Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.

- Lao Tzu

Jungkook came into the world screaming, as all pups do, trying to comprehend the world they’d abruptly arrived in, so different from the comfort and darkness of the womb. This one was bright, colourful, loud, overwhelming in so many ways they had no other choice but to scream.

Throughout his life, he heard often that he’d been a very vocal pup, screaming his tiny lungs out before he’d learned to speak. Thankfully, he’d always had someone to soothe his loud pleas. As the prince of the kingdom, there had been countless servants, attendants and maids who were to ensure he had everything he needed at any time, so his screams never lasted that long before someone arrived to comfort him.

He’d screamed when a carer in charge of his appearance pulled at his hair, trying to viciously tame his unruly curls in order to make him look more, “presentable.” The carer had been sent away the very next day, and he’d never seen them again.

He’d screamed in fear the first time he’d encountered a spider in a dark corner of the palace until his mother had found him. She’d explained to him that he’d had nothing to fear, that a creature that small had no interest in hurting him, as it was far more preoccupied with its own life, and they’d spent the rest of the day following the spider back to its web, where tiny spider eggs were wrapped in silk their mother had produced to keep them safe. Jungkook had watched in fascination as the tiny creature carried on its life, and he’d felt the need to protect it like it had its own children.

He’d screamed when he’d been eight years old and a man with a covered face had held a knife to his throat, even after he’d threatened him to not make a single sound. He’d known that someone would come for him, would hear his distress and rush to help, as they always had. He couldn’t have expected it to be a child close to his age, wielding a practice sword and moving with impressive precision as he fought off his attacker and pulled him out of his arms, shielding him behind his own back.

The man had been executed for attempting to kidnap the prince, and Jungkook had made his first real friend in the boy who had saved him.

He’d screamed when he’d presented as an omega, writhing in pain as his first heat shook his body and burned everything inside him, afraid he was dying.

Nobody had answered that scream.

They didn’t come when he screamed after an attendant tightened his corset to the point where he couldn’t breathe ahead of a banquet, or when he’d fallen sick immediately after that banquet, unable to keep his food down with his body constricted in such a way.

No one came when his omega mother screamed in pain as she went into labour much earlier than she should have, blood between her legs staining her white nightgown and bed linen. He could only cover his ears outside her room and wait for it to pass.

When it did, he no longer had a mother or a sibling, the pup far too young to have had a chance at surviving.

He screamed that night in his bed, sobbing at the loss, but no one responded to that either.

Later, when his father took another mate, an omega barely older than Jungkook, he flinched at the screams coming from their quarters, and wished someone would stop them, but he knew no one was coming.

Because he’d learned an important lesson.

If someone screamed, it meant they were in trouble, that they needed help, and that someone else would go to them.

Unless they were an omega.

When an omega screamed, no one listened.

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

The morning of Jungkook’s eighteenth birthday found him in his room, sitting at his desk.

He dipped his quill into his ink pot and made a note on the book he was reading, blowing on the ink in the hopes that it would dry faster so he could turn the page and keep reading. He was grateful for the sunlight peeking in through the window right above his desk and making the ink dry while also providing him with comfortable warmth. He’d always loved the summertime, when he could nap in the sun and sit outside with a book for hours on end, a carefree atmosphere would envelop the palace, and the people around him always seemed lighter, happier.

His birthday marked the end of summer, and for that he couldn’t help but feel unlucky.

Not only did he have to say goodbye to his favourite time of the year on that day, but it was also another metaphorical brick in the tower of expectations and responsibilities that was his life.

He didn’t like thinking about them, and as a result hadn’t enjoyed his birthday in many years, preferring to keep to himself on those days, immersed in the things that still brought him joy. He left the celebrations up to the rest of the kingdom, who found more happiness in it than he ever could.

The sight of the last drop of ink drying brought a smile out of him, and he lifted the paper, shaking lightly for good measure before turning the page at last to continue the story.

His eyes flew from one word to the next, moving as quickly as possible to catch every single detail, every little part of the book. Each time something stood out to him, made him pause, or caused excitement to stir in his heart he would pick up his quill again and make notes, underline or circle what had drawn his attention.

After so many years, he’d developed a system, and reading, taking notes, it had all become something he found solace in, a ritual to clear his mind and keep him calm.

On a day like this, he needed it more than anything.

