TAEKOOK -- THE FROSTED CONSORT
5
The soft golden rays of the morning sun poured into the Imperial Hall, dancing over scrolls and half-finished reports. Emperor Jeon Jungkook sat still, his expression blank as he stared at the half-drunk tea in front of him.
Minister of Jeon kingdom
Your Majesty, shall we continue the morning court?
Jungkook nodded absentmindedly, waving a hand. The court resumed, but his mind drifted—back, always back—to that stormy evening four years ago when he ordered Taehyung to be sent away.
Taehyung\5th Wife of JK- Supreme omega
I don’t know what I did wrong, Your Majesty, but if my presence disgusts you this much, I will leave quietly. (4 years ago).
He could still hear the trembling voice that whispered. He didn’t look at Taehyung that night. He couldn’t.
Back then, he had been blinded by whispered rumors—carefully crafted lies murmured into his ears by people he trusted too easily. Queen Li Ara, his empress. Concubine Mina. Even Ye-Ji and Yuxi-Bai had stepped forward, all with downcast eyes and falsely concerned voices.
(Voices)
"He disrespected Her Majesty the Queen.”
“He seduced the crown prince’s teacher.”
“He tried to poison the young princess with herbs from the western chamber…”
All false. But Jungkook had believed them. Because he was foolish. And weak. Now he sat, cloaked in silk and gold, ruling the greatest kingdom in the land… yet haunted every night by the image of Taehyung’s tear-stained face, disappearing into the shadows of the cold palace.
Across the palace, in the farthest wing where no laughter echoed, the Cold Palace stood silently. A forgotten place where discarded consorts were sent to rot. But Taehyung did not rot.
He rose early every morning, dressed in plain robes, and wandered the small garden Ye-Eun helped him grow. There were no expensive oils in his room, no silk or attendants. Only one maid, and his own calm heart.
Ye-Eun returned with a warm pot of sweet ginger tea.
Ye- Eun- Taehyung's Personal Maid\ Loyal
Your highness, the 2nd princess' fourth birthday' preparations have begun.
Taehyung\5th Wife of JK- Supreme omega
Seo-Ha?
Ye- Eun- Taehyung's Personal Maid\ Loyal
Yes, Four years old today.
Ye-Eun nodded. A pause. Then Taehyung spoke voice low.
Taehyung\5th Wife of JK- Supreme omega
It's been four years since I entered this palace and four years since I cast out from it.
Ye- Eun- Taehyung's Personal Maid\ Loyal
They don't deserve you.
Taehyung\5th Wife of JK- Supreme omega
I don't need them to. The only one who needed to believe me.... didn't.
His fingers brushed over the jade ring hidden in the folds of his robe — the only thing Jungkook had ever gifted him personally. A symbol of love long turned cold.
That evening, Jungkook stood alone in the main garden after the fourth princess’s birthday banquet. Eun-Sol and Seo-Ha had danced clumsily in front of their proud mother, Li Ara. The court praised the queen’s grace. The concubines smiled, their children at their feet.
But Jungkook's eyes kept flicking toward the empty far end of the table. There was always a space. No one mentioned it anymore. But it was always there.
(Jungkook's inner turmoil)
"Has he eaten well?"
"Is he in good health?"
"Does he still… hate me?"
He wanted to ask. But he never did. Because guilt is a heavy cloak, and Jungkook wore it in silence.
That night, Taehyung stared at the moon outside his frosted window.
Ye- Eun- Taehyung's Personal Maid\ Loyal
They laughed today, Your Highness. They celebrated with fireworks. And yet… I think the Emperor never smiled.
Taehyung\5th Wife of JK- Supreme omega
That’s not my concern anymore.
But as he drifted into sleep, his hand unconsciously pressed against his abdomen, where a strange warmth had begun to stir. And far away, in his palace, Jungkook whispered Taehyung’s name into the night… a name no one else dared speak aloud anymore.
Author🥨
That's it for today.
Author🥨
Let's meet next time.
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