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?

Kim Sae-ron

I-

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 Taehyung

Mo-

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.

Taehyung holds her hand.

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.

TBC...

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~