He didn’t have any intentions of stopping, absorbed in the world the book had painted, until a knock on his door caused him to look away from the pages. His breath caught in his throat and he feared who might be seeking him out, or, worse, what they wanted him for. He had half the mind to pretend he had not heard the knock, but whatever it was, he told himself it was better dealing with and getting out of the way, even if it meant spoiling the peace he’d created.

“Enter,” he spoke and straightened his back, making sure he looked presentable.

As soon as the door opened, however, and he saw who was on the other side, his scent permeated his room, his posture relaxed and a smile bloomed on his face.

“Hyung!” he exclaimed and sat up to greet his friend.

The man smiled at him in return and took a careful step into Jungkook’s room.

“Am I interrupting anything?” he asked.

“I was reading,” Jungkook replied, “But you know you can come in anytime, Taehyungie-hyung.”

“And you know that I hate barging in without your permission,” Taehyung said.

“I think that’s a lapse in your job, isn’t it?” Jungkook teased him, “How are you going to save me from intruders if you can’t even open a door?”

“Don’t even joke about it,” Taehyung said sternly and took a seat near the entrance of the room.

The two of them had been close ever since Taehyung had saved his life ten years ago. The young boy, already a gifted swordsman who had been brought to the palace to train within the royal guard, had been granted a special position amongst the disciples, and had accompanied the prince’s guard, the youngest to ever do so. 

He’d also been the youngest to be knighted at sixteen, and, two years ago, when he’d come of age, he’d been appointed as the head of the prince’s guard.

Being the only person close to his age that Jungkook had known at the time, he had gravitated towards him. As time went by, and their personalities began to shine through their professional relationship, their bond grew even stronger, until Jungkook could say with confidence that Taehyung was one of the few people he fully trusted, even after his friend had presented as an alpha.

“Happy birthday,” Taehyung said.

“Thank you,” Jungkook tried to smile, but the weight of his emotions just wouldn’t allow it.

He turned back to his book, but he couldn’t find where he’d stopped reading.

“Were you planning on staying here all day?” Taehyung asked, sensing his discomfort.

“Away from my father preferably,” Jungkook confessed, his heart twisting.

There was silence for some moments, as both of them tried to simultaneously process his words and think about what they could say after that.

Jungkook had never directly admitted his fears to Taehyung, but his friend undoubtedly could tell that something was on his mind, weighing him down and crushing any joy he should have been feeling on this day.

The omega was also aware that Taehyung wasn’t clueless, unlike most alphas. He was smart enough to be able to guess what it was Jungkook was so scared of, and what coming of age meant for someone like him. They may have never discussed it before, but his current position, hiding away in his room, doing the one thing that truly brought him happiness while avoiding his father, was enough to tell him everything.

“Let me help, then,” the alpha suddenly said, standing up.

Jungkook turned back to look at him inquisitively.

“Let’s go out,” his friend continued, “Away from the palace. We can spend the day at that bookshop you love and walk around town.”

The idea sounded so perfect to Jungkook’s ears that he was ready to leave instantly without a second thought. However, there was something that held him back.

“Everyone will notice me today,” he said glumly.

Taehyung, seemingly ahead of him, simply pulled open his large wardrobe and selected a long robe.

Compared to most of his clothes, it was a simple garment. It had a warm brown colour and a hood, which made it ideal for days when he wanted to remain as invisible as possible in a crowded area, as well as some discreet embroidery around the ends of its sleeves and the bottom hem. The only detail on it that stood out was a silver clasp at the front in the shape of a star and a moon that came together once closed.

Taehyung handed it to him by means of a solution to their problem, and Jungkook accepted it immediately, putting it on over his clothes, not bothering to pick out a new outfit for their excursion.

“Ready?” the alpha asked.

The prince made quick work of marking where he was in his book, pulled the hood over his head and turned to him with a bright expression, his own orange blossom and jasmine scent slowly flowing through the room as his sad mood finally began to lift off of him.

“Ready,” he said, and let Taehyung take his arm and led him out of his room.

They took the exit through the kitchens, hoping to go as unnoticeable as possible. Jungkook had had a poor appetite for days leading up to his birthday, so he doubted anyone would go there should they come searching for him. The cooks and servants barely paid the pair any mind, too absorbed in their work, and through a mist of mouthwatering aromas and steam, they slipped out of the palace, their pace a light sprint.

They only slowed down once they had left the palace grounds for good, and Jungkook felt like he could breathe again as he took in the first autumn breeze.

