The Choice (Taekook)
The Announcement
Televisions blared the breaking news music all around Coppernite Kingdom, interrupting everyone’s favorite daytime shows. There was a pause before the news anchor man came onto the screen.
He was an older man, hair graying on top of his head, a bright smile on his wrinkled face.
News Anchor
This just in, King Jeon Jungkook of Obsidian Kingdom will be hosting an event designed to find him his future Consort. Taking the throne after his father’s retirement, the young King has decided it was time to look for his Consort.
Images of King Jungkook and the former King Jeon Doggun appeared on screen.
It was a little depressing when they shot an image of the late Queen. She’d passed over a year ago in a tragic car accident. The Kingdom’s had all mourned, but no one could know the toll it took on the Jeon family.
News Anchor
The last time this event was held was over 20 years ago when King Jung Woo of Amythestia Kingdom found his lovely Queen Jung Jiwon.
Their world was divided into four Kingdoms. Each Kingdom was ruled by a King and Queen. Then each Kingdom had four countries in it, and those were ruled by a Duke and Duchess.
Jungkook ruled over the Kingdom of Obsidian, the countries within those were Agate, Gaborro, and Kunzite. Taehyung was a part of Coppernite Kingdom, in the country of Quartzite.
Taehyung’s eyes were glued to the screen. He had developed a nasty crush on Prince Jungkook when they were just children. The Royals were always on the tv screen, day in and day out. It was hard not to fall for Jungkook. He was kind, and as he grew older he really set into his looks, and his kindness only grew.
He stared at the picture of the newly appointed King, and couldn’t help the blush that appeared when he looked at those beautiful striking soft brown doe eyes. Jungkook was literally a dream. And Taehyung never wanted to wake up from that dream.
Park Jimin
Stare any longer at his face and he may just jump out of the TV at you. (Snicking at his brother from his right.)
Taehyung swiveled his head, taking his eyes off the handsome King to give him a glare.
Jimin loved to tease his younger brother about his crush on the King. Taehyung had basically been in love with the man all his life, and Jimin was excited to hear that a courting event would take place. Maybe his brother would have a chance.
News Anchor
The event will begin in two days. The selection for delegates will begin tomorrow and every delegate will be chosen. The event will start the next day. Each Kingdom and country will pick one delegate to represent their Kingdom or country. This representative will be picked randomly from the enchanted cup. This year King Jungkook has decided both men and women will be eligible. All those eligible will have their name in the cup and will have the chance to be a part of the courting event.
Taehyung’s heart raced at one particular sentence. Men and women. He might have a chance at meeting the King! But then his heart sank. There was no way the cup would choose his name. He was nothing in the country of Quartzite. If anything they would probably pick someone from the Royal line.
Taehyung also happened to be non-magic, and he knew the views former King Doggun had on that issue. But maybe Jungkook was different. Taehyung really hoped the man he’d been in love with forever was different.
Taehyung knew the views of many people around the world. Magic users viewed those without magic as weak, and some even viewed them as abominations, and didn’t think they should live.
Their world consisted of magical, and non-magical users. The elite were considered anyone with magic, and those who didn’t have magic were usually looked down on. There had been many protests and movements to change the views, but a lot of the prejudice still existed, especially in the Royal system.
Park Jimin
Taehyung! (Shrill cry startilling his brother.) You have a chance.
News Anchor
Good luck to everyone, and I know we all can’t wait to meet our King’s Consort.
The TV went back to the regular show that had been on.
Taehyung was excited, but he was slowly losing that excitement due to his own thoughts. There was just no chance he would be picked. There were so many better options out there. Most Royals were magic users too. As if sensing his change in mood Jimin slowly turned to him with a glare.
Park Jimin
Kim Taehyung, don’t you start thinking bad things. Jungkook would be lucky to have you as his Consort. (Grabbing Taehyung’s hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.)
Kim Taehyung
(Smiling softly at him.) But I’m not Royal Jiminie, we don’t even know who my parents are. I don’t have magic, I’m nothing compared to the others. They have lavish clothes, and jewelry, and whatever they don’t have they make up for it with their magic.
He looked down, and stared at the circular amulet that he wore around his neck.
