. In three nights, she'd wanted to abandon everything for the taste of him again. Contemplating the very reason, she wished to seduce him in the first place. All for a man who was not willing to take the same leap. To try with her. To find a solution to their tragic destiny.

Somehow vampires that were not truly vampires, who wanted to kill her and or harvest her blood were the least of her worries. It was their Prince, their ruler, and her divine counterpart that wanted to treat her like mended glass that would be her downfall.

The prince that stood slightly before her right now, his deep voice that he had caressed her with last night, as stark and regal, as necessary. It made the princess seethe.

Last night had only aided in complicating the already warped relationship between the prince and her. At only a distance away, she wanted to close the gap. Claim him in front of the court, just as he did in her bedroom. Was it possible? To feel the remnants of a touch hours later, as if it just happened? A chill ran through her.

If I stabbed him again, would he pay attention?

But alas, the audience before them would more than likely show displeasure if that happened again. The entirety of the court sat in the dark, crystalline throne room presently. Windows replaced and primed to perfection, much to her amusement.

Jimin and Leila were stationed by the prince's side. On the opposite side of the prince were, Yoongi, Jeongguk, Namjoon, Jin, and Hoseok, who remained in a line, never stepping out of place. Their presence showed the severity of the situation. They had frequented the castle more often than ever before, or at least that is what Leila was told. Then finally, Taehyung's royal guard were near the back wall and the sides, surrounding the group.

Leila searched past the prince, taking in the noble's staunch positions. The amethyst crown weighed heavy on her head as she moved, with its useless grandeur. A princess they expected to be a blood slave, and not a leader.

Her eyes momentarily connected with the dark, pierced noble. Jeongguk. She swung her head back into place, heart palpitating as she remembered his previous threat.  While other members of the kingdom had harassed her more, his dark stare promised if he poised to hit his target, the man would refuse to miss.

That thought left her to stare out into the sea of faces. Leila felt a chill go up her spine, at the prospect that some of these seemingly young, unmarred individuals were hundreds of years old. Even then, while this vampiric court was filled with two hundred blood ingesting inhabitants, Leila did not feel intimidated.

Instead, she felt it would be necessary to start remembering more names. That way she wouldn't feel so helpless when they refused to follow her orders.

"It seems like you got what you want out of the prince?" Jimin inquired knowingly, talking over the prince who spoke of grain exports. He had his arms crossed in front of him, black uniform pressed to perfection. Hazelnut hair coiffed away from his eyes.

Despite last night's endeavors, the air between them was quite normal. Leila had expected some form of extreme teasing, or maybe avoidance, but it had been casual as the advisor collected her from her chambers this morning. She felt remarkably relieved, considering the way the prince ignored her now. At least one person had the decency to acknowledge her presence.

Taehyung didn't stop by her rooms. Nor spare her a glance as she walked up the aisle to the throne. Did not peek her way as she tried to offer him a cordial good morning. Nothing.

Nothing but melodramatic excuses from the night before to explain his behavior. A fool she had been, to think he would take back the words of absolution.

Leila scoffed quietly, but in a room with beings that possessed elevating hearing, she might as well just scream, "Not entirely, he's back to his own prickly ways."

Jimin smirked, staring straight ahead so their conversation would go unnoticed, "I think you meant prickish. But, despite his various character failings to which I wholeheartedly agree, he hasn't stopped staring at you since you arrived. What did you do? I haven't seen him so distracted in his life. And I've tried worse things during these terribly boring announcements."

What did we do?

Leila felt the temperature of the room rise. The press of his thigh between her legs, his lips on her mouth, and his hands all over her made her dizzy. It was not on purpose, but she watched the prince flinch, pausing in his speech. Knowing her visceral reaction to the question might've been strong enough to project onto the prince, she bit her lower lip till she tasted blood.

Forget.

The young woman felt her cheeks heat even more, "We just kissed. And he said he could never do it again."

Her voice was shaky with the lie. Chest a sharp and sudden rise and fall. The blush falling like rose petals across collar bones and set shoulders. And Jimin was not stupid enough to fall for it. As Leila faced forward, she was not able to see the shadow cast across the haughty advisor's expression. A shadow of covet and deceit.

Quickly, the man trained his expression, placing something more silky on his dainty face. Lathering his voice with enticement, "Hmm. Does that mean I have to do some convincing again?"

Guilt wracked through her. She should've know better than to use him for silly games of envy, even if he agreed. To her defense, she thought it could've been a fun, easy dalliance between them. Though she had proposed boundaries before, she had completely demolished them with her childish ways.

Leila hoped this was a simmering infatuation for the man. One that could be extinguished with a single rain. He had said before, she was appealing because she was someone the prince couldn't have. It was more than likely her only attractive quality to Jimin as well, who was fervently flirtatious to everyone and everything. Even potted plants.

It was time to set the record straight, again. Now that she knew it to be terribly true.

Her only interest was also, someone she could not have.

"Unless you want to be dead? No." Leila said casually, a monotone sigh.

Jimin snorted, "Taehyung wouldn't actually kill me."

The advisor shifted uncomfortably on two feet, despite his easy tone. According to her knowledge, his physical wounds must have already settled. But what fissures had opened between him and the prince, due the latter's callous actions? Jimin didn't entirely believe what he was saying, but that didn't matter.

Leila groaned quietly, quickly discerning the best way to refuse his offer of further copulation. She did not want to create the same distance they had experienced before. She felt best when she had both of the Park siblings to bother.

