Lethal {Taekook}
I. The cursed vir pulcher.
Trust not the words of man, for each tongue only hides another truth. Trust not the actions of man, for he would cause you to look left, while the right stabs. Above either, trust not the love of anyone. For they seek only to humble you from your honour, strip you of pride and leave you but an empty shell. There is no farther any man may fall. For all their lies, know that honour can never be taken from you, for your actions and words decide them, and yet. Too many use word and action to blend truth and lies, they pull forward a veil of emotion, and now many believe lies hold sway far stronger than truth.
Words are not the truth. Actions are not the truth. Love holds no truth.
🪶 I. The cursed vir pulcher.
The moon approached apex and the sounds of revelry filled the town. Tonight would be the most fascinating night for the people of the East. As tonight marks the twenty fifth birthday of the young lord. Each and every street is decorated with glittering lights, square white paper lanterns and blue banners hung across the town, and soon fireworks were set to be launched. Kids were running here and there probably playing tag, their eyes shimmered with the fireworks or maybe with the glee. The elders sang about the glory of their young lord and the youth dreamt about getting the slightest glimpse of the Prince of their dreams. Each brought the stories of their young lord to new ears.
This scenario wasn't really new to the citizens. But after the death of the former ruler, the charm of Gyeongju, the capital town of the East, died along with him. The love that Lord Kim Se-hyeon had for his people was true but now his love was known more in stories. Now the kingdom of East is governed by the Queen mother, Kim Sae-ron. Although not many were satisfied under her regime because she's a woman, at that time women were expected to be passive, gentle and caring, and often valued for how they looked and not what they did. A Kingdom can't afford to get a passive ruler. It needs someone worthy- worthy of protecting, nourishing and expanding. And secondly the young lord is already twenty five more than just suitable for being a ruler.
The castle was just like how a little girl would imagine it to be, vast and elegant were two perfect words to describe it. It had two grander halls and four wings that branched from each side with balconies that looked over courtyards, woods or town. They lofted a single grand keep tower to peer over the woods at the northern corner, and two castle turrets pulled the southern and western to miniature versions, to watch the town from south and west.
The Orchid manor was located in the northern wing of the castle. The same manor which houses the glorious young lord of the East. Moonbeams are making their path towards the room of the said lord, helping the chandelier to brighten the simple yet elegant room. There sits the young lord in front of his grand piano, eyes closed and fingers dancing above the black and white keys. The tune sounded too distressful at first but gradually it mixed with something angrier. It seemed as if the tune alone was enough to summon the satan.
Finally his fingers came into a halt, taking a deep breath in, calming his nerves, he gracefully opened his eyes. Slightly darkened brown eyes shimmered along with moonlight, his sharp monolid eyes seemed to be the exact copy of an eagle's. His facial features are frequently praised for their unique and photogenic qualities, including a defined jawline, he's simply flawless. No doubt the young lord of the East, One of the wisest man out there, Lord Kim Taehyung is the dream most of the maiden around the world shared.
He moved his fingers again but this time the tune came out softer as if calling for the lover, he dreams about.
The entrance of the room slides outside, a petite figure standing by. Taehyung seemed to get the clue of the visit way before the figure appeared outside his room. One of his magical powers, he maybe acquired from his ancestors and royal bloodline. Yup- Not only his brain was sharp, his vision as well as hearing was sharp as well. Already seemed to know the motive behind the new figure's arrival. With his rich deep voice he speaks a few words which rather came out as a whisper.
Kim Taehyung
Please come inside, mother.
The figure which was no other than the Queen herself, enters the room. She softly closes the door and gracefully walks towards her son. Even after knowing his mother's presence, young lord didn't stopped playing his grand piano. As if his fingers were glued with those black and white keys. Ignoring her son's odd behaviour, His mother rests her palm on his shoulder and says.
Kim Sae-ron
Everyone's down there, enjoying your day. Don't you think you should go down and greet them at least?
Taehyung didn't said a thing but stops playing the tune he was playing earlier. Taking it as a sign her mother continues.
Kim Sae-ron
Listen, I know you don't fancy gatherings. We can just go down and come up after cutting the cake and I-
Kim Taehyung
Mother till when are you going to keep me in the dark?
The young lord interjects in between, this time his voice came out annoyed. His mother didn't said anything, the room went silent. Queen's hand shifted towards the young lord's hair. She lovingly ruffled his slightly curled hair.
Kim Sae-ron
I just didn't want to put the burden on your shoulders, you were just eight when your father died but that doesn't mean I didn't portrait you as the perfect ruler or...son.
Kim Taehyung
Then why are you still hiding everything from me, Mother? (finally lifts his gaze upon his mother) How old do you want me to be to handle everything?