He wondered where the wisp of wind had started from, and where it was travelling to, if it would carry that first breath of freedom he’d exhaled until the end of its journey, and take it somewhere where it could be that forever, free, unbound, tranquil. Everything that he was not.

He opened his arms and wished the wind would carry him with it. Where to, he didn’t care.

Surely anywhere was better than what he had.

“You’ll be complaining about the cold soon,” Taehyung told him.

“It’s nice now,” Jungkook replied, “Not too warm, not too cold. I wish it would be like this for longer, right in the middle.”

He wasn’t sure if he was talking about the weather or something else entirely at that point, and judging by the look on the alpha’s face, neither was he.

“So, where to first?” his friend thankfully changed the subject, “You pick, it’s your birthday.”

“Can we go to the bookshop?” Jungkook asked.

“No need to ask, let’s go,” Taehyung agreed.

Jungkook had to lower his head as they walked through the more crowded parts of the town.

While he himself had no desire to celebrate his birthday, the people of the kingdom had nothing holding them back from doing so, and it became apparent the further into the town they got. Rows of colourful flags had been strung between the buildings, while small bouquets of orange blossoms, roses and tiny white flowers, wrapped in orange ribbons were placed everywhere, from window sills to pillars and vending tables. The large marble fountain in the middle of the town square had a sign next to it encouraging the townspeople to toss a coin in to make a birthday wish for the prince, and a pub they walked past was advertising a large discount for that special day.

Jungkook’s cheeks heated up when he realised how much effort these people who didn’t even know him personally had put into his birthday. Being the prince was something he didn’t think he would ever completely get used to.

He and Taehyung had to maneuver past crowds of people to get to their destination, but it was all worth it once they got there.

Jungkook was certain his excitement must be visible, but it was in moments like this that he didn’t care one bit about appearing composed. This place was so special to him, it sometimes felt more welcoming than the halls he’d grown up in. Being there felt right, and if one place could cheer him up, this was it.

The Golden Quill was located near the town square, nowhere obscure, but private enough that the noise of crowds was drowned out. For how much it meant to Jungkook and the sanctuary it provided him, it looked like any other building in the area. The building was divided into two parts. One of them served as the entrance, tucked a little further in with stone steps that led up to a tall mahogany door and white stone walls. Over the door, on the second floor a small window was visible, but that part of the building was inaccessible to its customers, so Jungkook could only use his imagination to assume what it held. The other half of the bookshop was lined with windows on both levels, offering glimpses of the treasures stored within. Its roof was painted blue, a colour between that of a clear sky and that of sapphires.

Jungkook took Taehyung’s hand and practically ran up the steps to the front entrance. He pushed the door open and was immediately hit with the smell of parchment, ink, and the incense the bookshop owner burned.

His eyes didn’t know where to look first, flying from the shelves and bookcases lined with books, to the rolls of fresh parchment placed on display and the newly bound empty notebooks just waiting to be filled. With the small plants placed all around, some of them with vines extending onto the shelves, Jungkook wouldn’t be surprised if fairies lived there among the manuscripts and printed words.

“Pick some out and I’ll get them for you,” Taehyung told him, jostling him out of his reverie, “For your birthday.”

“Hyung, you don’t have to,” he shook his head.

“Let me,” the alpha insisted, “I want to do something nice for you today.”

Jungkook would have pushed harder, but he knew better. When Taehyung set his mind on something, there was no stopping him. He would sneak something behind Jungkook’s back if he had to.

“Thank you, hyung,” he said sincerely.

“You have nothing to thank me for,” Taehyung said, “Go look around.”

By the time Jungkook was back at the front of the shop, he was carrying five books. It had been hard to narrow all the ones that had caught his attention down, but he was aware that Taehyung wanted to gift them to him, and he couldn’t ask his friend for more.

After all, it meant he would have to come back for the rest sometime.

The thought filled him with joy as he set the books down on the front desk.

“Finished?” Taehyung asked, and he nodded.

The man behind the desk, an alpha, looked up at them for the first time since they’d entered the shop. Recognition flashed in his eyes when they landed on Taehyung, and Jungkook lowered his head to avoid his gaze. He hated how it made him appear like a submissive omega, but he didn’t have another choice.

“That will be all?” the man asked, his voice deep yet warm at the same time.

