ASHES OF THE CROWN (Taekook)
Fractured Bonds and Unspoken Words
The palace corridors were quieter than usual, the echoes of hurried footsteps fading into the distance as Jungkook made her way to the training grounds. It had been weeks since she arrived in Eldoria, and though she had been forced to navigate the treacherous waters of court politics, she was growing restless. She needed action, movement—something other than the endless mind games of the nobles.
When she reached the training yard, several knights halted their sparring, stealing cautious glances at her. It was clear they still saw her as an outsider. An enemy. She rolled her shoulders, exhaling through her nose before stepping forward.
princes kookie
If you have time to stare, you have time to fight, (Jungkook challenged, her tone sharp)
The knights exchanged hesitant looks before one stepped forward. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his armor glinting under the midday sun. “As you wish, Your Highness.”
Jungkook barely nodded before lunging, her movements precise. The clang of swords echoed through the air as she deflected the knight’s strike, twisting her blade in a fluid motion that sent her opponent stumbling. The others watched in stunned silence as Jungkook continued her assault, her strikes fierce yet controlled.
After several exchanges, the knight finally lowered his sword, panting heavily. Jungkook, barely winded, stepped back and sheathed her weapon. “
princes kookie
Again. ( she commanded )
Before they could continue, a slow clap interrupted the moment.
Taehyung stood at the edge of the yard, his arms crossed, amusement flickering in his dark eyes.
Prince Taehyung
Impressive, (he drawled) Though I wonder if you’re trying to prove yourself to them or to yourself.
princes kookie
( she turned her expression is unreadable)
Perhaps both
Taehyung’s smirk faltered slightly, but he said nothing, simply observing as Jungkook turned back to her training.
Later that evening, as the palace settled into its usual nighttime hush, Jungkook found herself walking through the royal gardens. The cool air did little to ease the frustration simmering beneath her skin. She had spent the entire day being scrutinized, her every move weighed and measured.
She turned to find Taehyung leaning against a marble pillar, watching her with an unreadable expression.
princes kookie
(she scoffed) You always seem to appear when I least want a company.
Prince Taehyung
(Taehyung raised an eyebrow) And yet, here we are. (He took a step closer, his gaze unwavering) You need to understand something, Jungkook. The people of Eldoria will not trust you overnight. Earning their loyalty takes time.
princes kookie
Jungkook clenched her jaw. “And what of you? Do you trust me?”
Prince Taehyung
Taehyung studied her for a moment before answering. “I trust that you want to survive. Whether that aligns with Eldoria’s interests… remains to be seen.”
princes kookie
Jungkook exhaled sharply, shaking her head. “I did not ask for this marriage, nor did I ask to be paraded around like some political trophy.”
Prince Taehyung
No, but you agreed to it.” Taehyung’s voice was calm, but there was steel beneath it. “You could have chosen death.”
princes kookie
Jungkook’s lips pressed into a thin line. “A choice between a cage and a grave is no choice at all.”
Prince Taehyung
A flicker of something—understanding, perhaps—passed through Taehyung’s eyes before he looked away. “You’re not the only one who lost something that day, Jungkook.”
The silence stretched between them, heavy with things left unsaid.
Prince Taehyung
Finally, Taehyung straightened. “Tomorrow, there is a festival in the lower city. It would be wise for you to attend.”
princes kookie
Jungkook frowned. “You want me to play the part of the obedient consort?”
Prince Taehyung
" I want you to see the people who now look to you as their princess,” Taehyung corrected. “They may not trust you yet, but they should at least know your face beyond the battlefield.”
princes kookie
Jungkook hesitated before nodding. “Fine.”
Prince Taehyung
Taehyung offered a small, knowing smile. “Then I’ll see you at sunrise.”
The next morning, Jungkook found herself dressed in simpler robes, standing beside Taehyung as they rode through the bustling streets of Eldoria. The festival was unlike anything she had seen before—vibrant, alive. Merchants called out their wares, children ran past in laughter, and music filled the air.
She felt the weight of eyes upon her. Some curious, some wary, but none openly hostile. She had expected more resistance. More resentment.
princes kookie
“Do they fear me?” she murmured to Taehyung.
Prince Taehyung
“They fear the unknown,” he replied. “You are no longer their enemy, but neither are you truly one of them yet.”
Before she could respond, a familiar voice called out, “Well, well, if it isn’t our royal newlyweds.”
Jungkook turned to see Jimin and Hoseok approaching, both dressed in festival attire, mischief glinting in their eyes.
Jung Hoseok
Hoseok grinned. “Didn’t expect to see you out here, Your Highness.”
princes kookie
Jungkook crossed her arms. “Neither did I.”
Park Jimin
Jimin smirked, linking arms with her. “Then it’s time we show you how to enjoy a festival properly.”
Prince Taehyung
Taehyung groaned. “Jimin, don’t—”
But it was too late. Before she knew it, Jungkook was being dragged into the heart of the celebration, laughter and chaos surrounding her. And for the first time in weeks, she let herself breathe.
Perhaps, just perhaps, there was more to Eldoria than she had allowed herself to see.
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