The amulet was rather small, it didn’t take up very much of his chest, but it hung low. In the center though was a beautiful green crystal. Taehyung would stare at it for hours wondering about the life he could have had. Not that he would trade his life for anything, but wondering what he had given up.
The Park’s had come across Taehyung wandering around the market. His clothes had been torn and ripped. No one knew where he had come from. The only thing he had with him was the amulet around his neck. Written on the back was the surname Kim. He hadn’t remembered who he was or even his name when the Park’s had found him.
They had no idea how old he was. They guessed around Jimin’s age. So they let Taehyung pick his birthdate, and he had chosen December 30th. He was three months younger than Jimin. Taehyung said he loved the winter, but he had wanted to have a birthday before the end of the year, so he chose that date.
Taehyung never took the amulet off even though to him it was a constant reminder that his parents may not have wanted him. But it also was a reminder that he did have parents, and maybe they had gotten lost from each other. He never gave up the hope that one day they would find him. But it had been nineteen years since then and now he was twenty-one, and they still hadn’t shown up. He had lost hope, but he loved the family he had now.
Jimin was the one who named him Taehyung. He had only been two, and said he looked like a Taehyung, so it stuck.
Park Jimin
(Smacking Taehyung’s hand.) Don’t ever say that again Taehyung. This family loves you, and it doesn’t matter if you are of Royal bloodline or not. And you don’t need lavish clothes and jewelry to look beautiful Taehyung. You're already the most handsome man in all of Quartzite.
They both giggled. It was an inside joke of theirs that Taehyung was the most handsome man to ever live.
Park Jimin
And if Jungkook has an issue with non-magic users then he isn’t the guy for you anyway. (A bite to his tone that told Taehyung to drop it or he’d be punched.)
Jimin had a lot of fiestyness in his smaller body. Well smaller by only like an inch, but don’t tell Jimin that.
Taehyung took his words in and smiled softly, wrapping his arms around Jimin’s small frame.
Kim Taehyung
Thanks Jiminie, you're the best older brother by three months any guy could want.
Jimin had always been there for Taehyung. He had never stopped looking out for him. Through failed relationships, heart breaks, and the constant bullying from bigots, he never left his side. Taehyung had always thought he was meant to meet Jimin, that it was fated.
The front door opened and in walked Park Shinhye, her blonde hair the same shade as her son’s. It was striking in comparison to Taehyung’s dark brown.
Park Jimin
Mom, Taehyung’s so going to be picked to be King Jungkook’s Consort. (Blurting out as their mother walked into the room.)
Taehyung watched as Shinhye clutched onto her chest and jumped a little from the loud voice.
Park Shinhye
Dear lord boy, you’re going to give your mother a heart attack one of these days. And what are you talking about?
She turned her head to look at Taehyung for confirmation. She raised her eyebrows as if asking if Jimin was going crazy.
Park Jimin
King Jungkook is holding a courting event to find his Consort. And he’s allowing men and women. (Jumping up to help their mother carry in the bags of groceries she almost dropped.)
Park Shinhye
(Turning to Taehyung with a bright smile on her face.) I guess we know where we will be tomorrow then, won’t we Taehyungie? (Giving him a wink.)
Taehyung’s cheeks turned a slight shade of pink at her words. Jimin wasn’t the only one who enjoyed teasing him about his love for King Jungkook.
Park Jimin
Oh we’ll be in the front row! Only the best for our Taehyungie! (Yelling from the kitchen as he helped put away the groceries.)
Park Haesoo
What are we being front row for? (Voice ringing out as he brought in the rest of the groceries.)
Park Jimin
Taehyungie is going to marry King Jungkook.
Haesoo whipped his head over to Taehyung. He narrowed his eyes at his other son.
Park Haesoo
Who said you could marry? You're too young! (Belting out.)
Park Haesoo
*Why would they even think about his youngest son getting married. Taehyung was his little boy, he was not allowed to get married.*
Park Shinhye
Oh hush darling, he’s twenty-one. And the future Fiancée is King Jungkook. (Placing a kiss onto her husband’s cheek, and taking the groceries away from him before he destroyed them.)
Park Haesoo
Just because he’s a King doesn’t give him the right to my son. (Narrowing his eyes at his wife.)
