The Prince's Shadow (Taekook)
02
[Night, Prince’s Chambers]
Candlelight flickers. Taehyung sketches quietly, drawing a bird in flight. Jungkook stands near the door, ever watchful.
Prince Taehyung
Do you ever wish to be free, Jungkook? To go where no orders follow?
Jeon Jungkook
Freedom… is a dangerous thing, Your Highness.
Prince Taehyung
*smiles faintly* You speak as though you know it.
Jungkook doesn’t reply. His shadow flickers strangely in the candlelight. Taehyung notices.
Prince Taehyung
…What was that?
Jeon Jungkook
*startled, stiffens* Nothing.
Prince Taehyung
It moved. Not like you. Like...
Suddenly, a crash outside. Alarmed shouts.
[Palace Courtyard, Moments Later]
Flames flicker. A beastly figure snarls in the moonlight—a shapeshifter caught by guards.
Soldier
Monster! Don’t let it escape!
The shapeshifter shifts—skin rippling, bones twisting into a soldier’s form, then a maid’s, then back again. The crowd gasps in horror.
King Hyun Jin
*arriving*
Kill it. Now.
Arrows fly. The shapeshifter falls, writhing, until finally still. Silence. Taehyung stares, shaken. Jungkook’s eyes flicker with hidden grief.
Prince Taehyung
*whispers*
Why must every solution be blood?
King Hyun Jin
Because mercy births rebellion. And rebellion burns kingdoms.
His gaze pierces Taehyung, as though warning him.
Taehyung paces under moonlight. Jungkook stands near the shadows.
Prince Taehyung
That shapeshifter… they executed it like an animal. Without trial. Without voice.
Jeon Jungkook
That is the law, Your Highness.
Prince Taehyung
And do you believe in it?
Jungkook hesitates. His lips part, then close. His hands tremble faintly.
Prince Taehyung
*steps closer* Tell me, Jungkook. What do you see when you look at them?
Prince Taehyung
Monsters? Or people?
A long silence. Jungkook’s eyes lift, full of conflict. He wants to speak—but footsteps approach.
Princess Yeona
*entering, playful tone* Brother! You hide away again?
She curtsies lightly, eyes flicking curiously to Jungkook.
Princess Yeona
Father grows restless. He doesn’t trust you.
Prince Taehyung
When has he ever?
Princess Yeona
*smiles thinly* True. Still, be careful. Spies watch more than you think.
She departs. Taehyung exhales heavily.
[Prince’s Chambers, Late Night]
The candles burn low. Taehyung lies awake, staring at the ceiling. Jungkook stands guard, rigid as ever.
Jeon Jungkook
Yes, Your Highness.
Prince Taehyung
You saved me once, remember? When the carriage horses bolted.
Prince Taehyung
No soldier could have moved so fast. No man.
Jungkook stiffens. His eyes darken.
Prince Taehyung
*softly*
Who are you, really?
Jungkook’s hand brushes the hilt of his sword—then drops. His breath trembles. He says nothing.
Prince Taehyung
*thoughts*
He’s hiding something. And if it is what I think… then the greatest danger in this palace isn’t my enemies.
It’s my shadow.
Soo Jin
Age : 44
The queen. Gentle and wise, but politically sidelined. Secretly supports equality and quietly aids Taehyung.
Dae Jin
Age: 50
Corrupt noble. Spreads anti-shapeshifter propaganda to protect his wealth and influence.
Yeo Na
Age : 18
Taehyung’s younger sister. Sharp, witty, and rebellious. Secretly spies for Taehyung under the king’s nose.
Seok Min
Age: 40
General of the royal army. Stern and disciplined, but torn between loyalty to the king and his conscience.
Comments