"I'll let the darkness swallow me whole
I need to find you, need you to know
I'll be your friend in the daylight again
There we will be, like an old enemy
Like the salt and the sea"
Salt & the Sea - The Lumineers

(I lied I'm still gonna put song lyrics on every chapter lol)
🌊
*********

"Yah!"

The carriage jolted, horses startling from the loud sound.

And with a single yell, Leila's life was left to be forgotten behind her. Once given away for marriage, a woman was never able to return home.

At least, not alive.

Her head rested on the silver wrought wall of the carriage, lavender flowers painted across it. Wrapping her in a floral embrace. Feeling the shake of the ground settle into her bones as she waited for the long journey ahead.

Leila would have all the time in the world to think, as they made their way to her betrothed's kingdom by the sea. 

She had spent all morning visiting all those she might've missed. There was no one despite Elder Fareena, her parents, her two sisters. And they were not allowed to care for her in any capacity.

As if they knew her fate was worse than theirs.

Despite the honor of her life, they would live more comfortably. They could choose to marry who they respected within their own village. No other responsibilities other than to be content, and bare children. Those who liked the same gender could marry as well, and take care of tasks that didn't involve children.

They would be carefree. Able to grow some attachments. Maybe even get as close to affection and caring as one could in their world, without raising alarms. They had no power. No fate hanging on the thread of their choices.

Leila, as princess and nobility of her country, would not be so lucky.

Elder Fareena had told her that only those who were strong enough were dealt tragedy. It was as close as Leila been to being given affection from someone. Or an apology, for being the piece of fate that would make or break their world.

Raised as a tool, and a weapon she would become.

The girl laughed to herself wistfully, as the carriage jumped under her once more.

She did one thing she was not allowed to do, to miss. To regret. To long.

No, she would not miss her family. The way they sent her off without as much as a tear. No she would not miss the envious but relieved stares of her fellow community members. Nor would she miss any of the boys who pulled her hair, and tried to sway her with pretty words that crumbled like dried flowers with time.

She would miss the feel of desert sand beneath her feet. The smell of jasmine in the air, and her cashmere sheets. How it was always so warm, that she could walk to her window and watch the stars without catching a chill.

Leila had been told other parts of the world remained cold. That magic had only restored climate to what it was with the sun. Some places changed weather like the seasons, a shiver went down her spine at the thought.

Cold. Wet. Dark. An unknown place, all alone, in a foreign land she's never been to. But she was not scared, no. Her entire life had led to this moment. Her heart did not pound a beat quicker, her stomach did not clench with sickness.

Like always, she felt something close to nothing.

Leila had been trained.

She thought of her task. Her life's purpose. Her elder's croaky voice, a whisper in her mind's eye.

"You are to make your betrothed feel for you. You are certainly a match, as the stars suggested, so it should be easy. Use your powers as necessary, but women often have a power much more persuasive than magic. He will fall for you. Slowly. And you will do what needs to be done to break the curse, and bring the sunlight back to this Earth. And when it does, we can celebrate our own great country and culture again."

"What is it I need him to feel? To love me?" Leila had asked at the time, naively. Only 13 years of age at the time.

Love had been erased from the new world. Nary a person felt it. Magic felt more tangible than the emotion, and children often dreamt of it as a fairytale. Leila had read about it in her books, her novels she would read, while sitting on rocky ledges in the night. Only candles used to shed light when the prince would finally kiss the princess.

Elder Fareena had smiled, the wrinkles wrapping around her amber eyes.

"No, little one. Love has no place here. It is another emotion, sometimes just as strong."

She would soon learn what the older woman had been mentioning. While love did not exist, lust still dominated their treacherous lives.

As a young teen, the boys in the village often vied for her attention. She was royalty. Untouchable. While none of them phased her, or seemed special enough to covet, she had been curious.

One boy, one day had been enough for her. She remembered his dark brown hair, and long lashes over big eyes. His smile had been nice, upturned. His body long for a 16 year old. He had taken her hand into his own, and willed her closer to a mountain range. Telling her she was beautiful.