Jungkook, shamefully, didn’t know his name, even after he’d visited the bookshop so many times, but he guessed this man was more than an employee, perhaps even the shop’s owner. He was so familiar with every single item and always behind the front desk, keeping an eye on everyone who entered and left the shop. Most of the time, though, he was also deeply absorbed in taking notes, and Jungkook wondered how he could keep his attention everywhere.

And yet, he noticed everything that transpired in the shop, like an eagle staring from atop a large hill.

Except, instead of a vulture’s gaze, this alpha’s eyes were soft and kind, and wisdom seemed to surround him. He dressed in sophisticated attire and carried a pair of spectacles on him that he would use every now and then. He also frequently dropped things, the small thumps and his muttered curses reverberating through the bookshop.

He took the books Jungkook had left on the desk and began calculating the total price when someone else entered the shop, this time through the back door.

The bookshop owner turned around.

“Hoseok?” he called out.

“Here,” came a response, and a beta with sandy brown hair turned the corner, carrying a large tower of books that seemed ready to topple over at any moment. They piled so high that the beta couldn’t properly see where he was going, almost falling over multiple times.

“Do you need help with that?” Taehyung asked as they watched him struggle.

“No, no, I’m okay,” the beta replied and, impressively, managed to set the books down next to the front desk, next to another large pile of books.

He dusted off his clothes and stood up. His eyes met Jungkook’s and they widened before the omega could look away.

Thankfully, Hoseok didn’t say anything, just cleared his throat and spoke to the bookshop owner.

“I brought everything, Namjoon-ssi,” he said, “We’re done for today.”

“Thank you,” the alpha, Namjoon replied with a kind smile, “Take a break and then we can see to organising the new arrivals.”

“New arrivals?” Taehyung asked, his interest piqued.

“Mn,” the other alpha hummed, “Hoseok discovered a new author recently, so we need to organise their books that he brought. It’s a bit tedious, because we’re the first to carry their books, but also a huge honour, so we can’t complain.”

“Which books are those?” Taehyung asked, and Jungkook could practically read his thoughts.

“Hyung, you don’t have to,” he said, trying to stop him.

“I want to do something for you,” Taehyung retorted.

“But there’s no need, really,” the omega insisted.

“Please.”

He tried to press him, used every trick he knew, but it was all fruitless. They left the bookshop with six books in Jungkook’s hands, and Taehyung glowed with joy at his success.

Even as the omega continued to tell him he didn’t have to do so much, he held the books close to him, tracing his fingers over their sides. It was a gift he treasured greatly, and he was grateful for everything Taehyung was willing to give him. In a way, it made him feel ordinary, receiving a birthday present from a friend who could act, only for a little bit, as if Jungkook wasn’t the prince who could buy the whole bookshop if he wanted.

A bad taste remained, however, no matter how hard he tried to swallow it down. He tried to keep silent, despite knowing that Taehyung wouldn’t criticise him if he spoke up. Admitting felt like it would make it real, and he wanted to keep it away for as long as he could, until, eventually, he couldn’t anymore, and the words burst out of him as they sat at a table of a tavern, looking out at the town square.

“You know what they’ll think, though,” he said, biting his lip.

Taehyung tilted his head to the side, confused.

“That we like chocolate?” he asked, assuming Jungkook was referring to their order of hot chocolates that they’d placed with the waiter only moments prior.

“No,” the omega corrected him, “At the bookshop, when you insisted like that.”

“What will they think?” Taehyung didn’t appear any more aware of what Jungkook was talking about.

“That I’m some weak omega being pushed around by an alpha,” the prince said, “I told you, ‘no,’ so many times but you pressed on and on. It looked like you were trying to dominate me and come out on top because I had to do as you said.”

“Jungkook, you know that’s not true,” Taehyung rushed to reply.

The omega hushed him, weary of his name being used out in public.

“Sorry,” Taehyung said, “But it’s not. I wanted to get you something and had to convince you, that’s all it was.”

Jungkook folded his arms over his chest, the long sleeves of his cloak swallowing up his hands.

“You’re not an omega so you don’t think about this stuff, hyung,” he told the alpha, “That’s why you can’t see it.”

“Maybe,” Taehyung hummed, “I’m sorry if you didn’t like it. I really didn’t mean for it to come out like that. But, Jungkook… Accepting a gift your friend is offering you doesn’t make you weak.”

Jungkook wanted to laugh at that, but he held back.

“I’m an omega,” he said simply, “They’ll see me as weak no matter what.”

