The Flowless Empress II) Another Child

Although Taehyung was smiling but he rather felt puzzled. Could something have happened for him(JK) to come here and seek for him(t)? He(t) asked the lecturer to pause and got up to step outside. He(t) stood in front of him(jk).

Kim Taehyung

"Speak."

His eyes were clear like the light of moon without any hint of surprise or warmth upon seeing him(jk). Before whenever Jungkook saw him(t), he(jk) used to think, he(tae) was unflappable like a calm lake without any breeze. Upon seeing his(t) another side which was soft and vulnerable Jungkook realized he(t) was just deeply reserved.

Kim Jeon Jungkook

*seeing him, he felt a novel sensation and smiled* "I just wanted to see you, Your highness."

Kim Taehyung

....

Kim Jeon Jungkook

"I just wanted to see you." *he reiterated*

Jungkook looked up at him(t), his(jk) eyes clear, his(jk) fair skin radiating a youthful charm. Taehyung look at him(jk) with lips tightly pressed, his(t) expressions unchanging. Their eyes met in a movement silent stillness.

Kim Taehyung

*after a moment* "If there is nothing, you should go back." * left after saying that*

Jungkook was neither surprised nor felt sad with his(t) response. He(jk) thought Taehyung must have be shocked to see him(jk) there, also it was his(JK) first time to talk to him(tae) like that. Jungkook remained standing there.

Taehyung saw the crown princess standing there, his(t) mind back to the time of four years ago in Qingzhou, when his(t) father was still a prince. Upon his likeliness to be the next Emperor made his choice of wife a matter of great importance. Then his parents chose Jungkook.

Before marriage, they only met for two times and didn't know each other well, but the matter of marriage was never for youngsters to decide. Not long after he married Jungkook and the Emperor passed away.

When his grandfather diead living no crown prince to take over the throne the ministry decided to make his father the king. When the time to relocate came they found out, jungkook was pregnant.

Feeling the long journey will harm Jungkook and the child, Jungkook decided to stay in Qingzhou, selflessly insisting him(tae) not to stay for his(JK) sake and help his father in his ascension to the throne.

At that moment he truly understood Jungkook. His(jk) insistence was to prevent any complication which would occur in his(t) status as the future crown prince, even if it meant to face the dangers of childbirth alone.

Later he(jk) gave birth to twins in Qingzhou, due to the frail health of the children he(jk) stayed there for 2 more years and later moved to the capital. Although they are married for 4 years but still they actually spent some months together. The lack of time together made them distant and led to estrangement.

Kim Taehyung

//Why was the sudden change in his(JK) behavior today?//

Imperial (Personal) Attendant

Dong Ling:: "Your highness you have not turned the pages of your book in a while."

Kim Taehyung

//Never mind//* turned the pages*

By the time jungkook returned back to his Pavillion. His children had finished their breakfast and was busy in watching Koi fishes in porcelain tank. Their nannies bowed upon seeing her. That's when her eyes fall upon Mrs Zhou who was Jungguk's nanny.

Both nannies had took care of his children very well, and he was very satisfied with that. Only after his death he got to know about Mrs. Zhou's ambitions. His son, in the absence of his mother became to dependent on Mrs Zhou who seized this opportunity to gain his affection.

After again Jungguk's affection and trust, wielding power in the palace, Mrs Zhou appointed her relatives everywhere in the palace, acting like Empress Dowager. Jungkook was frustrated to see all this but could do nothing, he was already dead.

Imperial Maid

Mrs Zhou:: * felt anxious seeing the cold gaze of Jungkook* "Did I do something wrong Crown princess?"

Kim Jeon Jungkook

*Jungkook ignored her and took the children with him outside to watch the flowers of the pomegranate tree*

Imperial Maid

Mrs Zhou:: *nudged the maid beside her* "What's wrong with the Crown princess today?"

Imperial Maid

Qi Niang:: "Don't know. He is being odd since morning. Don't worry as long as you didn't do anything wrong he wouldn't punish you."

Here Jungkook was already contemplating how to dismiss Mrs Zhou. Of course given his status he can't dismiss the maid appointed by his mother-in-law. When he was in Qingzhou his mother appointed Mrs Zhou to take care of him during pregnancy.

Since then Mrs Zhou had done her work well and took care of his son diligently. So, it would be difficult to dismiss her without fault. Jungkook stared at his son who was observing ants. It was better to part ways sooner.

His son wasn't that attached to Mrs Zhou yet and his memories wasn't strong. So, he wouldn't miss her, even if he would a little comforting or distraction would suffice. He decided to talk to Taehyung tonight about this matter.

Kim Tae- Era

"Are pomegranates tasty?" *looking at pomegranate tree and it's flowers*

Kim Jeon Jungkook

"Don't you remember Era? You had some last year. They were sweet" *kissed his daughter's cheek* "as sweet as Era."

Kim Tae- Era

*surprised* I am sweet. *lick her hand* No, not sweet.

Kim Jeon Jungkook

*felt amused at her cuteness and chuckled*

This action of her made Jungkook remember how her future son-in-law would also say that she was sweet, but then she would not doubt that and would just blush. However, his son-in-law would only be a child of seven years now, 4 years older than his daughter.