Park Shinhye
Our son. (Giving her husband a pointed look.)
Kim Taehyung
Guys, it’s not like it’s even happened yet. (Heart hurting a little.)
Their talk of him being Jungkook’s Fiancée had given him hope, and hope was a dirty word in his life.
Park Jimin
Oh it’s going to happen Tae, I’m feeling luck on our side. (Giving him a wink.)
Taehyung could barely sleep that night though. Even with Jimin’s feeling of luck he was still so nervous, but also excited. The excitement of even the possibility that he could get picked was too much for him to handle.
He knew he needed some sleep so he tried to calm his raging emotions. He closed his eyes, and dreamed of King Jungkook, his King.
Meet The Delegates
The ceremony to choose their delegate was held in their corridor in the middle of their country. Quartzite wasn’t a huge country, not like those in Obsidian. All the countries there could eat Taehyung’s for breakfast.
Obsidian was the largest of the four Kingdoms, which only meant so were its countries. Coppernite was the smallest of the four Kingdom’s, and Quartzite just so happened to be the smallest country in it.
Their Duke and Duchess were snotty and didn’t really care for their people. Lord Jungwoo was also a piece of work. Taehyung hoped he wouldn’t get picked, he didn’t deserve Jungkook.
They hopped in their car and made their way inward. Their house was more on the outskirts of their small country.
Taehyung watched as the road filled up, everyone was going to the ceremony. Everyone was hoping they’d be picked.
Park Haesoo
We’ll walk from here. (Parking their car along a cobblestone road.)
Their country was cute, the main town was small but had cobblestone roads and cute little shops and stores. Taehyung loved the small town. But now he was hoping to adventure out into more.
After a walk they found themselves standing in the middle of a bunch of people. Voices rang out from every direction, and the crowd was a little too much for Taehyung. He wasn’t used to all these people having mostly stuck to his small highschool, and his small home. He recognized many people from his school.
There was a huge stage behind them with a mega screen. The screen was currently flashing images of all the delegates that had been chosen. Each of the Kingdom’s and Countries had chosen their delegate already, all having had their selection ceremony. Quartzite was last on the list as they were the furthest country from the palace, and the smallest.
Taehyung looked up at the screen recalling all the delegates that were already chosen. They were all from Royal families, and were all magic users. His heart dropped at the thought, he didn’t have a chance. Not only did he not belong to a Royal family, he also didn’t have magic.
Park Jimin
Just because they’ve all been Royals doesn’t mean anything Taehyung. You still have a chance. (Watching his brother’s head fall as he looked at the delegates.)
Taehyung watched as the names flashed on the screen again Taehyung took in their images one by one.
Lord Kim Yugyeom of Rhodochrosite was first. First born under The Duke and Duchesses Kim of Rhodochrosie, he was next in line for the title.
He was a beautiful man with short black hair and captivating blue eyes. He had won an award for the most beautiful eyes of the year in Rhodochrosite’s magazine.
By looks alone Taehyung knew he’d be exactly King Jungkook's type. His black hair would go well next to the King’s equally black hair, they would look like they belonged next to each other. But Yugyeom had a slightly bigger build than Jungkook, and was slightly taller.
Kim Taehyung
*Did the King like that?*
He was an inch shorter than Jungkook, and much slimmer than the muscular King. Maybe Jungkook preferred someone with Yugyeom’s statue over Taehyung’s. He didn’t have much time to think as another image flashed on screen.
Second was Lord Hwang Hyunjin of Gabbro. Youngest son of Duke Hwang, he wouldn’t gain the title after his father stepped down. The title would go to his older brother.
Hyunjin was drop dead gorgeous with his snow white skin and dark hair to compliment it. His eyes were a deep brown, and his lips a rosy color.
Taehyung would have mistaken him for Snow White had the female been a male. It made him look a bit younger, and softer but in a good way. Jungkook was twenty-five years old, but he thought he heard that Hyunjin was around twenty-seven, but his looks made him seem more like Taehyung’s age.
