Rebirth of the Emperor's Betrayed Concubine
not yet
The palace seemed suffocating as the news of war spread like wildfire.
The entire harem buzzed with anxiety, whispers of the northern kingdom’s sudden declaration of war growing louder by the hour.
Tae had heard the murmurs, but she had not yet fully processed the weight of the situation.
Her first instinct was to retreat into the silence of her chambers, where she could think, breathe, and avoid becoming embroiled in the turmoil.
It had been six months since she had arrived in the harem, and though her beauty had undoubtedly caught the Emperor’s attention,
Her relationship with Jungkook had not deepened beyond that. He was distant, more absorbed in the affairs of state than in matters of the heart.
Tae had spent most of the past month maintaining her distance from him, careful not to overstep her bounds or make herself a target.
She had learned in her past life that drawing too much attention from the Emperor too soon could lead to dangerous consequences.
As soon as **Hummocks**, the palace messenger, rushed into her chamber, breathless from his hurried stride, Tae's heart skipped.
The familiar unease crept into her chest. She knew what was coming, even if no one else did.
She knew how this would unfold, and she knew the war would last for six long months. Jungkook would win, but at what cost?
Hummocks called, his face strained with urgency.
guard
The Emperor has announced war with the northern kingdom. The preparations are already underway.
Tae felt a brief flicker of emotion—a flash of recognition from her past life.
But this time, she would not let history repeat itself without her involvement.
Tae echoed, her voice soft, almost detached as she tried to keep her emotions in check.
She looked up at Hummocks, who appeared to be awaiting her next command.
jeon taehyung (tae)
When was this decided?
guard
Just today, Lady Tae,
Hummocks replied, bowing slightly.
guard
His Majesty has ordered the immediate mobilization of forces. I thought you should know.
Tae nodded slowly, her mind racing. She could feel the weight of the impending war hanging over the palace, its gravity settling on her shoulders.
**Jungkook** would soon be consumed by the battle, his heart and mind torn between his duty to his people and the responsibilities that came with ruling.
In her past life, she had seen how the war would change him, how it would make him distant, haunted by the lives lost and the burden of leadership.
But there was no time to dwell on the past.
She couldn’t afford to let herself become distracted. She had to be careful—too careful, in fact.
She couldn’t let anyone know that she remembered what would come to pass. No one could know she had been reborn. Not yet.
jeon taehyung (tae)
I see,
She said quietly, her eyes momentarily closing as she absorbed the weight of the moment.
Then, she turned her gaze back to Hummocks.
jeon taehyung (tae)
💭.I will remain in my chambers for now. There is much to consider.
jeon taehyung (tae)
Thank you for the news.
The servant nodded, though the concern on his face was clear.
He hesitated as though wanting to say more, but ultimately, he bowed and withdrew, leaving Tae alone with her thoughts.
Once Hummocks was gone, Tae sank down onto a cushion near the window, her thoughts swirling.
The war would take six months, just like in her past life.
She remembered the details all too clearly—the Emperor’s triumph, the cost of that victory, and the inevitable loneliness he would face afterward.
jeon taehyung (tae)
💭.I had been betrayed then, and i couldn’t let that happen again.
But how could she navigate this impending storm without revealing her true knowledge? How could she ensure that the future would play out differently this time?
She needed to protect herself. And above all, protect her family and jimin, though she couldn’t bring herself to confront them just yet.
**Hours later**, as dusk fell over the palace and the sounds of preparations echoed through the halls,
Tae found herself in the gardens, walking slowly beneath the flickering lights of lanterns.
She needed to clear her mind, to focus.
The palace was filled with tension, and the Emperor would soon be consumed by his war efforts, just as she had seen in her past life. But this time, she would be different.
jeon taehyung (tae)
💭.This time, I would be patient.
As she walked along the stone path, **Jimin** approached, her face full of worry.
jimin ( tae maid)
Master ,
jimin ( tae maid)
I’ve heard the rumors. They say the Emperor will leave soon to lead the troops himself.
jimin ( tae maid)
Are you... are you worried?”
Tae stopped, looking at her maid with a faint smile.
jeon taehyung (tae)
Worried, Jimin? I have learned to be patient.
jeon taehyung (tae)
The Emperor has a great burden to bear, but he will manage. He always does.
Jimin frowned, clearly not convinced.
jimin ( tae maid)
But what if—
jeon taehyung (tae)
I know,
Tae interrupted gently, her voice carrying a quiet strength.
jeon taehyung (tae)
But there is little we can do right now except wait.
jeon taehyung (tae)
💭.I must be careful not to draw attention to myself.
Jimin’s expression softened, but the worry remained in her eyes.
She had always been protective of Tae, loyal to a fault.
And that loyalty was something Tae couldn’t take lightly.
Tae turned toward her, a softness in her gaze.
jeon taehyung (tae)
Jimin, you must stay close to me. We will face this together,
jeon taehyung (tae)
💭.and I will keep you safe.
Jimin nodded, though she didn’t fully understand the depth of the situation.
But that was for the best. Tae couldn’t afford to reveal too much. The palace was full of spies, eyes in every corner.
If anyone suspected her foreknowledge, it could cost her everything.
**Days passed**, and the air in the palace grew heavier. The Emperor made his preparations for war, his presence in the harem more distant than ever.
Tae didn’t seek him out, nor did she make herself available for his summons.
She had learned from her past life that her place was in the shadows for now, waiting patiently for the right time to act.
The first signs of the war’s toll began to show in the Emperor.
His expression, usually so composed, became taut with fatigue.
His eyes grew darker with each passing day, and though he didn’t show it openly, the weight of command pressed down on him.
As expected, he began walking the palace gardens late at night, perhaps seeking solace in the silence.
Tae knew these moments would be pivotal—moments when Jungkook was at his most vulnerable. But she didn’t go to him.
jeon taehyung (tae)
💭.Not yet.
Instead, she watched from a distance, noting the subtle changes in him, the way his shoulders hunched in the weight of responsibility.
Her heart ached with the memory of how things had played out in her previous life, and how she had failed him then.
But now she was different. Now, she would wait.
The war would unfold, just as it had before, and she would be there, ready to help—when the time was right.
For now, she had only one goal: **survive**, and keep those she cared about safe.
Comments
mika0613
damn this way of calling taetae as "she" is so confusing
I'm getting that who pov is this and who is actually taking
2024-12-14
4
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2024-12-02
1
i am lalalalalalalalala
yup you should be
2024-12-02
2