"Taehyung this isn't wise, your body is still extremely weak. It's far too dangerous for you to travel back to the palace alone, please stay at least for a few more hours." Melinö urges him, eyes following the young prince as he gathers his belongings.

She gave him the abridged version of what happened once he regained consciousness earlier that evening, told him that he passed out after the separation from his physical form.

Neglected to mention the emerald scales that formed over his skin.

She couldn't tell him about that yet.

Not until she had more information.

"I'm sorry Melinö, I truly appreciate everything you did for me tonight but I need to return to the palace." It was imperative he find a way to reconnect with his Enda, maybe he could find guidance in some of the ancient texts.

For the first time in his life he felt complete.

He needed to feel that way again.

Craved it.

Ached for it.

"I know there's no reasoning with you when you've set your mind to something, always such a stubborn little prince." Melinö smirks as she follows him to the door.

"I appreciate what you did for me Melinö, it's not easy magic and you certainly don't owe me anything, especially with the way my father treated you."

"Hush, don't speak such nonsense." The sorceress shakes her head, eyes fond. "It was Serenity and your father who sent me here, not you."

Taehyung smiles, he hopes one day he can convince his father to give Melinö a second chance, she's not all bad and has always been there to help him whenever he so happened to call on her.

"Á na márië Melinö." The young prince bows.

"Á na márië little prince."

★·.·'¯'·.·★

Taehyung's journey home across Tethoris bridge and through Arden forest takes him several hours, he stops on occasion to rest and once to direct a trading caravan heading to Khisfire but still manages to reach the valley just as dawn breaks.

He can see the palace from his current vantage point, standing proud and bathed in early morning light.

He can't wait to get back.

His first stop will be the library, there must be something in the ancient texts that can help him.

It's during his inner monologue that Taehyung notices a small envoy making their own journey across the valley, he doesn't need to move closer to know who leads them as Jungkook's distinct armour is practically gleaming under the gradually rising sun.

Odd.

They shouldn't be back for days yet.

What happened?

Taehyung's concern for his family is what leads him across the valley to speak with them instead of the palace in the opposite direction.

It's only when he draws closer that he notices his father near the back of the envoy flanked by his personal guard and Seokjin just behind Jungkook with someone between his arms.

It can't be.

It's impossible.

Taehyung stops his horse, gently pulling back on the reigns.

The need to move closer is overwhelming.

The bond screams in want.

It has to be her.

Doesn't she feel it too?

Taehyung watches as the envoy comes to a stop, brow furrowed in concern as Jungkook struggles to calm the young woman in his arms.

He pushes his hood back, eyes widening in surprise and heart racing as the woman manages to escape Jungkook's hold and make her way towards him.

They're so close.

He almost has her.

Flashback.

"My dear Taehyung please trust me on this, dark times are approaching and if you claim her as your Enda before this darkness is vanquished lives will be lost. I know this doesn't make sense, I wish I could give you more information but I can't. I just ask you to wait until the time is right, wait until darkness no longer threatens our people."

End Of Flashback.

Taehyung recalls the conversation with Serenity.

His duty is to his people.

No matter how much this will break his heart he knows he must wait.

Taehyung dismounts his horse, hands shaking as the woman moves closer and closer.

The envoy are too far behind, they won't reach her before she reaches him.

He won't have the strength to push her away.

He can't.....but he also can't risk the lives of his people.

Fear curls up inside him and clings to his ribs, settling uncomfortably in his chest. Taehyung knows he won't be able to stop himself, the moment she's close enough he won't have the strength to deny her, their bond is too powerful.

He never should've gone to see Melinö.

He should've waited.

Serenity will never forgive him for this.

It's during his moment of weakness that he notices a sudden charge to the air, dark clouds looming overhead as the whisperings of an incantation repeat over and over.

Serenity.

The clouds swoop down and his Enda vanishes within them.

Taehyung's heart breaks.

★·.·'¯'·.·★

Location: Serenity's Chambers, Palace Grounds.

Serenity breaks her incantation, eyes opening as the dark swirling vortex of cloud disperses.

She will deal with Taehyung and his reckless actions later.

For now she has an unconscious human to deal with.

"My, my, my. Look at all the commotion you've caused." The sorceress glides across the room, dress fanning out behind her as she kneels beside Y/N.

"I can't have you distracting Taehyung, not yet, not until the time is right so for now you need to forget." Serenity's eyes burn a brilliant white as her fingers brush gently across Y/N's forehead.

"Forget about the bond, bury it deep along with everything you know about Taehyung. The next time you meet him it'll feel like the first and you won't know why but you'll want to keep your distance from him, don't let him touch you, don't allow yourself to feel anything for him." Serenity's eyes return to their usual colour, fingers drawing back as the spell is absorbed by the human.

"I'm sorry for doing this." Serenity whispers.

Forgive me Taehyung.

((Okay, you can shout at me 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I'm awful, they were so close yet so far from finally meeting. I did say this was a slow burn lol not to mention we all know they can't be together until the darkness Serenity speaks of has been vanquished. It's going to be difficult for them guys, lots of confused feelings and plenty of angst BUT please be patient because there will in time be plenty of romance and fluff. So what did you think? Was Taehyung wrong to see Melinö? What do we think Taehyung's reaction will be when he arrives at the palace to confront Serenity and he finds out what she's done? 👀👀 leave me your thoughts and love you guys loads.💜💜 Á na márië means be well.))