Third was Park Sunyoung Duchess of Carnelian. She’d already taken the title from her parents. She was the oldest, around thirty years old. She was also beautiful but in the opposite way of Hyunjin. Her hair was short and a light redish-brown and she also had brown eyes, but her’s held more power and a matureness that Hyunjin didn’t have.
Fourth was Lady Kim Seolhyun of Kunzite, eldest of her siblings and first in-line for the title of Duchess. She had dark brown hair and blue eyes. Taehyung had heard rumors that she wasn’t the nicest person. But they were just rumors, so maybe she was actually very kind. She was only five foot, so she’d look very cute next to Jungkook.
Fifth to cross the screen was Manobal Lisa Princess of Malachite Kingdom. Taehyung was entranced by her beauty. Her eyes were soft, almost the same color as Taehyung’s, and her hair was a light brown color. Her eyes were kind, and Taeyhung heard many stories about her being the sweetest of all the Royals. She had a hard childhood though after the death of her younger brother, Prince Yungjin.
Sixth was Jung Hoseok Duke of Emeraldian. Taehyung had also heard stories of Hoseok being one of the kindest souls to ever cross this world. Taehyung was excited about the possibility of meeting the Lord. He always seemed to have a smile on his face when Taehyung would see him on TV. Even in his image he was smiling. His brown hair was short and he also had kind eyes. He was taller than Taehyung too, probably taller than Jungkook.
Seventh, lucky seven had been Moon Gayoung Duchess of Agate. Her country was a part of Jungkook’s Kingdom. He’d seen them interact before, always pleasant bows and curtsies, but nothing more than that. She had long black hair that cascaded down to her butt, and her eyes held mischief in them. Taehyung knew for a fact she held a prejudice against non-magic users, as did most of the Royals residing in Obsidian.
But Taehyung thinks the Kingdom was slowly changing as the people were becoming more acceptable. The Royals were just stuffy and old. And they taught their children their ways. He thought maybe once some of the younger generation started to take over things would change, and some had, but not all. Taehyung would never allow his children to ever hold prejudice over anyone.
Eighth was Lord Lee Felix of Danburite. The Duke and Duchess were one of Taehyung’s favorites as they were key components in the movement for abolishing all prejudice. Felix like his parents was one of the Royals who actually advocated for non-magic users. He had long blonde hair and blue eyes. He was known for his extravagant style. Taehyung also thought he had kind eyes.
Ninth to show up was Bang Chistopher Chan Prince of Coppernite. Taehyung’s Prince, who liked to be referred to as Bang Chan. Taehyung thought he was okay, he’d never met the Prince, but what he’s seen and heard about him hasn’t been much, except that he isn’t a fan of non-magic users. But he didn’t outright say it, but some of his actions pointed toward the fact.
The King and Queen of Coppernite though we’re different. They didn’t try and hide their distaste. So ya, Taehyung would say the dark haired muscular man was just okay.
Tenth was Lady Kim Jennie of Celestite, only daughter of the Duchess. No one knew who her father was. She looked like all the others with long black hair and brown eyes. Taehyung didn’t see anything special in her, just that she was a little odd, which Taehyung was grateful for as most of the Royals seemed to lack a lot of depth.
Eleventh was Kim Jisoo Princess of Amethystia, only daughter to the King and Queen so she was heir to the throne. Perfect for Jungkook as they would already be rulers of two Kingdoms, the perfect brewing for alliances.
Taehyung was jealous of her beauty. She had the same long black hair, but her eyes were blue, and the way she held herself was different. She was graceful, and could put anyone else to shame. Again making her the perfect match for Jungkook, and everyone knew it. Taehyung almost thought they didn’t even need to hold this event. She was already the fan favorite and the event hadn’t even started.
Twelfth was Lady Roseanna Park of Citrine, her older brother was heir to the title. Her hair was long but a light pink hue that stood out amongst everyone else. Taehyung didn’t know much about her, but he did know that her and Princess Jisoo were friends.
The last was Wang Kayee Duke of Angelite, who went by Jackson. He had short blonde hair and green eyes. Taehyung also didn’t know much about him, but he knew he wasn’t against magic users so Taehyung wasn’t against him.
Jackson made it the sixth male to be picked. There were already seven women, so Taehyung thought to make it even, a guy would be picked.