So the princess chose the path Jimin had taught her; to make a joke out of everything. So that if he did indeed feel sodden by her rejection, he would be able to hide it from her. It was the only bit of decency she could offer the man. Assuming he cared in the first place. His interest in her past friendship seemed to be purely physical, as he explained himself.

"Why does everyone always assume he's the murderous one? I'll kill you. I gave you permission once, and it was nice. But more than ever it is clear you are my friend, not a lover. I'm sorry, though you'll bury your woeful sorrows into another servant woman promptly." Leila spoke sardonically, voice undulating with jest. A smile cresting at the thought.

Jimin would be fine. A simple kiss wouldn't change anything.

And yet it had, for the prince and I.

The slight tension broke as Jimin tutted, clicking his tongue at her. After several moments, giving her a friendly nudge with his shoulders. Forgetting to whisper, his tone peculiar, "You know me so well, it soothes my empty and increasingly dark soul. As deeply offended as I am that you won't warm my bed, I digress. My competitor is quite the charmer. The stick up his ass is quite alluring to many. Does my friend hide his passion from me? I've never seen him invite someone into his arms with vigor. I more-so imagine he glares at a woman till she just kisses him to wipe the infuriatingly staunch expression off his face. So, how did he best my kiss? I am dreadfully curious. But alas, to think only a month ago your prudish mouth would've never opened to say those words without the influence of my-"

The princess pressed her nails into her palms. His irritating rant was not done without purpose. But it was not her place, or within her capacity for shamelessness to correct him on just how passionate his friend had been.

Just how pliable the man of stone had been within her clutches.

"Jimin, I swear-" Leila scorned through gritted teeth, gesturing with a slight turn of her chin to shut his mouth. Though what he said as amusing as it was jarring, it would be easily heard by any of the beings near the throne. Already dreading what was to come from his little speech.

Taehyung's voice rose, interrupting the bickering pair. Shutting her and the advisor up promptly, staring ahead like soldiers. Arms folded. Back upright. "Onto matters of greater impotence, we all are urged to remember the death of Juliette Toma, from Noble Kim's sector. May she rest in peace."

Leila sobered at the girl's name. Knowing that wherever Lily sat in this room, she would be hit with another pang of grief. The princess looked at the gemstone, arched ceiling. Closing her eyes as she sent up a silent prayer to Mah, or Lunaith as they would call the deity here. Even Jimin did not have a quip against the girl.

Someone else designated the pleasure of disrespect.

"Drab girl, if I say so myself." A voice carried out, from the second row of benches at the front of the room.

Glaring out, her silver irises perused the crowd until she caught the slight shaking of snickering shoulders. The tall, dark, and pale non-vampire that had been at the scene of her death. Garnett. He was smirking to the shorter blonde male that sat beside him, not even attempting to hide their impudent delight.

Aera sat to their right, shifting uncomfortably. Her jade eyes blinking, biting at her blood-red lips.

Leila felt charged, her body shifting forward before her mind even processed she was about to step down from the throne platform. Tunnel-vision let her hone in on the disgusting male, her lips snarling. Before she could move a step, Jimin grabbed onto her wrist, pulling her back.

Whirling on him, slight curls falling into her face from sweat, she questioned his touch. He let go of her, narrowing his brown eyes at the girl.

"Do not make a scene, your prince will handle it."

Leila breathed through her nose deeply, letting the anger fester in silence. She let herself look towards the prince, who's chin was once again inclined towards her. When he was sure she would remain behind him and out of trouble, he continued his speech. His voice losing some of its iciness, infused with warning. With compassion.

A ruler that cared.

"Her end was untimely. Savage. And against my orders. But since we are all gathered here, let us review these orders. All feedings for the born and sired to occur with sanctioned donors, or by the pitcher. Feedings are allowed twice a week at revels, parties, or feasts. From those we feed, we do not kill, they are only to be drained until sleep or until they faint. Only those of Caelestian or Dimidium blood are allowed to leave the grounds to hunt for live game during the full moon. We are allotted a spot of land by Tenebris, and hunting in other territories is forbidden. If one does accidentally over feed, it is to be reported and investigated by our council for misconduct. Any questions? I hope not."

Listening carefully, she remembered every bit of information Taehyung offered. Knowing he emphasized certain parts not just for his subjects, but for her unfamiliar ears. She had to hide her shock when she heard Tenebris allowed for their hunting rituals. She would need to question him about that later, if she could corner him.

The end of his review was leached of all warm feelings he started with. The sentiment was clear.

Everyone was thoroughly aware of the limits on feeding. And this tragedy had not been an accident. The prince was mocking his court, who flittered and gossiped across the room. A wave of uncertainty.

Taehyung continued, jaw set, hands clasped coolly behind his back, "So, from this day forth. If anyone," he paused, letting the words settle on his tongue and ear. Fingers flickering as they stretched an coiled, a new harshness entering his countenance, "And I mean anyone."

Leila's breath quickened, catching the threat. The prince's tone the same as it had been last night, as he reprimanded Jimin. The brunette didn't miss it either, side-eyeing the princess.

No special favors here. No bond of blood, or friendship would save anyone.

This was all her fault, wasn't it?

The prince filled in the abating silence, his audience at the edge of their seats, "If anyone disobeys the protections put in place for humans and of divine blood alike, including simply biting one of the protected, you will be sentenced to execution by beheading."

Leila flinched, her eyes closing at the sounds of a thousand roaring gasps of outrage. She felt Jimin shift beside her, knowing he was probably glaring at his friend for causing this unrest. She did not have to be apart of this kingdom to know this was shocking, sacrilegious to this group. His father did not care to correct or punish overindulgence.