“I don’t,” Taehyung said, his deep voice soft, gentle, the kind Jungkook could get lost in, “You know that, right?”

He did, he couldn’t deny that, but one person’s perspective couldn’t change how everyone else saw him. He’d learned a long time ago that being an omega meant enduring opinions and prejudice like no other status, and it was hard to unlearn something built so fundamentally inside him.

Taehyung may differ from most alphas he’d had the displeasure of meeting, including his own father, but that didn’t make him someone who could overturn years, centuries even, of conditioning.

It made him an exception, a small dot in comparison to the entire universe.

A whole universe that saw Jungkook as even less than that.

In that moment, though, he could accept Taehyung’s words, let them comfort him, and he reached one concealed hand out so he could place it on his friend’s, on the table in front of them. Taehyung smiled and interlaced their fingers.

Like that, their hands interlaced so only the tips of their fingers were visible, it was impossible to tell which were whose, and Jungkook admired the equality of the moment, when he was one and the same with an alpha.

Their waiter bringing their drinks caused them to loosen their grip, their hands still together, but much less entwined. Now, the two hands were clearly distinguishable, Jungkook’s bare hand standing out against Taehyung’s, which were wrapped in brown leather gloves up to his knuckles. If their waiter paid them more than a mere glance, she would see them as two people, maybe even be able to tell their status, and Jungkook sighed at the thought.

The most precious moments seemed to last the least, merely a flicker before they were erased, hardly enough to commit them to memory, as if they were meant to be forgotten amidst the bleakness of his life.

He cast his thoughts aside and picked up his hot chocolate, gulping the hot liquid down without hesitation.

“How you can drink that so fast will always amaze me,” Taehyung said, nursing his own cup until the hot steam died down.

“Hot things are meant to be drunk hot,” the prince replied, “You’re not enjoying it the way it’s intended otherwise.”

“I’m enjoying it the way it’s intended so I can keep my tongue,” his friend retorted, and finally took a sip of his drink, flinching when the temperature hit his mouth.

Jungkook chuckled and stared into his cup at the dark brown liquid.

After leaving their waiter a generous tip they began heading back to the palace, taking all the roundabout roads they knew.

Too quickly, they were near the palace gates, but Taehyung abruptly changed their course towards a cliffside that overlooked the forest surrounding the capital.

Far from the people, the prince felt safe enough to lower his hood at last, shaking his head so his hair could return to its regular state instead of being pressed against the hood. He ran his fingers through his curls and turned to his friend, curious as to why he had brought him there.

“I have one last thing for you,” he confessed, and produced a small package from his leather belt pouch.

Jungkook had no time to wonder what it was, the smell hit him immediately, his omega nose sensitive to all scents, especially the ones he liked. He smiled brightly as he opened the package to reveal yakgwa.

The sweet was his most favourite, and while he could have it any time he wanted, there was something about these specific ones, made by a sweet old lady in the capital, that exceeded any he had ever tried.

“You’re the best, hyung,” he said, his eyes darting between his friend and the sweets.

“Happy birthday,” Taehyung wished him again, “They’re yours, enjoy.”

Jungkook didn’t need to be told twice. He picked one of the yakgwa out of the package and took a big bite, savouring the taste and the sensation of it melting on his tongue, the flavour exploding. Its sweet aromas reached his nose, stronger than ever, and he closed his eyes as he took it all in.

He heard Taehyung chuckle and remembered all the times his friend had told him that he had a tendency to appear angry when he ate something he enjoyed. Never in the palace, though. No, there he had to be poised and show manners, nothing more than a doll with no visible emotions. He’d lived twelve years prior to someone seeing him eat without the pressure of the royal court’s gazes on him.

He devoured the yakgwa in two bites and grinned at Taehyung as he chewed on it.

“You’re the best,” he said, and offered him the package so he could share them with him.

As they ate, a young child approached them, dressed in dirty rags. She tried to be discreet, but there was no doubt what had drawn her to them; the yakgwa smelled delicious even from far away. She sat on the ground close to them but avoided looking in their direction.

Jungkook took note of her appearance, her dishevelled hair, not naturally, like his, but rather uncared for, her dirty clothes, lack of shoes, and skinny body. A stone lodged in his chest as he realised that she wouldn’t look at them because in their hands was what she wanted most, yet couldn’t have.

He looked at the yakgwa in his hand and put it back in the package, folding it up neatly as it had been when Taehyung had presented it to him, and cautiously walked up to her.

