Taehyung's POV

I went back to fencing for ten more minutes before letting my guard know that I was going to go get dressed into different attire.

Instead I rushed towards Jin's quarters of the castle.

Jin is currently out on a field trip, making an appearance in Seoul to speak to the media about my coronation which is happening soon.

I was informed over lunch by my mother after I saw the empty chair opposite mine.

As I entered Jin's bathroom, I flicked on the light switch and my mouth fell open.

I closed the door before walking over to the mirror.

My fingers traced my neck as purple hickeys were left scattered over my neck.

Jungkook really had a good go at my neck.

It did happen, but someone is controlling everyone and no one is giving me answers.

Is Jungkook okay?

Is his crew okay?

In my bathroom when I went and brushed my teeth this morning, the mirror was all foggy, likely on purpose so I couldn't see my neck, but even just the mirror was enough proof that something was going on.

My head whipped around as I heard Jin's bathroom door open.

Jimin had entered and was quick to lock the door.

He walked over to me, placing one of his hands on my shoulders, his other hand reaching his plump lips as his index finger pointed towards his nose as he shushed me.

"What I tell you, you cannot react loudly too," Jimin began and I nodded.

"Everything with the pirates happened, we arrived back to Seoul and Jin straight away sorted out men to go looking for you," Jimin began and my eyes widened.

"They found you in bed with Jungkook, bringing Jungkook and his crew back to the castle for a trial," Jimin went on.

"You know his name?" I cut in.

Jimin nodded, "It was said in the trial." Jimin told me.

"Their trial has been?" I questioned and Jimin nodded.

"Let me speak, you can ask questions after if you have any." Jimin told me, an annoyed look appearing on his face because he is trying to help me as quickly as possible.

"Basically the crew were given the punishment of life imprisonment due to kidnapping us and going along with Jungkook's plans rather than handing us over," Jimin began again and I nodded.

"But Jungkook was up for worse stuff because they believed one of the crew and in their head, likely Jungkook cut your hand, they believe Jungkook raped you too," Jimin explained.

"He didn't." I replied with furrowed eyebrows.

"I know, but they had no one to believe but Jungkook." Jimin replied.

"What do you mean? You know that I at least am gay, same with Yoongi and Hoseok. It was consensual." I told Jimin.

"Taehyung, I am so sorry. I had to side with everything Jin said or believed because I'd have lost my job or been imprisoned too if I said you were gay. The other staff members hadn't arrived, I mean Yoongi was possibly somewhere but likely guarding the door. I couldn't speak up without others. Even the three of us wouldn't have been enough and we all may have been punished." Jimin said, speaking quickly and frantically as he knew darn well I wouldn't like hearing his words.

My eyes widened while I processed what he's done.

Not even my own best friend could back Jungkook and I in the trial.

He has his reasons but really?

My own best friend for years would rather the person I love be punished than the truth?

"What's Jungkook's punishment?" I asked with great concern streaking through my voice.

Jimin bit his lower lip nervously as he spoke, "He's to be hanged at the same time of your coronation."

Jimin's words felt like bullets through my heart.

My body shuddered, my stomach caving as I sighed deeply.

"Taehyung, your father wanted us all to act like nothing happened. Don't rat me out for telling you, no matter what you do. I know you're going to do something but you are going up against the King." Jimin told me as I looked towards the door.

"I will be King, it should be also my decision so of course I am going to interfere." I snapped.

"Tae." Jimin chimed softly.

I looked down at the shorter male.

"Good luck." Was all that he told me.

After that, I rushed over to Jin's bathroom door, unlocking it and opening it.

I then sprinted to my bedroom.

I quickly got dressed again, I even put on the green and golden embellished coat that Jimin got for me to wear.

I then rushed towards the spiral staircase that led to the castle dungeon where I presume they are being kept.

I wanted to wear my formal clothing because on the way to the prison, it meant I wouldn't be questioned if I saw my fencing team.

However as I made it to almost the bottom of the stairs, I came face to face with guards.

"Sire, you are not allowed down here." A guard said, stopping me from walking further.

"Of course I am allowed down here, this is a part of my house." I snapped.