Taehyung had just done something unheard of.

When Leila opened her eyes back at the crowd, many had been staring back at her. Fangs elongated, irises glinting against the pearly light of the room.

"It's because of that witch, isn't it?" Garnett called out, his inhumanly unmarred voice called above the rest.

The court watched at the one voice spoke for the many, rising to his full length. Taller than most, as he voiced his grievance. Bitterness apparent, as his glare fixed on the area past Taehyung's left shoulder.

Right at her.

Leila glanced to her right, seeing the nobles watch the interaction closely. Namjoon settling his gaze on Garnett, irises flashing. Jin held onto the man's cuff, keeping him back.

It made sense to Leila then. They had found out who the killer was. He sat in the very front of the room, used his foot to touch the servant girl's dead body, and had made snide remarks. It was the tall vampire who made an attempt of her life. Who had been in the hallway when she had stolen the book.  She hadn't picked the most obvious choice, because she believed that if it were him, he would've been reprimanded.

Taehyung knew. Namjoon knew who had killed the girl from his sector, and wanted to end his life right then and there. And it pained them to not act, she could see it.

Something was arresting the prince's hand, so he was changing the rules in order to prevent further murders. Garnett would get away with it, but only once. Not ever again, nor anyone else who attempted her life.

The prince's voice was scarily temperate as he responded cordially back to the murderer, "Now whom are you referring to Garnett? Before the princess' arrival, the rules have never been broken. My court used to obey me and obey the law. This mishap should not occur again, so therefore it should not be a cause for any urgent panic. Though, I know why this sanction must be hard for you. Considering your birth before mine, and still your inability holds back during feedings. You finish too quickly, so I have heard."

Leila guffawed loudly, quickly slapping a hand over her mouth to cover the reaction. Both Yoongi and Hoseok had the same reaction, attempting to hide their laughter behind coughs as they enjoyed the princess's reaction. Jimin's jaw dropped wide open.

There were many firsts today. The prince insulting someone in a political setting was unheard of, Leila guessed by his best friend's reaction, that was equally affronted as it was proud.

The man standing below them seethed, fangs on display. Garnett's eyes blazed a ghostly blue, his pale face turning a purple shade of red from rage. Bawled fists shaking. It seemed the entire room was shocked into silence from the prince's insinuation.

Taehyung turned his back on Garnett, on the rest of his court, rolling his eyes, "You are all dismissed from my sight."

Leila let her hand fall from her mouth, shock still running through her system. Taehyung did not pay attention to the men that crowded his side, awaiting to ask him about what the fuck just happened. But not a word was spoken to him as he swept past.

"Except you, follow me." The man gruffly spoke, stopping by her side.

He did not spare her a glance, giving her a full view of his flattering profile. Of the dips, and straight lines. Despite his lips, that curved softly. She knew just how soft they were now, just how hot they ran across her own.

He sounded so unbridled, so rough. Fuming. Leila hated how much it affected her. Anger should push one away, like it had to her before. But poking the agitated bear now felt exhilarating, for some liked the chase. She had enjoyed the bite, enjoyed being his pray. She wanted to venture, to find his molten desire once again.

His wrath felt like a love potion, meant to cast her heart in flame and blind her intuition. She searched for her previous upset with him to clear her head. He kisses her, and then avoids her. He teases her, and then tells her it will never happen again. So, it was convenient he could call on her all he wished, and she could not due the same.

Made into a temptress, and not an equal.

Now you want to acknowledge me?

Leila did not protest despite her frustration with him, falling in step behind him and out of the throne room.

Their walk was silent, as the prince blazed ahead. She could tell from the set of his shoulders as they traveled past doors, and down various hallways, that the man would not be quick to let go of his mood. Deciding it was best not to provoke him further, yet, she remained silent even as they gathered at the library. His blood once again gaining them access into the vast room. Leila fastened her pace, as he took them all the way to the back, the area that they used for lessons.

When the large double doors shut soundly behind them, leaving the pair truly alone, he turned.

"Where is the scroll, Leila?" The prince questioned.

Even as he rested his hands on the table, body turned, shoulders hunched, Leila heard it. A voice too controlled, too polite. His fingers grabbed harshly onto the wooden table.

The air between them was just as tense as it had been last night, when she was perched upon his thigh. Nary a casual moment could be found anymore when they were alone, and yet the prince was content in his fantasy world. The princess would not miss the signs anymore.

He was holding onto his morals for dear life, whatever scraps were left of them.

Despite her pounding heart, and burning cheeks, she willed herself courage. Stepping closer to the man, she let a small smile grace her lips. Trying to find the humor in the situation. The blood sucking, cursed, and slightly immortal prince was hiding himself from her.

Her tone nipped at him playfully, "Ahhh, you're back to the cold prince. Who pretends I don't exist, other than to lecture and ignore."

It didn't sound as teasing as she had hoped. The truth stung him, injecting him with its venom. Leaving him in rigor mortis, and utterly unsure of where to go next.

The prince turned, slowly. At closer inspection, the prince was disheveled, meagerly so. Only enough details off to be noticeable to those closest to him. But now she understood why Jimin had been so adamant about their time together.

Despite his under eyes cleared of bruises, and his skin without blemish or pores, and lips flush with blood, thanks to her own, he was unkept. His eyes held a wild abandon, mixed with deep pits of guilt let settled into his forehead, that dipped his mouth downward. A new war raged in his ember depths, though she could not tell which side she wanted to win. His hair had gotten longer, the waves curling further past his ears, unruly as the crown started to fall. The strings of his dark gray doublet were coming loose, the sleeves rolled up haphazardly.

