4
The sun was beginning to dip beneath the horizon as Jungkook ventured through the dense forest that bordered the kingdom. His boots crunched softly against the dried leaves, the air cool and crisp around him. He had always found solace in the woods — a place where the noise of the world quieted and only the rhythm of his thoughts remained.
His mission had been simple — to ensure the western borders were secure. A small task, one that didn’t require much attention, but as he made his way through the forest’s deeper paths, something caught his eye.
He slowed his steps, the hairs on the back of his neck rising. The sound of soft voices filtered through the trees. Low murmurs. Muted laughter. But something wasn’t right.
He crouched behind a thicket, peering out through the branches. What he saw made his blood run cold.
A group of men, rough and ragged, sat in a loose circle by a small clearing. They were armed, their clothes tattered, faces hardened by years of violence. But what held his attention were the two prisoners.
One of them was a woman, young, with long, dark hair tangled around her shoulders. Her clothes were royal — a finely embroidered gown, though now stained with dirt and blood. The woman was sitting on the ground, her hands bound tightly behind her back. Her face, despite the dirt, was familiar — she had the air of someone from nobility, someone who had once been important.
Her eyes were tired, but still fierce, as though she had not given up hope, despite her situation.
The other prisoner, a man, was equally bound, though his eyes were empty, broken.
Jungkook’s heart clenched. This couldn’t go on. Not in taehyung kingdom.
Without hesitation, he moved from the cover of the trees, silent as a shadow. His training — his entire life — had been dedicated to protecting. And here, in this moment, his instincts took over. The men by the fire had no idea he was there until he was right behind them.
With a swift movement, Jungkook’s sword flashed, cutting through the air with deadly precision. One man fell to the ground, a cut across his side. The others were too slow to react.
The forest erupted into chaos, but Jungkook was a blur of movement, his blade dancing through the men. They tried to fight back, but against his skill, they stood no chance. One by one, the attackers fell until only one remained, whimpering as he backed away.
Jungkook stood still, breathing steady, his eyes cold as ice as he stared down the last of the kidnappers.
Jungkook’s voice was like a whip, harsh and commanding.
The man gulped, his fear palpable.
......
W-we were hired… t-to take them... to the east... for ransom.
Jungkook muttered, his grip tightening around his sword.
Before he could act, the man dropped to his knees, begging for mercy. Jungkook, after a moment of silence, sheathed his sword. He couldn’t kill a man in cold blood.
jungkook
Leave. And don’t return to this kingdom,
He ordered.
The man scrambled away, disappearing into the woods with nothing but his life.
Jungkook turned to the woman, his heart still racing from the fight. She was still sitting on the ground, her eyes wide and filled with wariness.
Jungkook asked softly, stepping closer. His gaze softened, despite the urgency of the situation.
The woman didn’t respond at first. She just stared at him, a mix of confusion and recognition flashing across her face.
jungkook
I’m here to help,
Jungkook reassured her, kneeling down in front of her. He swiftly cut the ropes that bound her hands. She winced slightly as the circulation returned to her wrists.
After a moment of hesitation, she spoke, her voice quiet but clear.
.....
You’re from Kim Kingdom... aren’t you?
jungkook
Yes. I’m here to help you.
She blinked, as though processing his words. Her gaze shifted to his face, trying to place him. And then, her eyes widened.
He nodded again, though the word ‘guard’ been longer fit him.
princess eunha
I’m Princess Eunha,
She said softly, still eyeing him warily.
princess eunha
From the Kingdom of Lora.
The name struck him like a blow to the chest. The Kingdom of Lora. He had heard of it — a kingdom on the eastern border, known for its wealth and political alliances with powerful nations. If the princess was here, in the woods of Kim Kingdom, something terrible must have happened.
jungkook
What are you doing here?
Princess Eunha took a deep breath, glancing around the forest nervously, as if the shadows might hold more threats.
princess eunha
We were attacked. My guards... they were slaughtered. My brother... he was killed. I barely escaped with my life. They were going to ransom me to the highest bidder.
Her words hit Jungkook like a slap in the face. A kingdom at war. A princess left to die. He had always been so sure that his kingdom was safe, that Tae’s rule had protected them. But this? This was proof that the world outside their borders was as dangerous as ever.
Eunha said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. She seemed to relax a bit now that the immediate threat was gone.
princess eunha
I... I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t come.
Jungkook nodded, though his heart was heavy.
jungkook
I’m just doing what needs to be done.
With the danger passed, Jungkook stood up and helped Princess Eunha to her feet. She was bruised, battered, but still strong. Her presence was regal, despite the circumstances.
jungkook
I’ll take you to Kim Kingdom,
Jungkook said, his voice firm.
jungkook
You’ll be safe there.
Eunha nodded, though she hesitated, glancing toward the horizon.
princess eunha
I know you have your duties... but my kingdom needs help. They won’t stop until they have me back. My brother’s death won’t be forgotten so easily.
Jungkook’s gaze darkened. He had known the world was more fragile than Tae had realized. He had always kept to the shadows, but this? This was a clear sign of the danger their kingdom was facing — and that there were many more like the princess out there, waiting for the right moment to strike.
As they began their walk back to the kingdom, Jungkook’s thoughts drifted.
Tae would need to know about this.
The kingdom was growing stronger every day, but threats still lurked at the edges. He would do whatever was necessary to protect the kingdom, even if it meant facing the dangers he had long avoided.
And in his heart, a familiar ache remained — even as the weight of his past with Tae still lingered.
don't worry in this story
tae will give jungkook a chance but
jungkook will earn it first
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