The Prince's Shadow (Taekook)
03
[Early Morning – Prince’s Chambers]
The first light of dawn filters through silk curtains. Taehyung sits at the window, sketchbook open, charcoal smudging his fingers. Behind him, Jungkook stands silently, as always.
Prince Taehyung
You’ve been standing there all night. Don’t you tire?
Jeon Jungkook
A bodyguard does not rest until his duty rests.
Prince Taehyung
*half-smiles* Duty, duty, always duty. Tell me… what of desire?
Jungkook’s gaze flickers, then steadies. He doesn’t answer.
Prince Taehyung
You’re impossible.
Taehyung strolls with Princess Yeona. Jungkook follows a step behind.
Princess Yeona
Brother, you’ve been restless. I see the shadows in your eyes.
Princess Yeona
*lowers voice* Is it because of him?
Her gaze drifts toward Jungkook. Taehyung stiffens.
Prince Taehyung
He’s my guard. Nothing more.
Princess Yeona
*smiles knowingly* Guards don’t usually keep the prince awake at night.
Taehyung glares. Yeona giggles and twirls away, her laughter echoing.
Prince Taehyung
*thoughts* Nothing more… and yet.
The clang of steel rings. Soldiers practice, watched by General Seokmin.
General Seokmin
*to Jungkook* Spar with me. Show the prince the strength of his shadow.
They fight. Jungkook’s movements are precise, graceful—too fast. Too inhuman. Taehyung notices every detail.
Prince Taehyung
*to himself* He moves like water. No soldier fights like that.
The match ends. Seokmin raises an eyebrow.
General Seokmin
You’re sharper than most. Where were you trained?
Jeon Jungkook
*dips his head* I only follow orders, sir.
Taehyung catches the flicker of evasion in his eyes.
[Palace Library – Afternoon]
Taehyung sits among scrolls. Jungkook stands by the door.
Prince Taehyung
Tell me, Jungkook. Do you read?
Jeon Jungkook
*quietly* Enough to follow orders.
Prince Taehyung
But do you want to read?
Jeon Jungkook
*looks away* Desire is dangerous.
Prince Taehyung
Dangerous… or human?
Their eyes meet. The silence stretches. Taehyung leans forward, testing.
Prince Taehyung
What are you hiding from me?
Jeon Jungkook
*stiffens* Nothing, Your Highness.
Prince Taehyung
Then why do your shadows move when you don’t?
Jungkook freezes. His hand grips his sword, then releases. A heavy silence.
Servants whisper as the prince passes. A soldier sneers.
Soldier
*whispering, but loud enough* The prince’s guard—too quiet, too strange. Not to be trusted.
Jungkook ignores it, but Taehyung stops.
Prince Taehyung
*to soldier, coldly* Say it again.
Soldier
*stammers* Y-Your Highness, I meant nothing...
Prince Taehyung
If you question him, you question me. Remember your place.
The soldier bows, retreating. Jungkook’s eyes widen slightly, surprised at Taehyung’s defense.
Jeon Jungkook
*low voice* You didn’t need to do that.
Prince Taehyung
I wanted to.
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