As he played at composure, he was surely withering.

Then, one more emotion wrote its memoir across his face.

Fear.

The prince had not been jesting when he had laid beside her. Lily had also spoke of his terror, at her arrival. Possibly for a different reason than Leila had suspected, that had nothing to do with her power.

The dangerous, beautiful, wicked thought sent her stomach plummeting.

Focus.

But that word was not uttered in her own voice, but his from last night. Heady, and in charge of her every fucking breath.

She swallowed deeply, his dark eyes tracing the thought across her face. Along her neck, that had been covered in the fabric of her velvet, cobalt dress.

Taehyung's face scoured her own with disapproval, "I told you already, and I don't take kindly to repeating myself. It has to be this way."

Leila shook her head, not excepting the answer, yet still keeping the distance, "Why? If you don't believe the curse is forcing me anymore, then there is no reason to avoid this part of our shared fate. Afraid of falling in love with me? Do you not want to appear weak to your court? No one has to know."

It had not been the right thing to say. Somehow, the disappointment deepened on his face, and she felt the shame from her toes to her crown. His eyes narrowed at her in disbelief, something like odium following after, "You want to be my secret?" He shook his head vehemently, "We're married. Because of my father's previous actions, people already assume unpleasant things."

That I am yours to be used. For sexual proclivities, or for sustenance. For pleasure, or for life. And yet they all seemed the same when he took them from her.

The regret the prince projected kicked her in the stomach. Made her feel as if she imagined every breathy groan she drew from him. The desperation with which he grabbed her hips.

"I wouldn't call them unpleasant." Leila goaded him, scowl battling his own.

She stepped closer to him, watching his expression falter. Another step, and his brows unfurrowed. Another, and she could scent his woodsy decadence.

What was I doing? Why had one kiss made me forget everything? Why did I want a prince who would rather cut off his hand then apparently close the gap between us now?

Did it matter anymore? That he had to use her to some extent, whether she agreed or not? Or was it simply remorse and refusal that separated him from her family, from Elder Fareena?

"I wouldn't either." The prince muttered, shaking his head as he did so. The agreeance slipping out against his judgement.

And yet, his hands remained fastened to the table. Two invisible bonds roping him, keeping him in his spot. His eyes took her in, where his hands could not. She saw it. She saw everything. The way his breath fell quickly from his nose, which he tried to hide by not moving his chest at all. His lips fluttered softly, parting only slightly for him to say nothing.

The prince still wanted her, even today. Even without the offer of blood. Even without Jimin dangled in front of him like bait.

The knowledge did not comfort her. For he was still holding back. Andromeda chained to a rock, readying for the monster to devour its salty path. If she would be the end of him like he claimed, he was not going to help in his own downfall.

"Then why, prince?"

The prince closed the gates, filled the moats. He laughed sardonically, tone blistering, "Wouldn't you like to know? My previous slip in judgment won't happen again, no matter how you much you bat your eyelashes at me. Now, hand me the scroll so we can look before I send you back to your rooms where you can finish yourself off. That way you can finally focus without sending me the thought of your mouth on me. How does that sound?"

Deities sake.

Before, if he had spewed that at her, she might've cried in the privacy of her chambers. Now she found his acknowledgment of her needs for him...erotic. Leila wondered now if all the romance novels she had before rotted her mind, making it like things she shouldn't like. Like him being chaste with her, and mocking her for wanting him.

Also it was infuriatingly attractive that he knew she kept the scroll on her person, and not in her chambers. A detail many would miss. He did not.

Rose still dotted her cheeks, but the provoking grin couldn't be helped, "It sounds like you're making a lot of assumptions. I only thought about that once. It must be your own imagination."

"Leila, please."

He really was an asshole. In every language I knew.

He was going to continue to pretend yesterday didn't shake the foundation of his very existence, just as it had she.

This was a man attempting to grab at any dignity, any willpower he had left. To snip and erase whatever fucking engulfed them yesterday. To return things back to their original place. Him, an unreachable surmount, the apex of a snowy mountain. Her, his captive, a liability needed to be kept near him, but not by his side.

But Leila had seen too much, heard too much.

She watched him crumble like an avalanche the night before.

If he wanted to play at the stoic man he was to her before, he was going to suffer while doing it. A game of cat and mouse. Whom was which, was left undetermined.

The princess was going to apply some of her training.

This was going to be fun.

Leila huffed, fishing underneath her bodice. Taking a little bit more time to pull out the piece of scroll that had been wedged between whale bone within the center of the corset. It was a difficult feat in her defense, considering the high neckline of her outfit.

"Here." She said brightly as she could manage, holding out the paper.

Taehyung pursed his lips, stepping forward to take it, "Thank you."

Leila pulled back at the last moment, leaving him outreached to her. His eyes glinting darkly, and the scroll lifted above her head.

"Come get it."

Of course, he didn't move at all. Nor did he even crack a smile. He lifted his hand, pulling the scroll away from her grip with ease. She did not pull back.

"Very mature, Leila." The prince commented, rolling his eyes as he turned to press the scroll flat onto the table before him.

That had been expected, Leila just wanted to say his name back. She had been told a way to into someone's psyche, was to say their name.

"Taehyung." She commented languidly, moving from her position to stand next to him. Letting her voice fall over him like the fragrance of jasmine, seeping into him.

Leila fell beside him. He towered next to her, taller than she. Her chin aligning with the top of his shoulder only if she stood on her toes. His heat was apparent even through layers of clothes, his eyes seemingly focused as he inspected the scroll.