All the delegates that were chosen would be a better choice for King Jungkook than Taehyung would. Taehyung’s hair was often messy, and his eyes were brown, nothing special. He didn’t have magic, and he wasn’t Royal, he probably wouldn’t even be picked.
Taehyung gave Jimin a small smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. He couldn’t help the sinking feeling that he was going to be disappointed. There was no way he’d be chosen, and if he was the people he’d be up against to win the King’s heart would surely beat him.
Quartzite's Delegate
A few people around Taehyung looked him up and down with disgust on their faces, and he tried to ignore them. Normally he was very good at it. But for some reason it was really getting to him right now. Most knew he was non-magic, their country was small.
Duke and Duchess Seo came out and everyone in the crowd started to cheer. They were well put together. The Duke with his deep red tux, and the Duchess in a skin tight bright red dress. They were dressed in the colors of their country.
Joe Seo
Welcome! We celebrate a grand day as the delegate for Quartzite will be picked. Whoever is chosen, we wish you luck and hope you make Quartzite proud and win that crown!
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Taehyung really didn’t have anything against their Duke and Duchess, he just wished they would actually care about their people more. But when you just get handed the title because of your lineage, it can cause a bit of privilege. Also their son was annoying, and made it clear that he wasn’t a fan of non-magic users. His parents were the same, hence why everyone would stare at Taehyung.
The courting event was determined from a large magic cup. Everyone eligible for the courting would automatically be in the cup. Names would be on pieces of paper and one would fly out, that person would be the chosen delegate. It was the only fair way, and with Jungkook changing the rules, the cup would now hold both female and male names.
They were anxiously waiting for the cup to decide. All of a sudden the cup started to turn red and everyone went silent. A pin drop could have been heard with how quiet it was. When the piece of paper shot out of the cup Taehyung felt Jimin’s grip on his hand.
The piece flew in the air and landed in the Duke’s hand. His eyes pulled down in confusion. He turned to his wife who read the name, also in confusion. The Duke wanted to lie, and call out a different name, but he couldn’t, each paper had to be identified by someone in the Royal court.
The Royal official walked over asking to see the name. The Duke showed him, and the Royal official wrote it down, and started speaking to the camera crew.
Joe Seo
Kim Taehyung. (Revealing the name on the paper.)
All of a sudden the screen in front of them panned over the crowd. Taehyung’s heart stopped beating at the two uttered words. Jimin’s hand gripped tighter on his hand.
Not one word could be heard from the crowd. The camera searching and searching for the person known as Kim Taehyung to make himself known.
Joe Seo
Kim Taehyung, where are you? (Scolding the boy for not having stepped forward.)
Joe Seo
*How could he have been chosen over his own son!*
But Taehyung couldn’t move, he couldn’t believe the words that were said. His name, his name had come out of the cup. He watched in silence as the camera went back to the Duke. Taehyung knew everyone in the world was tuned in and watching as Kim Taehyung didn’t make himself known. They would think he was ungrateful for not stepping forward with glee.
A hard shove brought him out of his trance and he stumbled forward.
Park Jimin
Go Taehyung. (Excitement in his tone.)
He hadn’t said it quietly. Next thing Taehyung knows, his face is being broadcasted on the screen. His eyes are wide as he is still in shock.
Joe Seo
Kim Taehyung, come up here. (Glaring at Taehyung.)
Taehyung slowly started to walk through the crowd after another shove from Jimin. They parted so he had a place to get through. Their eyes were judgy, some excited, and some filled with disgust. He tried his hardest to ignore all the eyes on him not being a huge fan of being in the spotlight. Guess he needed to get used to it as the whole courting event would be broadcasted to the world.
Taehyung made it to the stage trying to ignore his shocked face on the huge screen.
He awkwardly embraced Taehyung with his arm over the other’s shoulders. He lightly whispered at him to smile, and Taehyung tried his best, but a fake smile could only get him so far.
He was happy, but he was more taken aback that he couldn’t even process the amount of joy he had that he was chosen. He had thought it impossible. But it wasn’t, and here he was about to be a part of the courting event to become his childhood crush’s Consort.