Her words came choked, she slips down on the marble. Surprised by her sudden actions, Taehyung quickly reached for her. Her calm demeanor slipped away fully, she coughs violently. Blood dripped from her mouth. She wasn't able to breathe property. Too dazed to move but still Taehyung managed to rest her head on his lap. Finally deciding to call out for his shadow guard, after seeing the scenario, the guard hurriedly went out to ask for help. Young lord was about to go and grab water for his mother but was stopped by his mother.
Kim Sae-ron
Don't, I do not have much time left. But before going I want to tell you something. (Coughs)
Kim Taehyung
Mother- it's a false alarm, nothing is going to happen. I will save you.
Kim Sae-ron
(Takes a deep breath) Son, I knew this day will come...I do not want you to take any rash action. I am severely poisoned.
Kim Sae-ron
Son, your father's death wasn't natural nor is mine going to be. (Cups his face) And I do not wish for you to find- (Coughs) Just live your life peaceful, but do not trust anyone. Once I am gone they will come after you. Be aware my son...be- aware.
Kim Sae-ron
(smiles) I want you to marry the youngest son of the ruler of North. I- (tears streaming out) I can't leave you alone. Just trust him nobody else.
Kim Taehyung
Mother you aren't leaving me alone, you will live just hold still.
Taehyung tried his best to come out calm, but who's he even fooling? That's his mother, she knew her son's completely shaken from inside.
Kim Sae-ron
(Pecks his forehead) I promised him that I would take him out, that's my last wish, Taehyung. Bring him under your-
Her breath steadies, that's it. A lone tear falls from Taehyung's eye. He closes her eyes with his hand.
The great Kim Taehyung, the wisest guy of his age, sits there helpless in his mother's embrace. In his whole life, he knew what to do in each and every situation but now- as he looks at himself. He sits there helpless, not knowing what to do. This day wasn't supposed to go like this. He wasn't supposed to let his mother die. How can he not do anything to save her? He felt angry, No not at his mother but at himself.
Finally few maids, guards and the head healer dash inside his room, the once white lavish floor now had a glint of red.
Grape
Oh hoi there~ I hope you got the hint that this story is set in 1917. Which I not so forgot to mention
Grape
This is my first timing writing an actual fic, so be kind about the poor writing. There's going to be a lot of grammatical error as well
Grape
In the end, this one story is for myself because I don't think anyone would read it, lol
Grape
Grape signing out, bye~
ll. Not the time.
The next week, after being completely done with his mother's funeral and being done with mourning and self blaming. Taehyung was settled inside the chamber, the same chamber where once his father then his mother used to sit and discuss country affairs with their fellow ministers. The council chamber. Nobody else other than him was present there...yet. Deep in thinks probably related to his parents, the young lord continued staring outside that one large window that was situated right adjacent to him. His mother seemed to already know the fact that she was about to be killed and in contrast to that she did nothing to save herself and didn't even let Taehyung acknowledge it. For exactly how many things was she even hiding from him? Deep down the young lord felt betrayed. Did his mother really thought he isn't capable enough for handling the evil that was happening behind his back? How can he exactly be calm and think, when someone behind the curtains was planning to wipe his whole bloodline off?
Before dying, his mother strictly told him to not look further into the situation and live his life in peace with the guy she wanted him to marry. If she by any chance knew him any well, she would've known that Kim Taehyung would listen to her each and every single word, but this. Since childhood the young lord was raised as an obedient child, not even for once he has said no to his mother's orders but now he will. He won't forgive the person who's after this. Nope, he won't because not only obedience he has also learned the sense of Justice along with it. How naive of his mother to think that her son would sit back and do nothing. He will bring justice to his parents and himself. Speaking about the marriage, maybe the boy his mother mention has to do something with it. He might be able to give Taehyung a lead in the expedition and being the good son, he also has to fulfill his mother's last wish so be it.
Just when he said that a dark figure appears right next to him and bows politely. The said figure was none other than the legendary dark knight. The young lord's companion as well as the protector, Sir Jung Hoseok. They might be lord and servant from the title, but the young lord takes him as his own brother.
Kim Taehyung
Please sit and you don't have to be formal with me when we're alone. I hope you already know that, hyung.
Jung Hoseok
Where's the fun in it? I signed up for this. (grins sheepishly)
Do not fall into his trap as they say do not judge a book by it's cover. The said knight is very well-trained and knows exactly what his work is and how to do it professionally as well as skill-fully.
Sensing the growing tension inside the chamber and noticing the serious facial expression of the young lord, without any further delay the knight takes his place.