She stepped closer, inspecting him instead.

That tightening of his muscles, his shoulders. The way his eyes squeezed shut. All things she once viewed as signs of annoyance.

How wrong she'd been.

This man was an open book. Every word, every punctuation, every line right before her very eyes.

Leila moved in closer to him, her hands spread so that her pinky settled near his own. The man flinched away. Her skirts brushed against the side of his legs, the material sensuously scraping.

She sighed loudly, letting her elbows fall onto the table. Taehyung breathed deeply, his gaze so close and now searing into her.

"What?" He gritted out. Bunching his hands near the frayed, brown edges of the scroll.

The princess smiled innocently. She wasn't entirely lying when she requested simply, "Can you move the scroll closer? Or do you forget not all of us have vampire vision."

"I'm not a vampire, and fine. If you deem it necessary."

He used his ringed middle finger to glide the paper more equally between them. Letting it settle harshly. Coughing, before he leaned over once again, his dark brown eyes once again deciphering the message.

Now, she could see the scroll. And yet, she couldn't pay it any attention. Not as he pulled at her adoration with the scrunched, speculative look on his carved face. Had the kids made her loopy? Or had he always been this cute when he looked uncharacteristically clueless.

"If you're not a vampire then-"She started curiously, eyebrows furrowing.

That elicited a groan from the prince, "Leila? Read. Curse first. Then, annoying questions."

She rolled her eyes, finally settling in beside him to get a good look. Despite knowing this part of the curse by heart, it wouldn't hurt to take a look at the original manuscript.

"Yes, sheereen-am." The princess murmured, calling him a sweet thing sarcastically.

The man tsked back, "Silently."

Leila divulged in their closeness, once again letting her hair breeze over him. Peering in so that their heads hovered only inches away. Leila looked down at the scroll, reading the black flowing script.

Words she felt comforted in, and abhorred all at once. Relieved that she had not been lied to about this part, as the familiar words sounded in her mind.

"One with the flame, the other night
Entangle themselves in this world,
We will never see light"

The only difference on paper, being a little squabble of symbols above the word never.

Taehyung squinted, leaning closer. She tried
not to pay attention to the crinkle between his brows. Or the way his soft lips, which she had now knew the feel off, pressed into a line. It only made him more alluring.

"There's a word above where never is, and it's not in Farsi."

Leila reeled back, her eyes widening as large as a full moon.

Holy fuck! She'd been so distracted by his goddamn mouth that she didn't even register the entire scroll was in Farsi.

And that he had read it.

How many times had she called him something foul, or even worse, complimented him and he had known?

The princess glared at the man, arms buckling with annoyance on the table, "You are full of surprises, aren't you? Stop. I'm already tiring of them."

"I have no clue what you're talking about. But look." Taehyung dismissed her quip, pointing to the symbols that she had noticed.

The more she looked, the more she realized the symbols were another language. Not the one she had seen on the curse book. But another, more angular and spherical language.

"I can't read it." She admitted begrudgingly, crossing her arms.

"There are two different translations. The sentence there either reads, 'we will never see light' or 'we will always see light." Taehyung kindly explained, though his expression remained stormy.

Never. Or always.

As another chill ran down her spine, she gripped more tightly onto her torso. Holding herself together, as they both leapt into the unknown. She wasn't sure they even understood the first translation and what it entailed. And now there was a second?

"That is a very extreme difference. And could entirely change the meaning. How do we know someone didn't write it in later to throw people off?" Leila questioned, straightening.

Taehyung took a step back, using his arms to push off the table. His eyes were elsewhere, lost in contemplation. His hand touched at his lower lip, a new quirk she had just noticed. Another gesture to show he was on the precipice of discovery.

"Look again. The ink is exactly the same, but I could use blood magic to date it. Also, the word never and always are balanced. See? The line doesn't line up with either of them."

Leila looked once again, seeing that he was indeed right.

Always
We will See light
Never

She glared back up, confusion clear on her olive complexion. Watching as the man moved around her, stalking back on forth. A minute passed. Then two.

Leila's heart rose in anticipation, when the prince lifted his head. Stopping. Eyes bright as he looked at her with a slight, but entirely devastating, smile.

"That means that there is an anti-curse. Where the opposite will happen, if followed differently. Either making the sun rise again, or never have the chance to rise at all."

While Leila's stomach plummeted with doom at understanding this new information, she couldn't help but be in awe at his reasoning skills.

It was attractive, to say the least.

But things had just gotten more complicated. Leila could live with not breaking the curse in her lifetime, but to take away the chance at all? She looked between her and the prince. Two beings with the capability to either begin or end life as anyone knew it.

If they didn't know how to decipher the curse, every step they make could be one that topples the balance. Taehyung realized it too, for the smile he wore was trampled from his face. She swallowed down her nausea, her fear.

Neither wanted to get rid of the sun forever. That much was evident.

"What does this mean?" Leila questioned aloud, though it was more to herself than the prince.

For once, he seemed to tell the truth, "I don't know."

Her hands shook as she pulled the scroll closer to her body, "Hold on, let me take another look. And when were you going to tell me you knew Farsi?"

Her eyes trailed across the ink. She heard Taehyung sigh behind her, only a breath away as he moved to look with her. His cedar scent following him as he placed his hand directly next to hers. Her breath hitched, but she kept her gaze on her task. Even when he leaned down to her ear to speak.

His was tone dry, "When you were going to stop calling me asshole, devil, and beautiful without my knowledge. It's one of the fifteen languages I speak, it doesn't mean anything."