It was like what the men in her books did. Except, the main characters always felt different when they were being pursued. Leila had felt numb, unchanged as he held onto her. As he lowered his eyes, and finally closed in on their embrace.

Her heart remained calm, as he kissed her. Smelling like salt and tasting like alcohol.

Leila had been so excited, and she felt nothing. Tears had formed in her eyes, about how her books from the past were nothing but a lie. Kisses weren't amazing and fantastic and the feel of flesh under her was like the touch of any other. No dizzying enchantment, no burst of emotion.

Nothing.

It had simply not been the same for him. The boy had made noises, pressing into her more. He was sweating, and it felt slimy upon her skin. The feeling of his hand moving from her waist to form along her breast enraged her, finally startling out an emotion.

That is, until she kicked him in his nether regions and threw sand into his eyes.

He was killed the next day for even attempting to touch her. His parents did not cry as he was lit into flames, they were ashamed. Ashamed he had could have prevented the prophecy from being fulfilled.

No, love was not present there.

And in all her 21 years, it remained that way. It was better, for her fate. Her lack of emotions kept her strong, kept her focused. It was comforting to not care about anything. Except her duty.

That's what she had been told. The 21 year old would seduce her husband, and not feel a thing while doing it. She would kill him, and restore balance.

Restore the sun.

Leila would not rest until she brought peace to her home.

Because she was sure her home was the one thing she loved, if love even existed at all.

+

Weeks of travel started to wear on her. Spending two decades of her life in one single country had not prepared her for the rest of the world. The nights were the same, but they did indeed did release their cold fury.

Winter. She had only heard of the term used in the North of her country, never in her circle of life.

It was horrible. Ugly. Landscapes were marred by fire lights, and light blue ice and snow stretched across lengths and lengths of land. The cold dried her skin, blued her lips. Made her fingers hurt. The carried stopped often, sometimes thrown off by the slippery ice.

Stopping was Leila's least favorite part. She hated taking shelter in different country's inns. They were state sanctioned, and often not well kept. They only had a single fire, and blankets were thin and fraying. Hospitality not fit for royalty, or anyone for that matter. Two of the guards from her prince had been stationed outside her door, as they traveled behind her carriage on horse.

She wondered if they were used to the cold, as she shivered under scraps of material on a harsh wooden bed.

Leila drifted asleep with the thought, at the blank windowless walls of the last stop before his castle.

Would she ever feel warm again?

The thought remained, even after the fire died. Even after the silent guard knocked on her door, alerting her to get ready to leave.

A cold feeling, different to the Wintery nights slammed into her throat. An odd sensation.

And yet, it was easy to wrap herself into her engagement attire. One that would allude to the extravagance of the wedding dress. It had elements of her culture, only small details allowed. The base color of the dress was a light lavender, the material made of silk. The bodice was form fitting and met off the shoulder, meshed sleeves. An overlay of silver crescent moons and lilies alluding to her divine power floated along the top piece of fabric, down the v of the low neckline that showed off her chest. The back of it was the same v structure, showing off the curves and middle line of her tan skin. She slipped bangles onto her wrists, looked into the small silver mirror to line her eyes with kohl. Her eldest sister had slipped dried flowers into her luggage, which she placed with pins into her wavy, dark hair. The last and final piece, a veil made of seemingly moonlight, placed upon her head.

Leila sifted through all of her items, until she found what she was looking for. Her favorite oudh, hinted with amber, vanilla, and jasmine. She took a deep breath, placing it on her neck, breast, and wrists. To her husband, a scent that would entrance him. To seduce him.

For herself, one single intake of breath would take her back home.

Leila stared into the mirror, appraising herself by candle light. It was often she wondered, if she was actually beautiful or if everyone was forced to tell her so. It usually didn't matter to her. The young woman liked her thoughts, her intelligence, her willingness to adapt. Her power.

But she looked beautiful right now, even the most critical could not deny it. Beauty often was a form of power, so she smiled.

It felt different, dressing herself. Adding her own makeup and jewelry. Knew it was not the last time she would feel alone surrounded by other people. It was a feeling she carried around her entire life, except now it was true. She was alone.