His son-in-law is the son and heir of the Duke Song's household, Fu Yue. Although their first meeting was yet to happen. Jungkook was too eager to meet his son-in-law, but he didn't want to interfere in nature's course, afraid it would change the outcome. So, he could only wait patiently.

In the evening Taehyung returned to the Eastern Palace and the children ran towards him, calling him <Daddy>. Taehyung smiled at them slightly, ruffling their hairs and engaging in small talks without much warmth. His relationship with children's was lukewarm unlike his(JK). Maybe because of not being present during their birth and their early age.

Kim Jeon Jungkook

"Your highness" *approached Taehyung* "I have something to discuss with you."

Kim Taehyung

"What is it?"

Kim Jeon Jungkook

"I want to dismiss Jungguk's nanny from the palace."

Kim Taehyung

*surprised* "Isn't she the one you bought from Qingzhou. Why dismiss her suddenly?"

Kim Jeon Jungkook

//I can't reveal the real reason.//

Kim Jeon Jungkook

"Jungguk is a boy after all. In a couple of years we would have to dismiss her. Even it's not appropriate for him to always have a nanny by his side."

Kim Jeon Jungkook

"I think it's better to encourage his independence early....maybe add more male servants and reduce female attendants."

Taehyung misunderstood Jungkook's intention and thought he(jk) was worried about their son being indulged in female company like his(Jungguk's) grandfather. But wasn't it too early for such precautions? Still Jungkook was the one who was most involved in the matter including children.

Kim Taehyung

"Do as you wish."

Kim Jeon Jungkook

"But still I would need mother's approval since she was the one who chose her." *moved closer to him* "Your highness has not forgotten about it, has he?"

Indeed Taehyung had forgotten about it. Taehyung looked at Jungkook who was leaning against his(t) arm. From the thin summer fabric Taehyung can feel the warmth and softness underneath it. Thinking back to their encounter in Chunhui Pavillion, he(t) felt jungkook was somewhat behaving odd today.

Kim Taehyung

//Was it necessary to cling this close just to ask for my help?// *still didn't push him(jk) away*

Kim Taehyung

"I will talk to mother when she feels better."

In his(jk) previous life jungkook would never bother him(t) for such trivial matters. They both had their own responsibilities, never burdening each other. But now seeing him(t) that he(t) didn't mind his(jk) request and was willing to approach his(t) mother made it evident that he(t) care about him(jk). He(jk) was just blinded by his(t) stern exterior, never attempting to explore deeper.

Kim Jeon Jungkook

*shook his arm gently* "Thank you, your highness."

Jungkook's natural body odour and the scent escaping from his(jk) hairs mingled together creating a more sweet and intoxicating fragrance which soon enveloped taehyung in it, along with his(jk) overly sweet voice and coquettish moments, taehyung felt an unexplainable uncomfortable sensation in his(t) stomach.

Kim Taehyung

"Isn't it time for dinner?" * withdraw his arm and walked towards the dinning table*

Normally children would not stay in main hall at this time but since jungkook had not had family meal in a long time so, he(jk) let them stay here. Naturally the dinner was not a quiet affair. Taehyung saw the children talking and jungkook who was now feeding them turn wise one by one.

Kim Taehyung

*unable to resist commenting* "Can't they eat themselves? They can hold chopsticks. Can't they?"

Kim Jeon Jungkook

"It's a rare occasion. It's fine."

In jungkook's memories it's been years since he(jk) feed his children so he(jk) didn't mind it. However taehyung decided if jungkook would again feed them tomorrow. He(t) wouldn't allow it. After having dinner jungkook took a long bath, enjoying the pleasure of being alive. By the time he(jk) came back to the inner chamber, it was already late.

taehyung had a fixed timetable. Daily at the same time he(t) would go to bed and next wake up at the sane time. So, jungkook found him(t) already nestled in the bed. As he(jk) lay down on his(jk) side of bed, jungkook took the whiff of cool and refreshing scent on his(tae) clothes, recalling the nights he(t) spent tormented by memories, unable to sleep.

Jungkook always wanted to hug him(t), comfort him(t), but always got emptiness in his(jk) arms. But now he(jk) could touch him(tae). Jungkook scouted closer and put his(jk) arms around his(tae) waist. Taehyung's body got tensed under his(jk) touch. Although it was normal for husband and wife but Jungkook had not done it before until he(t) initiated it. Jungkook had always slept quietly, in his(jk) space, maintaining decorum.

Kim Taehyung

//What was going on with him today?//

Then Taehyung remembered how Jungkook came to meet him(t) at Chunhui Pavillion, was being clingy before and now this... Remembering how he(jk) had interacted with the children earlier during dinner. A thought struck in Taehyung's mind.

Kim Taehyung

//Could it be he was eager to have another child? Otherwise, how could his actions be explained?//

That could be the only explanation. Women and gers are shy about such matters. Likely maybe he(jk) was too embarrassed to ask for another child. That's why preferring to hint through actions. After a moment to consideration, Taehyung turned around and wrapped his(t) hand around his(jk) waist and pulled him(jk) closer.

tbc

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