Leila's eyes snapped up to his own, lips pouting with distaste. His expression was blank, but if one looked closely enough, amusement danced along his irises.

Head swimming in latest information, mixed with the determined look in his dark eyes, she hadn't even noticed her hair brush up against him.

His harsh gaze lifting, nose flaring her as he tried to discretely scent at her hair. His mouth twitching in a smile, before wiping it away completely.

Had he really just done that?

What curse was she supposed to be deciphering again?

"Ouch!" The young, distracted woman exclaimed.

She had been running her finger absentmindedly on the scroll's edge. Giving her self a paper cut on her pointer finger, because she'd gotten lost in his eyes.

She pulled her finger close to her, inspecting the line of blood that fell down from the soft tip. And then, sent an apologetic smile to the prince.

The man shook his head, nostrils flaring. Warning painted in his eyes. He pushed away from the table, moving further away from her.

"No, no not again Leila."

The princess rolled her eyes, holding beneath the wound so that it would stop gushing. It seemed like she had perpetually scared the man the other day in the pool.

"It was an accident this time I swear! Can you help-"

He wouldn't even let her finish, "I'm not healing you again."

Leila raised her voice out of frustration, "I'm not asking you too. Rip along the edge of my skirt if you must, I need a bandage. My dagger is strapped to my left thigh, you can use it to cut."

The man stiffened, and Leila had to hide her smirk. While the cut was an accident, her request was purposeful. She kept all hidden schemes from her expression, eyes wide and hopeful.

Taehyung stood before her, uncertainty taking over. As if all his self control today meant nothing, if he fell apart in this moment. And yet, he wouldn't walk away.

He wanted to prove to himself he could handle their interactions. That the kiss wouldn't change anything. A single moment of misjudgment.

The man glared at her, eyes darkening as he got to his knees before her.

The sight was ravishing. His night sky eyes stared up at her, unable to look away. Her heart beat rapidly, his visage too similar to her dreams. He was careful, careful as he reached for the bottom of her skirts. His finger carefully brushing the soft curve at the back of her ankle, sending a tingle up the entire limb. Suddenly, they were back in the dark. Nothing between them but their own misfortune, not scared to take the infinite leap.

Save me now.

She tried to distract herself, feeling heated at the small touch already, "One question. You said today that Tenebris allows for you all to hunt. That means the capital knows of your existence, and supports it?"

The prince's fingers continued their trail up the back of her leg. She watched him swallow carefully, his eyes betraying nothing and everything as he did so. Tension thickening despite their best attempt to ignore it.

His voice was deeper, more coarse as he answered, "Everyone knows of our existence Leila, but yes, especially the officials."

"Why do you not take kindly to them if they give you this allowance?" Leila's voice broke a little, causing his hand to pause.

His eyes narrowed in warning, as if to tell her to not heed his touch. But did he understand? It would be to no avail.

The prince's small and careful touches bewitched her. His hand started again, now passing her knee. Moving to her inner thigh, all the way until the end of the scabbard. She had to prevent herself from widening her stance. The man shook his head, trying to hide his smile as he found her weapon of choice.

Leila was about to faint, as he quickly unbuckled the knife with one hand. His eyes never leaving hers. Not once.

His voice remained pragmatic, "They don't do it out of the kindness of their hearts. They do it because they feared my ancestors. I told you that some people thrive in the darkness. The officials who get to control resources, wealth, and how it's distributed benefit from night. If the sun rose again, their reign over the territories would become moot. And that, Ignis, is why they want to ensure our safety. While they don't entirely believe in the curse, aligning with creatures of the night is pretty fucking self-explanatory. And I happen to believe that wishing darkness for the sake of power is not a worthy cause. But my kingdom needs me, and I need to hunt."

Even incensed, he carefully ran the knife down her leg. Keeping the leather on so that it did not slice her skin, gently pulling it out from under her skirts. She was grateful, for she wasn't sure what she would do if he continued to touch her like he was teasing her with his mouth the night before.

The man pulled out the knife, cutting a small and neat strip across the bottom of her dress as she contemplated what he said. The real meaning behind the words.

Leila had been right. While his methods were reproachable, he had been within reason to not break the curse. But why had he hidden that from her? Why had he let her think the worst of him?

"You always think about the wellbeing of your people, over everything. I wish you would've just told me before. Because then I could hate you for the right reasons, instead of making my own assumptions. You asked me when I got here if I enjoyed being a lamb for the slaughter. But do you enjoy being the butcher?"

The man lifted his head, brows furrowing at her inquiry of him. Because it was not a simple yes or no. But a wonderment of who he was as a person.

Before, he would've ignored her. Laughed meanly at the question. Walked away.

But instead, he sighed. Lifting himself on one knee, and holding out his palm with a strip of velvet blue.

Leila paused, ready to take the material from his hand. But he shook his head, something like indignation crossing his features. He gestured with his fingers for her hand.

When she didn't make any move towards him, he took it upon himself to grab the wounded hand. Leila watched in fascination as he held onto her wounded hand, no signs of strain as he peered at the cut that ran from the tip to below her knuckle. He was so harsh on himself, but it seemed like in this moment there was no debilitating urge for her blood. Only for her healing. His fingers were warm against her own, cradling it gently. The touch featherlight as to not disturb her.

He used one hand to hold her finger straight, the other began to wrap the blue velvet around her digit. Unwrapping something inside her, as he so delicately did so.