But she had no time to dwell. It was time to meet her husband. And with one final glance at the mirror, she knew she was more than capable to do so.

A second, more insistent knock drew the girl from her own mind.

"I am coming." She said softly, yet full of command. Her voice never carried too loud, more like a silent breeze.

No one had ever not listened to her though, not when her eyes glinted with a subtle danger. One that did not have to be announced or boasted upon.

"Take your time princess." A new voice answered, one that did not belong to one of the guards she had come to recognize along her journey. It was much higher. A man, but sweet like honey suckle.

Leila grew suspicious, slipping a knife into a hidden pocket on her dress. Not that she needed it, considering her power. Yet, she knew it was best to not reveal all of her abilities to anyone in her new court. Its best if they never knew exactly what she could do.

She opened the door, looking stoic but ready to strike if need be. Instead, running into a very pretty man.

"Well, you seem very excited to make your way to the castle." The unknown man said with a chuckle.

Greeting her like an old friend.

Leila moved back, tugging her body away from the man who steadied her with his hands. She gave him a quick once over, looking for weapons. He was wearing an all black outfit, a sword strapped to his hip. His dark hair was parted, crescent eyes crinkled with a smile. His nose was small, face oval, and lips a pretty plush pink. The area his hands touched remained warm.

The girl centered herself, painting stoicism back onto her face, "And who might you be?"

The man smiled wider, his white teeth standing out against his smooth skin, "My apologies, Princess Anvari. I am Park Jimin, advisor to Kim Taehyung. I was sanctioned to meet you and help you along the last remnants of your journey."

Leila looked at him, a pinch in her gut. She wasn't sure if it was his face, or the sickly sweetness of his voice. She had met no one this nice, no one who spoke to her so happily. Not even her own family.

The young adult decided that at the moment, she did not trust him.

It must have been apparent to Jimin how she was feeling, for his eyes widened as he held up his hands, creating distance between them and his sword.

"My apologies again, I thought you had been told. If you need more proof, I bare the insignia of my royal house."

Leila waited, eyebrows lifted as he stared at her. The man became skittish, realizing she indeed would want to see the proof. At this, Jimin swallowed heavily, pulling the side of his shirt down that rested upon his neck.

The girl moved forward, sensing his movement ceasing. She inspected the small crown insignia burned into his skin, the way his neck strained when she moved closer. Leila looked up at him, much closer as he avoided her gaze.

It seems seduction would be easy, where she was going.

With a soft smile, she moved away. Now, it was time for her to play the game of perfect, and demure little wife.

"Can you help bring my items to the carriage?" She asked, trying to mimic the sweetness with which he spoke.

Park Jimin looked dazed, nodding quickly before telling the other guards to follow him in. Leila moved out of the way, sending one last grateful look at the Prince's advisor.

Her smile became more genuine, as she made her way into the carriage. She felt powerful. Men were easy, no matter where in the world they were located. The thought that her task would be easy and soon be over, made her settle into her seat and let out a sigh of relief.

She felt the carriage shake as her luggage was loaded onto the the back and tied up. The horses starting up, wheels squeaking before she heard a yell from outside.

"Wait! Wait, I am riding with the princess!" Jimin was gasping as he grasped onto the door, opening it and hopping in as the carriage slowed to a crawl.

The brunette jolted back as he entered the space, getting close to her before plunking down on the bench across. He coughed awkwardly, before sending her another one of his charming, saccharine grins.

Leila let silence fill the carrier, wanting to see his breath and chest fall to a normal pace. To see when she could make it pick back up.

He gazed to the side as she inspected him, hands threaded together. He was good looking, and if it had any indication of what the rest of the kingdom looked like, Leila would not suffer greatly. She imagined if elves existed out of her books, they would resemble Jimin.

"Jimin?" She asked, watching his breath pick up again as he looked at her expectant gaze.

"Yes?" He inquired innocently. Wanting to please his new princess.

Leila leaned forward, letting softness enter her usually cool gaze, "Tell me about your kingdom."

Jimin launched into a tirade, grateful for end in silence. He told her all about the black, crystalline sea glass castle that sat on the edge of a peninsula. Surrounded by craggy rocks, and deep ocean, it was frighteningly beautiful. He spoke of his family serving the Kim's for two-hundred winters, almost as long as the sun had died.

