Chapter 26: The Calm Before the Storm

The grand halls of the palace echoed with the quiet rustling of silk as YN walked along the marble floors, one hand resting protectively over her swollen belly. Nine months had passed since their return, and her body bore the proof of the love she shared with Taehyung and Jungkook. Soon, their child would enter the world, and yet, the shadow of war loomed ever closer.
Namjoon stood at the palace gates, his eyes scanning the horizon. As their protector, he had sworn to keep them safe, and with news of unrest spreading through the kingdom, he had no intentions of failing them. He turned at the sound of footsteps behind him.

"You're restless," Jungkook observed, arms crossed as he leaned against the stone wall. "Something's wrong, isn't it?"

Namjoon sighed. "We've had scouts report strange movements along the border. It seems not everyone accepted Yoongi's death as the end of their war."
Taehyung joined them, his expression dark. "We knew this wouldn't be easy.

The moment we returned to the throne, we painted a target on our backs."
Jungkook's jaw clenched, his gaze flickering toward the palace where YN rested. "She's due any day now. We can't let this war reach her."

Inside the palace, YN sat by the balcony, watching the city she had come to love. Her heart ached for the people, for the peace they deserved. But her greatest fear was the war finding its way to the palace before she could bring their child safely into the world.

Taehyung entered the chamber, his eyes softening as he approached her. "You should be resting."

She smiled, reaching for his hand. "And you should stop looking at me like I'm going to break."

Jungkook followed soon after, kneeling before her. His hands caressed her swollen belly, feeling the soft kicks of their unborn child. "We'll protect you. Always."

Namjoon entered then, clearing his throat. "The council has gathered. It's time to prepare for what's coming."

YN exhaled slowly, gripping both of her mates' hands. "Then let's face it together."

Outside, the winds carried the scent of war, but inside, in the warmth of their love, hope remained unshaken.

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