Taehyung's voice startled her as he tied the ribbon, his ember filled eyes finding hers once again. Remaining on his knee before her, touch now absent. Agony was clear in his irises, tone breaking. Splintering his mask so that he would never be able to wear it around her again. Pulling her close, so close and yet begging for her to run away.

Needing her to listen, even if she didn't understand.

"No, I don't like having your fate cradled between my hands. I'm worried that my vile father was right about certain things. I despise hunting and finding only one deer, as if it will feed me and a thousand subjects. I hate that if I go to Tenebrian meetings and if I say too much about my kingdom, we could be sanctioned to a smaller hunting ground because they get off on controlling anyone who still believes in culture, in history, and can remember it. I can't stand that even with the nobles here, and my court expecting news on more barrels of blood, I can't even answer them if I wanted to. I hate that I can't even trust my best friend anymore, because as soon as you arrived it seemed like all fond memories between us disappeared. What I detest most of all is that you-" Taehyung cut himself off, closing his eyes lifting his hand and letting it then fall back to his side. His breath leaving his mouth in shaky bursts as he let her in, and let all of it go.

Leila felt a cavern of grief open inside her. She had not been kind to him. Only ever grasping at information, and not truly listening to what he had been telling her. His avoidance of her ran deeper than she knew, than he could even admit.
It was the first time he had let her into some of his fears, his worries. As much as he painted himself to be a formidable ruler, he was folding under the weight of so many lives and expectations.

All she wanted to do was reach out. Use the pad of her thumb to wipe away the wounds of worry between his eyes, the pain that settled on his lips. He was cracking, when she had already shattered. Her chest ached harshly, as if she felt every bit of his emotion herself.

That connection. Martyrdom tethered them together. A fate that no one could every truly live up to, until they were dead and gone and romanticized between the pages of books.

She urged quietly, leaning down closer, eyes softening, "Taehyung, tell me about the beginning of the curse. Share some of the burden with me, you aren't the only one anymore. Maybe we can figure out a solution that doesn't involve anyone's death."

Taehyung shook his head, the black waves shining. The collar of his shirt brushing against her knee.

"I don't know."

The words cut into her. Scraping along every wound he had closed. She pulled back, hardening. Aggrieved.

"After everything, you still lie to me."

The prince's eyes snapped up to hers, surging in their intensity. For a moment, she thought he was going to leave. Run away.

But he didn't. No, he didn't.

Instead, the man grasped at her unmarred hand. Holding onto it for dear life, the heat of him mixing with her coldness. She peered down at him, as he breathed rapidly. Heaving with a frantic desperation.

She held him back, closing her fingers around his knuckles. His next breath was quick. A broken gasp.

Regret. Longing. Yearning.

It was a visible. He was letting her see into the void once again, taking her away from the world with eyes like stars and words like ice.

Then the flood came, that wiped away the sins between them.

His deep voice was unstable, childlike in its lost quality, "I don't know because my father never told me. I don't know how the curse started, or why. He died two years before my coronation, before he was going to tell me everything. I don't know whether it started before the black sun, or because of the black sun. I've been avoiding the question because I'm just as clueless as you, and I am ashamed of it. I've sparingly been giving you hints and information because I'm hoping that you might be able to piece together something I have not. Letting you see the book was not truly a test. I looked at your notes on the stained glass because I was genuinely trying to see whether you figured something out I hadn't. All I've connected so far is the old tree, the eclipse, Lunetta, the man bitten by the viper."

What?

He didn't know?

Suddenly, the future seemed much less hopeful.  Leila had practically known nothing about the curse before her arrival. Taehyung only knew of certain aspects, and was hoping his own ignorant adversary could help. The blind leading the blind.

She had been asking, begging all this time. His answers had been so short, avoidant because he didn't know himself.

Leila lifted her hands, grabbing at the waves near her temples. Taehyung looked shamed, red blazing across his cheeks. Feeling disgraced that he was in the dark almost as much as she, lost and unseeing in the maze of their curse.

"Why didn't you tell me this sooner? We could've joined forces earlier. If you just would've been honest about everything I-" She stopped, not even able to get the words out.

Feeling both dejected and terribly sorry for the prince. Surrounded by people more than she had ever been, accepted and revered. And yet, he had been alone.

Taehyung shook his head, placing his hands on his upright knee. He looked up through his lashes, some determination finding it's way back, "I don't need my court thinking I allowed you to know our secrets too early. Gossip of us working would've reached across the entire castle in a fortnight. They can't know their ruler is ignorant to our affliction, as a ruler never has been. Every other king before me has known every in and out of our curse, which is the only way to truly prevent its corrosion. I didn't trust you before not to say anything."

Leila stilled, something covert in her tone, "And you trust me now?"

The prince's mouth gaped, before closing shut. As he remained kneeled before her, she could only look down, waiting.

As they took each other in, he morphed. From disparaged, to something even more vulnerable. His eyes traced across her, his lips smoothing out from its scowl. Brows lifted in a look that she could only describe as stealing all the breath from her lungs with its light, it's clarity.

She leaned forward, her long hair dropping from her shoulders. The prince startled from it. Lifting his hand, he rubbed the tresses between his fingers. Gingerly, he moved to place the fallen piece behind her ear. She curled into his heat, letting his fingers caress the shell. Hesitate. And then slowly, agonizingly trail a blaze down her cheek.

Her breath quickened as he did so. And yet, the moment was not frenzied with need of lust. Of beds and bruised lips. But instead the need of two people who were unlike any other in this world.

Finding comfort between the words they wouldn't say, and the space between them they shouldn't close.

Solace.