Leila perked up at the mention of her betrothed, and Jimin caught her expression with a smirk of his own, "That is really want you want to hear about though right? Your soon to be husband."

His voice was amused, but Leila was more even so. No, she did not want to know if he was pretty, and how he cooked his eggs in the morning. She wanted to know his weaknesses and habits so that she could snuff out his sentience, and quickly.

Yet, a flirty grin spread across her face, "Do tell? If you're permitted to of course. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble."

And maybe she had misjudged the apparently sweet advisor. His eyes brightened, plush lips quirked up in his own way.

"You really don't know much about us, do you?"

For once, the girl was a bit ashamed at her lack of actual knowledge. Differences were not praised in this new world. She did not know of the specifics of the new territories, only few passing facts. The unification did its best to wipe diversity away. She only knew that their royal customs and manners were similar, in the way to greet and speak. Nothing more.

Jimin looked out the window as she failed to respond, a lazier smile making its way onto his face. He relaxed against the bench, thighs spread a bit wider. With a lazy gesture, he pointed to the darkness outside.

"Welcome, Leila, to territory 057 of Tenebris."

While the change in demeanor was shocking, or the fact he did not address her by her title, Leila was more concerned with her new surroundings. They were on a single road, surrounded by large rocks that looked similar to the mountain ranges of her home. Dark, ebony colored water surrounded both sides of the isle and it was the most haunting thing she'd ever seen.

The ocean was terrifying. Her heart pounded as water rammed into the rocks, causing spray to hit the windows. The moonlight showed the texture of it, ripples against ripples of more water, white foam sitting at the top. It was violent. It was endless. She didn't know what she expected, but it was not this.

It made her heart race in her chest. She swallowed, looking back at her companion to see his was completely calm. Just staring at her to see her reaction, against the darkness of their cabin. She didn't want to sound silly, or scared, so she kept her questions at bay. But Jimin must have sensed her hesitation.

"The sea is powerful, princess. There is no need to panic. If it swallowed us whole now there would simply be nothing we could do about it." His voice was light with jest, but still her body shook at the image outside.

Exhilarating. This, was the feeling she thought would happen while receiving a kiss. Leila decided though that she might hate her new home, the sea would not be apart of that contempt. It was too powerful, a goddess in it's own right.

The carriage stopped, making Leila pull away from the window. She was here.

It was finally real. The fate of the world, would indeed rest on her shoulders.

Jimin exited first, holding out his hand for her to get down. The man was much less uptight in his territory, much less nervous. When she touched his hand, he did not flinch. When she made it to the ground, he pulled her a but closer. Her eyes widened, as his soft lips touched her knuckles.

Her expression wavered for a moment.

Jimin laughed, "It is a custom in our land. Don't worry about it."

Leila looked around, shocked he used the word "custom" so freely out of the recesses of his own mind. Tenebris always sent officials to check for any signs of the old world, so it was better to censor language at all times.

The man wrapped her arm around his, urging her to walk with him towards the castle. She shivered as he bent down to whisper to her.

"I didn't take you as a rule follower, Princess Anvari."

The saccharine was still in his voice, but it turned much more sour. Biting. Like he was mocking her and wanting to instigate all at once.

Leila looked forward, not sparing him a glance, "Rules don't apply to royalty."

It was a low blow, but it shut the suddenly arrogant man up. She peeked a glance at him, seeing his jaw twitch as he urged her to walk forward. It seemed like the nice man from before only existed in and near state sanctioned areas.

Interesting.

The girl took in the scenery around her in the newfound silence. The ocean continued its fury, the sound crashing and endless. Almost calming in its ceaseless pursuit. And Jimin had not been kidding when he mentioned the castle. The black surface glittered, the ingenuity of sea glass lighting up the path with moonlight directed from the surface. It was a great way to send brightness to the surrounding villages behind the large structure.