Kim Taehyung
It's about the marriage proposal, I want you to prepare the ships. We will be leaving for the coast of the North next week and I also want you to send a letter related to our arrival today.
Jung Hoseok
Don't you think you're hurrying things up? I know you're devastated by the news of mother Sae's-
Kim Taehyung
I don't remember asking for your opinions hyung and what I said is final. Now isn't the time to face away from my duties just because of that.
Jung Hoseok
I understand, but we can just send them the proposal and call them here. I don't think they would say no to the great lord of East.
Kim Taehyung
Hyung I simply wish to Escort my fiancé and I see no harm in it.
Jung Hoseok
Taehyung we both know that it's not the case here, who will handle the state affairs in your absence otherwise?
Kim Taehyung
Do signal the council members and my cousin to get in and you'll get the answer of all of your questions soon.
Kim Taehyung
Have faith in me.
lll. Fox.
After registering Taehyung's orders, the black knight dashes outside the chamber. Eyeing the council members to get in and moves forward without looking back. Sliding a red velvety envelope with the golden royal seal inside his pocket which was most probably given to him by his majesty himself. After crossing the grand paining of the palace, Hoseok comes to a halt. There stands a comparatively shorter male, slightly leaning towards the wall. His face wasn't really visible because of his hood. The said knight sucks a deep breath in and whispers.
Jung Hoseok
Didn't think you would be the one forwarding the message, Jimin.
Taking off his hood, Jimin walk towards the knight. He replies while walking.
Park Jimin
Why? Do you think only you're the one doing your esteem job?
Jung Hoseok
I- I didn't mean it like that.
Suddenly the cheerful and calm demeanor of the said knight vanished, it felt as if it never existed. Finally, Jimin stands right in front of him. Too close for their own goodness. If someone was to look at them from afar they would've misunderstood them for kissing. Instead of replying Jimin gracefully snakes his arm around Hoseok's shoulders. Taken by surprise, but the knight still chooses to do nothing. Not shaking him away nor welcoming his touch. Being satisfied with the reaction Jimin let's out a melodic chuckle.
Park Jimin
You're so cute, my dear knight. But let's save all this for another day, and what's my work for today? (licks lips)
Hoseok's hands trembled with the reply, he can't let this mere messenger take control over his mind. Nope, he can't afford to.
Park Jimin wasn't a really nice man, he had all the features of a fox, and he seemed to derive pleasure from playing around with others feelings and heart. He's charming and good-looking, yes. But rotten from heart. Or perhaps that's how Hoseok portrait him as. If we were to ignore his limitations, he was actually very good with his work. Spying. Although it wasn't the only thing he did, but he was known for it only. Now back to work.
Jung Hoseok
Journey to the North.
Saying that Hoseok slides the envelope into his hand and shakes him away. Jimin grins in return and suddenly with a flash, the messenger was the only one standing there.
The curtains of the council chamber dances together with the wind, not only the curtains, the young lord's hair twirled along. The silence was peaceful until the chief adviser settles his books down, he checked his pocket watch once, forwarding his gaze towards the young lord as if asking for a hint.
Kim Namjoon
Everybody else already left after today's session. Now what's there for me to do for you, Brother Taehyung.
Kim Taehyung
Smart, humble and risk-averse. Perfect to rule.
Kim Namjoon
Pardon Tae, but I am not getting what you mean.
Kim Taehyung
The thing is hyung, before leaving mother wanted me to marry the Prince of North.
Grasping the hint Taehyung was pointing to, Namjoon reassuringly rested his hand on his brother's shoulder and said.
Kim Namjoon
This is the least thing I can do for you after the news of Aunt Sae. Do not worry, Jin and I are here for you and I surely can handle your work in your absence.
Kim Taehyung
I'll be leaving next week then.
Kim Namjoon
Sure, do take care of yourself. (face softens)
Kim Taehyung
Rest assured, I'll.
Kim Namjoon
I can clearly see that, your absence in the dinning hall speaks louder than you think, brother.
Taehyung didn't say anything.
Kim Namjoon
You can ignore us for now, but I won't tolerate your silence for long. After coming back do acknowledge us about the plan you're cooking behind the curtains brother.
Kim Taehyung
(Chuckles and forwards his gaze towards Namjoon) Who's giving you this wild idea hyung?
Kim Taehyung
Do not worry, I am just mourning. Anybody would do. That doesn't mean I am closing myself and making a plan.
Kim Namjoon
I do not doubt you, but I don't trust your actions after Aunt's death. Do remember you've a cousin to share things with.
With a final squeeze on his shoulder, Namjoon lefts the young lord alone.
Taehyung releases the breath he didn't realise he was holding.
Grape
The length of the chapters are uneven, forgive me for that but I write according to the time I get.
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