Joe Seo
Everyone, your delegate Kim Taehyung. Though he may not have been the first choice, the cup has chosen. (A slight smile on his face, obviously putting on a show for the camera’s.)
Taehyung knew he and most of Quartzite were probably not pleased.
Taehyung tried not to feel offended by the words though. He was the one who was chosen, it was obviously for a reason. He knew he needed to pull himself out of his shock and finally let himself feel the feeling of happiness. He was chosen! He would have a chance to win Jungkook’s heart, and that’s all he ever wanted.
Taehyung’s family cheered loudly when he was announced. A few others in the crowd cheered along, but most of them just watched with frowns on their faces at those who were happy.
Taehyung was ushered off the stage as fast as he had gotten on the stage. He was shoved into a chair sitting opposite of the Royal official that had been on the stage with them.
The Royal official seemed to be talking with someone ignoring Taehyung. He couldn’t hear what they were saying but it seemed like they were arguing.
Next thing he knows the official is next to him and shoving a piece of paper and pen at him.
Royal Offical
Sign this agreeing to take part in the event. (No emotion.)
Taehyung figured whatever the argument had been about the official didn’t agree with. When Taehyung didn’t instantly sign the document he sighed heavily.
Royal Offical
You can refuse if you want to, but I’m sure you’re not going to.
Taehyung read over the paper, he wanted to make sure he understood what he was getting himself into before he signed it. It mostly said that he agreed to participate, and at any time if he wasn’t feeling it he could leave. Also that he would abide by the rules that were stated. They all seemed pretty easy to follow.
Delegates were not to date each other, no phones were allowed, their experience would be broadcasted to the public, they must attend all events, violence between delegates or anyone is prohibited, and they must be presentable at all events, clothing would be provided. Taehyung was happy about that, he knew he didn’t have any lavish clothing to wear. It all sounded pretty simple.
With a shaky hand Taehyung slowly signed his name. The paper was ripped from under him.
Royal Offical
A car will take you back to your house, and you will pack your things and catch your flight to Obsidian. You are allowed to bring one guest with you. Pack light as you will be given clothes to wear when you get there for the events. I’ll need your address and phone number.
Taehyung wrote them down for him.
Royal Offical
Perfect. You may go now. (Ushering Taehyung away.)
Royal Offical
Oh and Seojoon will be your personal bodyguard throughout. He will be going home with you tonight to make sure nothing happens to you.
Taehyung’s eyes widened at the end of the man’s sentence.
Kim Taehyung
*Happen to him? What would happen to him that he needed a bodyguard?*
A tall lean muscular man came from Taehyung’s right. He was dressed in all black, almost looking like a secret service agent Taehyung would see in the tv shows he watched. He had sunglasses on and an earpiece in his ear. He was young, not younger than Taehyung, but maybe only a little older than King Jungkook. Taehyung also thought the man was incredibly handsome.
Taehyung didn’t even have time to process what he had just gone through before the man in front of him was ushering him to move.
Seojoon started walking and when Taehyung didn’t follow he turned around motioning for him to come along.
Park Seojoon
Look kid, we're just going back to your house to get packed. (Sighing)
Taehyung could tell he wasn’t like the Royal official. He seemed more patient with Taehyung. Also what was with calling him kid. He couldn’t be more than six years older than Taehyung.
Taehyung started to follow after him. He was a little overwhelmed with all the new information and he was happy he would be able to go home and say goodbye to his family. Seojoon led him to a sleek black SUV. He opened the back door and Taehyung slid in.
The car seemed to be one of those car’s with a sliding window between the back seats and the front seats. Taehyung guessed the Royal official had given Seojoon his address as the man started moving without asking Taehyung for it.
Seojoon didn’t say anything to him during the drive. He had kept the window up that was between them the whole way. Taehyung didn’t live too far from the town so it wasn’t a long drive, which he was thankful for. The silence would allow for his brain to wonder.
He did have a little time to process what had just happened though. He couldn’t help the flutter in his heart at the thought that he was going to get to meet Jungkook soon. He wondered if the man looked as good in person as he did on tv.
He was nervous, but excited for the event. His mind wandered off to the other delegates. He felt out of place. They were all Royals, and were all magic users. But he didn’t let the negative thoughts take over. He couldn’t.
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