In the conversation that ensued between Jungkook and the warrior, you learned he was one of the most charming men you had ever encountered. You didn't know whether it was the persuasion in those dark eyes, the handsome features, or his smile - but Taehyung's usually stern demeanor soon turned into one of playfulness, a kindness in his mannerisms as Hyun not so subtly convinced him to agree.

You half expected the warrior to change his mind, glancing over your shoulder as his silhouette disappeared into the darkness, but he never did. He didn't even display any jealousy when Jungkook reached for your hand, but you didn't take it and he did not pursue you further, content with just walking alongside you through the village.

The traditional Hanok houses were intertwined by cobbled pathways and adorned with flower shaped lanterns as you ventured through the streets. When you reached a bustling area filled with many people, he explained it was a market where merchants displayed an array of goods for sale, including the hand-painted items you took a moment to look at.

He eagerly pointed out popular items that collectors and people were willing to trade money for - yet despite his attempts of explanation, you couldn't fully comprehend the concept of currency.

Jungkook had laughed through, his smile never faltering and kindness unwavering despite your initial reluctance to listen.

He continuously made conversation, intrigued to know about your village, asking you to describe the flower hairpieces you enjoyed making. He took an interest in knowing about you, even so much as asking your name. He didn't treat you like the savage his people thought you were and did not care when they cast judgemental looks in your direction. His touch was gentle and understanding, and you liked him.

Even if you did not understand the admiration he had for his brother, you tried to hide the hatred you felt.

Jungkook's pace slowed now, a contemplative look etched across his features as he glanced towards the Hanok to your right, making out the elegant architecture in the darkness before he turned back towards you.

"Your friend," He started, voice measured and gaze steady. "I would like to take you to see her at first light."

You glanced at him, eyebrows furrowed in confusion as to why he had changed the subject and told you something so directly, but your heart sank because you knew the warrior would never allow such a visit, and the thought of being denied the chance to see Yuna hurt even more.

"Your brother would never allow it."

"It does not matter what Taehyung says."

"But it does." You whispered, eyes averting to the ground when you sensed Jungkook's presence moving towards you. "You do not know him like you think you do."

"I know there is no excuse for what my brother has done, but I also know that he is not as cruel as you think."

You slowly turned away from him, hand trembling as it tried to hide the tears threatening to spill from your eyes. It wasn't that you thought he would defend you over the warrior, but you wanted him to understand Taehyung's true nature - how he was not the perfect brother he believed he was.

Had he never seen the way these men mercilessly destroyed villages, yours included, or how they killed innocent people without a second thought? Did he think it was right that his brother had taken you captive?

Maybe he wasn't as kind as you thought he was.

"What is it that makes you cry?" Jungkook's soft voice lingered in your ear a moment later, "I did not mean to upset you."

You bit back the urge to lash out, even though you knew he meant well. "You would not care even if I told you."

"I am not my brother, Y/N."

Before you could comprehend the turmoil inside your mind, his strong, yet gentle arms were pulling you into his embrace. You wanted to pull away, to resist the temptation to give in and let the walls of self-preservation crumble, but something held you there.

Perhaps it was the warmth of his body, the comfort in the touch, or the fact he was showing you love in a world that had been tainted by hatred and violence, or maybe you were just succumbing to the longing of wanting to be held by Yuna.

"Your people will never see me as anything other than a savage."

"They might think that," Jungkook mumbled into your hair before he pulled back to look at you. "But I know you are not."

"But you're just one person, Jungkook."

"What does it matter what they think? Those people are ignorant and have never tried to understand those who are different. Tae and I are from the Kingdom, we know better-"

"You're from the Kingdom?"

"Taehyung hasn't told you?"

"Told her what?"

You did not expect the commanding voice of the warrior as he emerged from the shadows, his figure imposing even in the darkness. His armor had been replaced by garments similar to Jungkook's, which only enhanced his impressive physique, the fabric fitting every contour of his muscular frame and drawing focus to his chiseled features - highlighted by the long, dark hair that was now styled neatly and tucked behind his ears.

His eyes held curiosity as he stepped forward, footsteps reverberating on the cobbled path.

