ASHES OF THE CROWN (Taekook)
Test for the allegiance
The tension in Eldoria's palace grew thicker with each passing day. Whispers of war echoed through the grand halls, and the council’s distrust of Jungkook was evident. She was still seen as an outsider, a warrior from a once-hostile kingdom now bound by a marriage none of them had wanted.
But Jungkook had never been one to stand idle.
That morning, as the sun bled through the stained-glass windows of the palace, Taehyung strode into the council chamber, his usual mask of authority in place. Jungkook followed a step behind, his gaze sharp, his movements controlled. She knew she was being watched. Every word, every action, was a test.
The nobles sat in their designated places, their richly adorned robes signaling their status. Duke Seonghwa, the most vocal critic of Jungkook’s presence, leaned forward with a slow smirk
Duke seonghwa
Your Highness, we have discussed the matter at length. The court remains divided on one thing—loyalty
Prince Taehyung
(Taehyung’s jaw tightened)
Loyalty is not proven with words but with actions.
Duke seonghwa
(Seonghwa nodded)Precisely. And what better way to show allegiance than by leading our forces in battle?
princes kookie
(Jungkook didn’t flinch. She had expected this. She stepped forward before Taehyung could protest). If the council doubts me, then allow me to prove myself.
Prince Taehyung
(Taehyung turned to her sharply, eyes flashing with something unreadable.) Jungkook—
princes kookie
(Jungkook met his gaze head-on)
I am not a coward, nor a prisoner. I am a warrior. If Eldoria wishes for my loyalty, then let me earn it.
Duke seonghwa
The room fell silent. (Then Seonghwa nodded, clearly pleased) Very well. There is a faction of rebels attacking our supply routes. Lead the counterattack. Show us where your loyalties truly lie.”
princes kookie
(Jungkook’s lips curled into a smirk) Gladly
The battlefield was nothing like the cold halls of Eldoria’s palace. It was raw, brutal, and honest.
Jungkook sat atop her black stallion, surveying the group of Eldorian soldiers under her command. Many looked uncertain, some even distrustful. He understood why. She had once been their enemy.
princes kookie
(She turned to them, voice firm but steady)
I know you do not trust me. You have every reason to doubt my place here.
The soldiers exchanged glances, but no one spoke.
princes kookie
(Jungkook drew her sword, letting the metal glint in the fading sunlight. )
But trust is earned in battle, not in courtrooms. I do not fight for Euphoria today—I fight for Eldoria, for the kingdom I now call home
A murmur passed through the ranks. Some still looked hesitant, but others nodded. They had seen his skill before; now, they would see his loyalty.
When the enemy came, it was swift and relentless. The rebels were not simple bandits—they were trained, ruthless, and determined to tear through Eldoria’s defenses.
Jungkook fought with everything she had. Her blade moved like a storm, cutting through the chaos with deadly precision. Blood splattered across the ground, the cries of fallen soldiers ringing in her ears. She was in her element, moving with the grace of a warrior born for battle.
Then, she saw the trap.
An enemy archer, hidden within the trees, aimed straight for an Eldorian officer. Without hesitation, Jungkook lunged, knocking the man out of the way just as the arrow embedded itself deep into his shoulder.
Pain flared, but she did not falter. She grabbed the fallen officer by the arm and pulled him back
princes kookie
Get up! The fight isn’t over
The officer stared at him, then nodded, determination replacing doubt. Others had seen what happened. They had seen Jungkook bleed for them. And that changed everything.
By nightfall, the battle was won.
Jungkook rode back through Eldoria’s gates, his armor dented, her body aching, but her pride intact. She had done what needed to be done. The soldiers behind her were no longer hesitant. They followed her with respect, heads held high.
Taehyung was waiting at the palace steps.
Jungkook dismounted, barely concealing a wince as she clutched his wounded shoulder. Taehyung stepped forward, eyes scanning hee with something like concern before settling into cold indifference.
Prince Taehyung
You shouldn’t have been so reckless.
princes kookie
(Jungkook smirked)
And let the council doubt me forever? No.
Prince Taehyung
(Taehyung studied her for a moment, then turned on his heel)
Come inside. You need to be treated.
Jungkook followed, exhaustion setting in. The battle had been won, but the war within Eldoria’s court was far from over.
And so was whatever existed between her and Taehyung.
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