It was gorgeous. Leila had to lean her head back to take it all in. There were several tall towers, all made of the same black, dark material. It looked like a giant crystal, carved to fit rooms and large balconies. A warm light emitted from the inside, showing they preferred candles over magic light. A large, glittering dragon was carved into the front of the structure, it's eyes fitted with rubies.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Jimin asked, somehow finding his voice again as they made it to the front gate.

Guards parted, saluting the advisor. They were dressed in black metal armor, heads completely covered. At least twenty stood at this entrance. Jimin looked less haughty, and stood up a bit straighter, a more serious expression on his face.

"Indeed, it is." The words felt like honey on her lips, because they were not a lie.

Jimin nodded his head with pride, before gesturing for the doors to open.

If the outside was beautiful, the inside was stunning. Black marble was carved out, turned into columns. The main ceiling, a dome opening to the moon. The floor was made of dark, almost onyx colored stone. Candle light bloomed from silver fixtures, snakes spitting flame. A two sided staircase decorated with boundless jewels and family heirlooms glistened like water.

This cold, frightening beauty was not what she was used to. She was raised by soft brown sand, and fireflies. By open windows, and earth colored walls. Flowers and other abundance dancing in and out of her home.

This, like the sea seemed like natural chaos. It almost hurt to look at.

For an empty moment, she wished her family was here to see. Imagining the shock on her sisters' faces. She almost laughed at the stupid, careless thought.

Jimin kept walking at a quick pace, gesturing two guards to grab her things outside. She followed in line, her walk liquid compared to his. They stopped in front of two large, wrought iron doors with handles twisted into two dragons. The advisor lifted his hand, ready to knock.

He looked at Leila, registering her glassy eyes and emotionless visage.

"Are you ready to meet your Prince?" Jimin asked, with something that almost seemed like sympathy. But the words were too clipped.

She looked directly into his dark brown eyes without missing a single moment.

"Open the doors."

With pursed lips and not another word, the strange man knocked. The heavy gates opened, the force of four guards each behind them.

Leila waited, watching as what she had guessed to be the throne room was revealed. Just as decorated, and adorned as the rest of the castle, the throne room was littered with about 50 people.

It was not unusual for the girl, as she walked beside Jimin. She was used to the gawks and stares in her own territory. For these people saw her as a gift from the gods. Her head raised, as she continued forward. Taking in the rows of people, the sapphires that were placed into black marble, and the large iron throne in the center of the room.

And there, she let her eyes rest. To the man in the middle of it all. The first part of the prophecy, that would decide the fate of her life. Brethren, born of the black sun, like she. Gifted with the ability of magic in a world too harsh for anyone to bare it.

The prince did not rise, but she felt his stare from the distance. She could not see very clearly, a flash of black hair and a well defined jaw. A lazy position, as his chin rested on his hand. As if it were any inglorious day that he would meet his bride.

Leila did not falter in her step. Only made herself more graceful, for that is what her mother would advise.

Kim Taehyung remained in his royal seat.

She remained her usual statue, up until she made it to the bottom of the dark steps at the end of the aisle. The girl looked up, sending a bow in his direction, perfect manners from a royal. Jimin did the same, before walking to stand next to the prince. Leila did not breath, just watched as the watercolor painting of his became much clearer as she was close.

A silver crown filled with rubies glittered on the top of his silky black hair. He sat above her, looking like the king of hell as candles flickered across his face, bored expression chilling as it was ruthless.

Her gaze finally connected with his.

His stare, was pure darkness. Pure danger incarnate.

The steely coldness in her body felt molten as she gazed upon him, his far away gazing etching into her. Alive. Like how it felt at her Lareetha when her magic had been fully awakened. For once, she was not unphased by the sight of another.

Her heart lifted in its beat, her stomach dropping. A warm sensation touching at her cheeks, and a twinge piercing into her chest. Whatever feeling it was, it was something. A wave in the lake of un-rippling calamity she had felt for most of her life. And Leila did not like change. She did not like what she was not prepared for.

"Breathe in deep for 10 seconds, and hold it. Fear tends to let go after that."

But this feeling was not fear. This was not nothing. Elder Fareena did not warn her of this, but it was surely the magic responding to her betrothed.