Looking at him, felt like consolation for the life she had lived.

Taehyung breathed deeply, moving closer. His thumb still grazing over her cheekbone, in fine drawn circles. He looked into her. Felt her without feeling. Found the same resolution with her, in her silvery irises opposite of his own resembling the eclipse.

Enemies, they had never been. It wouldn't change a thing. Enemies they would always be. But not because either of them wanted it to be that way.

That's what hurt the most.

"Prince Taehyung. I hope I'm not interrupting." An irked, feminine voice sounded from behind them.

Leila's gaze was pulled from the prince's to find Aera's eerily still form. Her eyes were fixed above the pair, her face set in a harsh line. Detached. Yet, her fingers gripped painfully onto each-other.

Remorse filled her, even though it shouldn't. She couldn't help it. Even though the prince was never truly hers, it wasn't right to flaunt his attentions.

The princess quickly pulled away from the prince, even despite the dejected look on his face as she did so. He settled his face into that uncaring mask, lifting himself to full height with the table beside her.

The raven haired man gave her one final glance, before turning around to face the other woman.

Leila stood up behind him, knowing she would have to pay close attention to this interaction.

"What do you want?" Taehyung demanded informally, harshly, not offering the respect he usually paid his subjects.

The princess hid her shock well.

Aera did not. Her blank expression fell further as she timidly walked further into the space, her jade eyes wounded. Glancing quickly to Leila, and than falling back to him.

"I can't speak in front of-"

"The princess, my wife? Then it must not be of importance." He responded leisurely, threading his fingers together behind his back.

Aera stopped her act of servitude. And for it Leila was glad. Placidity did not suit the edged woman well. Her pale face contorted with affront, fangs peaking through rouged lips, "Come now, there are no other members of the court present. Are you not fatigued by playing house with this hindrance? It's very, endearing, that you strayed from your father's methods. But they were successful."

Now that was the wrong thing to say.

While Leila couldn't see the prince's face, from the look of horror on Aera's, it was less than pleasant.

His tone was needle sharp and despondent as he retorted, "And who are you to give me advice on how to rule? And who do I find to be important? Our engagement severing ended any ties we had with each other, out of your court duties. Which is simply bringing me messages, and not meddling."

Aera lifted her chin, refusing to be lowered in the prince's eyes. And for that, Leila almost felt a swell of pride. Though she was insulting her and ignoring her presence, at least she wasn't meek. It was her next words that showed her true intentions, her true reason for her spite.

"She's not one of us."

The sentence was too wobbly. Aera wouldn't even look at her, solely focused on the prince. Her green eyes begged him to look further, as her lips trembled.

The more Leila learned, the more she saw. The woman before her was not angry, and not concerned of blood lines and duty.

She was hurt. Seeing Leila and the prince hurt her. And Taehyung was either too much of a man to notice, or too busy to care.

"I married her, so she is." The prince responded back without feeling.

While Leila felt a swell in her stomach at his defense of her, she also wanted to stop him before he said something he'd regret. It was obvious the feelings were not returned here.

But he didn't have to be just as cruel for Leila's sake.

Aera's eyes turned glassy, her face quivering. She glared at Leila once, before turning back to the man who was exceedingly tranquil.

"I'm trying to help. There are stirrings Taehyung, amongst the court, that unlike your father you'll be persuaded by the witch. Many are unsure if you are 'capable' as the keeper of the curse. Some talks of switching banners are afoot. Your own nobles don't even-"

"Give me the damn message or leave. I will not hear anymore of it." Taehyung interrupted her loudly.

Leila wished he hadn't. The woman wasn't lying. She could tell in the desperate way she spoke to the prince.

If that was the case, he was losing his legitimacy in the court. Because of her. Because he had treated her with decency, respect.

Leila caught Taehyung's profile as he started to pace, the harsh lines craggy and frightening. She could see worry settle in his bones, underneath the disguise of unwavering brawn.

He knew it to be true too.

Aera took a shaky breath and nodded, surrendering her position, "Noble Min would like to make your acquaintance to talk about the next hunting expedition. To decide if Tenebris should be able to expand your grounds."

Then without another word, she walked away from the pair. Mortification following closely behind.

Silence became them. Eating the fleshy remnants of their almost tender confessions.

Taehyung turned to her, speaking slowly, "It's best if I leave. If she bothers you at all, do not hesitate to tell me."

Leila did not speak her mind. She could not. For he would not listen. He wanted to run. It was apparent, as he already seemed to regret his words to her. Confiding in her as he said he never would.

Acting proud and just in front of Aera, but knowing he would heed the warning. He would refrain from the princess, so that he could continue to be the prince of the eclipse. So that he would not be questioned by those who needed his ruler ship.

Duty above all else.

"I'm fine on my own."

At her answer, the prince's eyes that screamed in shame. Caged under steel once again.

Only seconds ago, he'd been on his knees for her, pouring his heart out.

That could not be blamed on lust. On blood. On hunger. It was a ramble of his feelings. Not a trickery of any deity. He had just confided in her. And he knew it.

Too close.

It was going to be harder than ever before, to pierce into the impenetrable Kim Taehyung.

<><><><><><><><><><><>
(A/N: I am hungover, so this is honestly a Christmas miracle that I finished. <3

So yayyy we found out a little more about the curse, and Leila and Taehyung are connecting on a level that isn't just attraction. Learning more about his feelings / past and all that stuff.

Also, guys give me your best guesses. What do you think a 10 on the spice o meter will include. I already have an idea, but I wanna see if anyone gets it's right. Not that I'll tell you...yet.