Jungkook, not caring about the warriors presence, shifted his gaze between you both. "You have not told her who we are?" He stated with a hint of disbelief.

"What does it matter?" Taehyung answered dismissively, his smirk growing wider at your expression. "She knows nothing about the Emperor."

You felt frustration course through you as he carelessly disregarded and presumed you ignorant, before you met his gaze with a determined look, refusing to back down or be underestimated. The elders in your village had told stories about the powerful ruler, but you didn't want to reveal all you knew just yet. He might have viewed you as an uncivilized savage, but little did he know of the things you knew.

"I am well aware of who he is," You answered boldly, "The elders spoke of his endless power and wealth, and the many concubines who bore him beautiful children."

Your words were met with silence as the warrior and Jungkook locked eyes, their unspoken communication speaking volumes and it made you feel powerful, knowing you had just proved any misconception he had of you wrong.

Taehyung's face twisted into a scowl as he abruptly strode towards you, his grip on your arm rough and forceful, causing you to wince in pain. The ripple of his powerful muscles beneath tanned skin only added to his intimidating presence, making it clear that he could easily overpower you if he wanted to.

"He is nothing but a brute," He spat, his voice filled with disgust and disdain. He turned to look at Hyun now, daring him to disagree with his words. "Would you not agree, Jungkook?" His tone was challenging, almost threatening, as if he was ready for an argument.

"I'm not going to disagree if that's what you are thinking, Tae."

"Then tell her the truth about him - that he is a vile brute who values greed over his own children."

You were taken aback by the warrior's statement, unsure of where this sudden animosity towards the Emperor had come from, especially when the stories you had heard painted him as a great leader, but before you could speak, Jungkook was quick to interject.

"There is no need to try and change my brother's mind, Y/N. Not unless you would like to find out otherwise."

It hurt that Jungkook did not intervene or stand up for you, instead choosing to take the warrior's side and do nothing when you were yanked towards the entrance of the Hanok by the tight grip he had on your arm. You were thrown inside, catching a glimpse of a young woman not much older than you as she turned away from the wooden chairs.

She was beautiful, with mahogany hair that cascaded down her back in glossy waves and piercing dark eyes which seemed to hold a thousand secrets. Her figure was petite and delicate, complemented by the layers of pink fabric she wore, similar to the color of the makeup she wore on her thin lips and the blush on her cheeks.

"So you are the savage girl?" She asked in a curt tone that carried underlying judgment and disbelief as she looked you over. "I thought you would look more presentable." The look of disdain in her expression was a blatant indication that she was unimpressed.

You wanted to say something, but Taehyung's presence loomed over you, his intense gaze daring you to speak out of turn, but then, he did something you never expected from him.

"Enough, Mira."

He defended you.

Mira, their sister as you now came to realize, simply scoffed and lifted a hand to her shoulder, brushing the delicate fabric like you had personally offended her before she took a calculated step.

"I have no interest in you using her for your pleasure, Tae." The scorn in her voice was palpable, her sharp words like daggers aimed straight at your heart. "But she does not belong with our people."

"Then you do not need to take anything to do with her." Taehyung answered nonchalantly, "She is my woman."

"You can't be serious." Her voice rose, gaze flickering between you and the warrior. "I know she is pretty, but she's untamed and has no manners. You really mean to bed her?"

"Like you said, she's pretty." The warrior smirked now, a laugh in his tone. "She will learn, Yeiri will teach her."

"Then you can find somewhere else for her to stay, I do not want her in my home."

"I had a home!" You practically spat, the bitterness seeping through each syllable. It angered you how they spoke about you like you weren't standing right there hearing every word. "Or at least I did until your brother destroyed it."

"You will speak to my sister with respect." Taehyung's voice echoed through the room, low and guttural as his grip on your arm got firmer. You turned to meet his gaze, seeing the restrained fury burning in his eyes, but as your own tears of frustration began to fall, he leaned in closer, his voice dripping with disdain and superiority. "And if you dare to embarrass me infront of her again," He growled in a threatening tone. "I'll give you something to cry about."

Trying to pull your arm from his grasp, you snarled. "Get your hands off of me."