2

“Your grace, you are instructed to accompany the princess to the court hall,” Taehyung’s guard said carefully.

“I can't, inform them about it” Taehyung spoke in a monotonous tone.

“But lord, his majesty instructed it”

Jungkook really wanted his demise right? Taehyung nodded to the instruction, after all who was he to decline the king’s instruction.

Taehyung walked out of his chamber, only to see Jungkook standing there. Jungkook looked tense. Jungkook took Taehyung’s hand and kissed his knuckles. Taehyung flinched and Jungkook’s face flattened.

“I thought you wouldn’t come, my prince,” Jungkook said.

Taehyung chuckled “People here doesn’t have luxury of choice, when it’s come to your instruction, Your majesty”

Jungkook looked offended, “You always had the choice Taehyung, you will always have them too”

“Can I not go then?’ Taehyung pleaded, swallowing his pride. He don’t want to be part of this.

“Prince, please don’t make this harder for me, Please go” Jungkook said.

“Yet you said I had a choice?” Taehyung’s voice broke as he continued, “His majesty, I know, I am nothing but a plaything to you but I have a request”

“What are you talking about my prince?” Jungkook’s eyes flashed with hurt hearing Taehyung’s words.

“Please don’t call me that his majesty, I am not a prince, I am just a mere consort, so please” Taehyung doesn’t want to hear that word from this Jungkook again.

Jungkook’s eyes looked defeated, as if those eyes were trying to communicate his feelings and failing miserably. Jungkook was about to reply but he was interrupted by a sudden intrusion. It was the princess, Jungkook’s supposed future queen.

Dana, the only princess of the kingdom of iris, a young lady in her early twenties. She bowed at the king.

“Great to see you, your majesty,” Dana said.

“Likewise princess Dana,” Jungkook replied.

Dana looked at Taehyung and spoke “Consort Taehyung, I wanted to see you for so long” She bowed, Taehyung bowed back.

“I am glad I met you princess,” Taehyung replied. She smiled.

“I would love to be your friend, Consort Taehyung,” Dana said. Taehyung was numb, he wasn't prepared to have friendly conversations with his husband's future bride.

Taehyung gulped, he had to reply regardless. He was about to speak but he was interrupted by Jungkook.

“Princess, Mind your position” Jungkook said coldly. “I believe you are obliged to maintain your position as a princess rather than making new friends.”

Princess Dana looked down in respect before responding “I was just trying to talk friendly with consort Taehyung, since we have to see each other a lot in future, your majesty.”

“And I am asking you to not do that, let the consort be that, and princess be princess” Jungkook spoke firmly.

Taehyung hasn't uttered a word yet. He listened to everything carefully. He felt numb. He felt like a puppet in the middle of that conversation. And this is going to be his position in King's life from now on.

~

Just like Jungkook's instructions, all were present in the court hall. Jungkook was on his throne, while Dana sat down beside his throne and Taehyung stood behind all of them.

The announcements were made for the wedding. Jungkook invited Dana towards him. They stood together, while Taehyung witnessed everything from the side.

The crowd gossiped about their King and future queen. They complimented their good looks. Everything happened while Taehyung stood alone in the crowd.

Taehyung was invisible there. But he was used to it, but what he was not used to was being invisible to Jungkook. Taehyung knew it was meant to happen. Still it hurts.

Taehyung slowly ran away from the crowd, From Jungkook, from everything. He sat near the pond of the palace.

He can't let himself cry. He did enough of that. He wanted to be strong for himself.

“My prince” Taehyung flinched. Jungkook was standing there. Jungkook called him that again.

“Why are you here alone?” Jungkook asked. Taehyung didn't reply. He was tired. He just needs some rest.

“What happened Taehyung? Please tell me” Jungkook asked with concern, lacing in his voice.

Is this a mockery? Taehyung wanted to ask. He stood up. Taehyung bowed. Jungkook quickly engulfed Taehyung.

“Why are you sad?” Jungkook asked again.

“I am not sad, in fact I am really delighted by your wedding announcement, your majesty” Taehyung spoke, refusing to shed tears.

Jungkook’s eye widened “Taehyung, please don’t be like this, I know this is hard for you but I have no control over it”

“But aren't you the king?” Taehyung dared to ask.

“Indeed I am and I am doing this for my kingdom” Jungkook gently patted Taehyung's hand.

“If this king had control over this, I wouldn't dare to do it, my prince.” Jungkook said.

Taehyung laughed “It seems like you enjoy it too much though” Taehyung replied remembering about the incidences in the court room.

“What are you talking about?”Jungkook asked clueless.

“Nothing, your majesty. I am glad you are enjoying princess Dana's company” unlike mine, Taehyung thought.

“I don't Taehyung, I only enjoy your company willingly” Jungkook quickly defended himself.

Taehyung just smiled. “Yet people are celebrating her” Taehyung spoke without his control.

“People can, I would never.” Jungkook replied quick.

Taehyung smiled, lies over lies. Taehyung bowed “If you allow me, Can I please go to chamber?” Taehyung asked.

Taehyung doesn't want to continue this conversation. He was tired. Jungkook sighed. He nodded at Taehyung's request and let him go, again unwillingly.

~

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