The young girl flinched, and Jungkook pushed calming pheromones out to let her know that he didn’t have malicious intentions. Thankfully, she seemed to understand and didn’t run away, but her eyes locked onto him, examining him closely.

Once he was next to her, he leaned down and presented the yakgwa to her.

“Here,” he said, “Take them.”

The girl didn’t say anything, just stretched a skinny hand out and snatched the package before holding it close to her chest as though afraid it would be taken from her.

“Come back tonight,” Jungkook spoke softly to her, “Ask for Shin Jian. She might let you sleep in the stables or in the kitchens.”

The girl didn’t offer any indication that she had understood him, and Jungkook sincerely hoped she had. He watched as she inched away from him, still maintaining eye contact, and then took off, disappearing out of his line of sight.

He sighed. Of course, he knew that not everyone in the kingdom had the luxury of celebrating the prince’s birthday, and some of them would even spit on the royal family if they encountered them. He wasn’t sure if he would blame them. 

It had been years since his father had concerned himself with matters other than expanding his kingdom and trying to knock up his new mate, desperate for an alpha heir after Jungkook had ended up disappointing him. The affairs of their own people seemed to slip past him. Jungkook thought of the spiders in the palace, how they protected their tiny, fragile eggs with their own lives, and was amazed at how little the king was doing in comparison to a creature so small.

Just then, rushed footsteps reached his ears, growing closer and closer, and he turned around to find a servant running towards him.

“Your Highness,” the servant greeted him when he made it to him and bowed down, “His Majesty is requesting your presence. He is growing uneasy with your tardiness. Where have you been?”

“I was walking,” Jungkook replied, “I wanted to see the decorations in the town.”

“On your own?” the servant exclaimed, his voice almost a screech.

“He was with me,” Taehyung said, appearing next to him, the bag with Jungkook’s books in one hand, “His Majesty can surely allow the prince some leisure on his birthday.”

“He says it is an urgent matter,” the servant insisted, “You must go at once!”

Chills spread over Jungkook’s body. He’d known this was coming, had spent his whole day hiding away from this, hoping he could keep it far from him. There was no more room for such fantasies, now. He couldn’t delay it any longer.

“I understand,” he said, head bowed down, “I will be there shortly.”

The servant made a noise of approval and let him be, turning back towards the palace.

Jungkook’s throat closed up, and he thought if he was on his own he could have cried. However, Taehyung was there, waiting for him, and he didn’t want to show weakness in front of him. He knew his duties, and the alpha would be a fool if he also didn’t know what this meant. He had to walk with his head high, one last time at least.

“I have to go,” he said, unclasping his robe and removing it.

He let it slip off his shoulders unceremoniously until it pooled on the stone ground.

Taehyung was quick to pick it up.

“I’ll take these to your room,” he told him, raising the books as a means of explanation.

“Thank you,” Jungkook replied, and he bowed to him.

He didn’t think he could say what he wanted, so he hoped this would be enough to convey his feelings, his gratitude, his appreciation, his admiration, and also how sorry he was.

The alpha, who would have under other circumstances pulled him up at such a display, let him be.

When Jungkook looked up, his gaze was blank, hidden.

He turned towards the palace and didn’t look back as he headed towards the throne room. All these years later, it never got easier to seek out his father. There was never a good reason for him to be doing so, he would either be in trouble or about to receive bad news. If he could find any comfort, it would be that he was familiar with that feeling.

The outside world gave way to stone walls lined with torches, reaching an opening into the throne room where he could already spot two figures waiting for him. The guards at the entrance greeted him with a bow, and with a deep breath, he stepped inside, each step bringing him closer and closer to his fate.

He imagined walking towards his execution, and knew it would be exactly like that.

The throne room had large floor to ceiling windows on its left wall that let in pools of light onto the red carpet that led to the king’s seat. Large, ornate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and tapestries depicting significant moments from the royal family’s history decorated the right wall. Large pillars supported the room, placed between the windows, and more guards stood in front of each one, bowing as the prince walked past them. 

In the depth of the room, on a dais, the king sat on his throne, more magnificent windows behind him, though these did little to lighten the room when his perpetually sour expression was in front of them. His throne was large and red, with golden accents everywhere, its back tall and extending past the king’s head. 