"We're not allowed to let you go further." Another guard said from beside him as they blocked the next step.

I groaned in annoyance, "I order you to move." I growled.

"We've been ordered to not let you pass." The male on the left said.

"By whom?" I asked, knowing I outrank a lot of people in the castle.

"The King." The guard on the right replied.

"Well I am King soon so step aside because our ranks are balanced." I replied.

"You're not yet equal though your highness." The right guard informed me.

I rolled my eyes, "I order you both to step aside or I will make sure both of you lose your jobs when I become King." I boomed, anger fully expressed in my voice.

Their postures changed, the one on the left stepping aside, which was all it took for me to flee between the males, rushing down two more steps before I made it on the flat cobblestone floor of the prison.

My eyes skimmed along the people inside the cells as I walked swiftly, trying to find Jungkook and his crew.

"Taehyung!" I heard a familiar voice call as I approached a cell on the left.

I smiled seeing Dawon with her hands reaching between the bars.

I let one of my hands run along hers as I looked at the rest of Jungkook's crew, only Jungkook was missing.

"Where is Jungk-" I began to ask but was cut off.

"Next cell." She told me, knowing exactly what I was asking.

I gratefully smiled, letting go of her hand as I walked to the next cell on the left.

My entire body was shaking as I saw Jungkook's head hanging low, his arms and legs chained up and attached to the stone prison wall.

He wore a blouse and pants but I did notice some blood on his blouse, likely from being hit or beaten by someone for what he's 'done to me'.

Executors try to make prisoners live through hell until they die.

My hands slid the metal bars open which got his attention to look up.

"Tae." His mellow voice cooed as I walked straight over to him.

I felt tears prick my eyes, I can't lose Jungkook when I have only just found him.

My hands cupped Jungkook's soft cheeks as I pressed my lips swiftly to his.

Our lips moved in sync as his hands held onto my waist.

"I thought you weren't coming." Jungkook mumbled as I pulled back from the kiss.

"Why wouldn't I?" I asked him, a tear slipping down my cheek as I rested my forehead against his, our eyes meeting.

"I've been locked up for two days, I thought their plan was working." Jungkook replied.

"Oh, I must have been asleep for a day then." I told Jungkook.

"Yeah they jabbed you with some liquid on the boat which kept you asleep the entire ride home, I wasn't sure how strong it was." Jungkook told me.

Of course they drugged me. Anything to keep me controlled by my father and his minions.

Could've been another reason Jimin seemed worried about me this morning.

"Tae, they're having me hung." Jungkook whispered as I hugged the male tightly, placing my head on his shoulder.

Jungkook's voice broke and was weak.

His hands sadly couldn't reach behind my back to hug me back due to the cuffs locking his hands back.

"I know, I know. I just found out." I told him, my heart snapping to pieces.

For the first time Jungkook's exterior is showing pure vulnerability as he presumably feels like this is the end.

But it won't be the end because I like to challenge destiny, rather than the designed life that others choose.

"How do you know? The King wanted you to basically think we were a dream." Jungkook announced.

I rested my body against his, feeling his warmth.

"I kept pestering Jimin and he cracked." I told Jungkook.

"Ugh that little *lily-livered cunt. I may not be hung if he'd spoken some more truth." Jungkook complained, his hands balling into fists.

(lily-livered - an insult for someone who displays cowardice)

"Jimin protected himself. He could also be in prison with you all if he had spoken up and he'd be one other person I am losing or having to try and save. Don't blame him. He is the reason I at least know about you all now." I replied calmly.

"Taehyung, I am going to be hung. What more can we do?" Jungkook asked me, desperate pained eyes stared back at me.

"We fight." I said simply.

Jungkook raised his eyebrow at me.

"When we were on your ship, you told me about how you wouldn't be slain unless it was a fair fight right? That you'd die fighting for something worth it." I told him and he nodded.

"Then think of this as our last fight, we have to keep fighting for something that is worth fighting for. You and I- Us- We are worth fighting for."

Thoughts? Feelings? Concerns? Cute. So Taehyung now knows. But what is Taehyung going to do about it? Any guesses? Feel free to comment. 

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