The stranger walked down a step so that they were level with each other. A move she would've respected, if she had remained focused. Remembering the breathing techniques her elder taught her, and she remained steely and quaint as a war waged beneath the surface of her skin.

What is this sorcery?

He was closer now, close enough for her to finally see all of him. To see he looked different from the men at home. The prince folded his hands behind him, his proximity sending a heat through her as he walked around her in a quiet circle.

The room around them was silent.

He was not like the boys at home. He looked different.

Felt different.

He stopped before her once again, forcing her silver irises to latch onto his own. The man leaned closer, his scent a mixture of mahogany and cinnamon. Her breath caught in her throat.

Taehyung was taller than her. His body was long as well, his elegant fingers dripping with the jewels that seemed to erupt from the walls. His hair waved, slightly long and black under his crown. The tips of ebony falling into his eyes in a slight part.

His eyes were dark. The lashes thick, and dipped along them. The shape of a felines, the curves slightly tilted up. They were a blend of colors, onyx with glints of gold, like flint to a fire. They were wise, searching, seeking, learning, overpowering. Staring into her like where the sky ended, and she began.

His skin was tanned, the color of the dunes back at home under lit flame. His rich color only enhanced the cunning darkness of his eyes, that peered down at her with silent and unmoved speculation. His cheekbones were high, cheeks smooth as they met a defined, yet smooth jaw. Almost heart shaped. His nose only complimented him, the bridge straight and leading to a full mouth with a defined Cupid's bow. Soft and strong all at once.

Her heart skipped a beat, as her eyes traced along where her hand had not.

No, he was not like that boy at home. The one who left her chest empty and unmoved.

He smiled lightly, the focus on his lips apparent as Leila looked down from him for only a moment. Seeing up close the utter perfect of his dark blue suit, patterned with flowers and swirls of leaves in silver. Hugging his broad shoulders and lithe frame. One that almost disappeared into his long, well muscled legs.

Her gaze settled back to her betrothed's perfect face, and yet still he had not uttered a word.

The overwhelming feeling that looking at him was often how she felt gazing up at the stars at night. Or the ocean grasping at the shores.

Ethereal. Her husband was fucking ethereal.

This she had not been trained for, nor warned about. Being affected. For gods sake she hadn't even experienced it before.

She cursed at her mother, her elders, her sisters for not preparing her enough. It had to be enough.

It will be enough.

The man looked her up and down once, twice. Carefully tracing the line from her exposed neck, to the curated blank expression of her irises.

The heat of his gaze bit at her neck. It felt like a butterfly's wing fluttered across her body. His dark eyes shown in the light like a viper's.

He was devastating. But Leila was strong-willed. Controlled.

"This, is the best the world has to offer?" Her fiance's smooth, cognac voice drifted across the air to her. To everyone in the room.

It was the first time he'd spoken, with his decadent voice that felt like fingers trailing down her spine. Her husband decided his first words would insult her.

She heard Jimin chuckle again, blood rushing through her ears. Nails making small crescent in the palms of her hands. The rest of the room filled with nervous laughter, until it was all a roar. She remained prideful to the outside world, to the prince, as he peered down at her to gauge her reaction. Leila swore she saw something light up in him, and she made no sound, no protest, no expression to defend herself. Men often liked taking the strongest glass before shattering it.

Unbreakable.

Tonight, had been the first she felt attraction. It would also be the first she felt shame.

But rage, rage was her favorite. It tasted like wine, strengthened her like the moonlight did.

If that's how he wanted to be? Fine. His mistake.

But killing him, would now not only be her duty.

She might even enjoy it.

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(A/N): OOO ITS GONNA BE GOOOOD

Sorry this chapter was a bit slow and heavy until the end but I needed to set the tone and reiterate on some backstory points because as much as the smut in this is gonna be ajhiuadguawhu amazing the plot is going to be chefs kiss as well. You will thank me later.

And yes, I am making Jimin a little mean. LOL it is so unlike me to do that. He's usually the sweetest character. Switch up!!!!

I pulled this from a tik tok but thisss is the duo we are talking about!

For the dress I'm thinking like this dress or the other, but more of a purple color. Same fabric and design though.