The alpha himself sat proudly, commanding the room, but his eyebrows were drawn together, his forehead creasing in annoyance, and his hands clenched around the armrests of his throne. He wasn’t happy, but that came as no surprise to Jungkook. He never was. He had forgone wearing his crown that day, however his clothes left no doubt about who he was, all large and impressive, in shades of red, blue and gold, the kingdom’s colours.

Next to him, on a smaller throne, sat Seokjin. The omega was dressed in a silk shirt that left his shoulders exposed, his mating bite on display for everyone to see. The rest of his outfit seemed minimal next to the king, but his beauty was enough to make him appear regal in even the simplest of clothes.

Jungkook was surprised to see him on the throne, as his father usually preferred to have his omega kneeling at his feet, their head in his lap so he could stroke their hair like they were a pet. He could count how many times during his life he had seen his mother or Seokjin in their own throne using his fingers, and he would have some spare. His father must see this as a formal occasion, then.

He wanted to scoff, but held it back and once he had reached the dais, he kneeled down the way he’d been taught to do after he’d presented, with his arms behind his back, utterly defenceless. From there, he lowered his eyes and waited for a few moments, showing the alpha that he knew his place beneath him, before placing his hands on the floor in front of him and bending his head down, solidifying his submission.

“Your Majesty,” he greeted his father.

He turned his head in the direction of Seokjin and bowed once more.

“Royal consort,” he greeted him too.

“Eyes on me,” his father growled.

Jungkook’s omega whimpered, and he obeyed. His father hated it when he made a point of greeting Seokjin, probably seeing it as a lack of absolute respect towards him and thinking his son did it to ridicule him. Jungkook couldn’t find it in himself to care that much about his father, he simply believed Seokjin deserved the same respect as him.

He could say confidently that that thought had never crossed the alpha’s mind.

He raised his head, only for his father to growl at him again.

“Did I tell you you could rise?” he asked, his alpha voice creeping in.

Jungkook’s instincts were to cower at the sound, and he hated how his body curled into itself at the sound, but he didn’t want any trouble, so he choked down his discomfort and bowed again, biting the inside of his cheek.

“Rise, omega,” the king told him eventually, after he’d been forced to keep the position for much longer than was necessary.

The prince straightened his back and sat up, but remained on his knees.

“You called for me,” he said.

“You are late,” his father replied.

“I am here now,” Jungkook defended himself.

The king scoffed.

“When an alpha calls you, you go to them immediately,” he spat, “You should know better by now.”

“It won’t happen again,” Jungkook said, a lie, and he was sure his father knew it.

“It better not,” the alpha said, though, and he looked his son over, like he was checking his condition, searching for something.

Jungkook felt the most uncomfortable beneath his gaze, and he wanted to look away, turn towards Seokjin and ignore his father, but he would undoubtedly be reprimanded, and he wanted to get away from there as fast as he could.

As his throat started closing up with anxiety, however, a calming scent reached him. Lavender and honey, Seokjin’s scent, sated him and he breathed it in, eternally grateful for the older omega and how he could always sense when he needed him.

“Jungkook,” his father said, his tone serious, and the omega stiffened, “Today, you come of age, and are now ready to fulfill your duties.”

He braced himself, taking in Seokjin’s scent as much as he could, waiting for his sentencing.

“You will be wed,” the king told him, “To Crown Prince Ahn Soohyun, heir to the throne of Issk by the next full moon and then follow him to his kingdom, where you will serve him as his omega mate.”

The air seemed to be sucked out of the room, and Jungkook suddenly couldn’t breathe. Even Seokjin’s calming scent wasn’t enough to pull him out of it, and he felt like he was drowning.

Beside his father, the older omega’s eyes widened at what he had heard.

“Father…” Jungkook tried to speak, but his voice came out small and scared, just the way his father wanted him to be.

“Alpha,” Seokjin exclaimed and stood up so he could stand next to his mate, his hands settling on his arm that was closest to him, “Surely there must be other suitors. This can’t be his only option.”

He sounded like he was pleading, but it didn’t touch the king. Instead, the alpha pulled his arm out of his grip and backhanded him across the face, the slap echoing through the throne room and making Jungkook flinch and whimper.

Seokjin didn’t react, merely lowering his eyes.

“Who are you to tell me what is the best to do?” the king shouted at him, “Unifying our kingdom with Issk will give us a land of opportunity, and I won’t pass that up. Besides, it’s time he made himself useful.”

Made himself useful… The words rang in Jungkook’s ears as he tried to hide his shame. His father truly wasn’t hiding anything from him anymore, even what he thought of him. He tried to take in air and keep his emotions at bay, hoping his pheromones weren’t betraying him. He could feel his knees shaking against the ground and feared they wouldn’t hold him for much longer.

His father pushed his mate’s hands off his throne, causing him to almost fall.

“And don’t think I can’t smell you stinking up the place,” he growled at him, “You coddle him like a child, that’s why he can’t handle anything. He has to grow up and get used to it.”

Under the king’s scrutiny, Seokjin’s scent faded slowly, leaving Jungkook to feel everything so much stronger, the panic, the fear, the helplessness. All without anything to tether him, to reassure him.

Maybe his father was right, though. Maybe he just had to accept it for what it was.

He’d felt like he’d been walking towards his execution when he’d arrived, and he’d received exactly that: a death sentence.

“The Crown Prince will be here in a week’s time to formalise the engagement,” his father told him, “I expect you to be on your best behaviour. I will not have this marriage go to waste because of your incompetence.”

“Yes, father,” he replied.

The alpha hummed in approval but didn’t seem entirely convinced. He didn’t speak any further, though, and finally gestured for him to leave.

“That will be all,” he told him.

Jungkook nodded and bowed his head one more time before standing up. His knees ached and his legs wobbled, but he stood straight, refusing to show weakness. He offered Seokjin one last smile before taking his leave, the rapid beating of his heart sounding louder with each step.

Miraculously, he managed to remain composed as he walked through the palace, the stone walls colder and more uninviting than ever before in his life, emotions brimming and threatening to break out. He kept his head and let his feet carry him to his destination on their own.

It was when he was in the comfort of his room, the door shut, that he broke down.

He collapsed on the floor, taking heaving breaths, barely able to get them under control before the tears started flowing, sobs escaping his throat.

He dug his nails into his palms and wept, smelling his own distressed scent as it filled the room with his despair.

His shaking hands moved to clutch at his clothes, desperate for more air. As they tugged at the collar of his shirt, one hand grazed his scent gland, and the omega flinched as if burned. He held his breath and stroked the sensitive part of his neck with his fingers, the same spot where Ahn Soohyun was going to bite him, marring his skin forever with the wound of a mating mark.

He sobbed louder at the realisation, and he was overcome by a need to touch his skin, to feel it one last time before it was destroyed.

Because everyone knew that fate was what awaited him at the hands of Ahn Soohyun.

The alpha’s title as the Crown Prince of his kingdom wasn’t the only thing that made him well-known throughout the world. The other was much bleaker, and it concerned his omega mates.

Every omega that had been mated to Ahn Soohyun had met a violent end not long after, with horrible words travelling about the pains they had endured by that point. Countless kingdoms had refused his proposals to mate their omegas, a small hope, but one Jungkook’s father didn’t care to allow him.

He’d known ever since he’d presented that his days were numbered, but the next full moon wasn’t far, some weeks away at most. 

He could truly start counting backwards, then.

He cupped his scent glands protectively and cried, screaming into the room.

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

Taehyung found him the next day, curled up in his bed, his eyes sore from lack of sleep and his body heavy. He didn’t move when the door was opened, nor when the alpha took quiet steps towards him, likely thinking him asleep. He didn’t even have the energy to let him know that he was awake.

Wordlessly, the knight sat at the foot of the bed.

A few beats of silence later, he turned towards him and asked, “You won’t chastise me for sitting on your bed in these clothes?”

Any other time Jungkook would have. He hated it when others sat on his bed, seeing it as them soiling it, but this time he ignored Taehyung’s uniform and burrowed further into the covers.

His lack of response must have concerned Taehyung, as the alpha was on his feet immediately. He pulled the sheets away to peer at his face, his eyes searching for any sign of what was wrong with him.

“Jungkook, what happened?” he asked, “Are you ill? Hurt? Should I call the physician?”

The omega shook his head.

Taehyung’s worry only grew and he reached out a hand to examine him. Jungkook moved to bring his sheets back over his head, but the closer Taehyung got, the stronger his scent grew, and his omega took one whiff before melting into it.

Taehyung smelled like brown sugar, his sweet scent uncharacteristic for an alpha according to most people, but not Jungkook. The deep scent suited him perfectly, down to his immeasurable devotion, his layered personality, and caring nature. Sometimes, when they would unwind or rest together, a note of creaminess would peek through, making him smell like the pots of hot caramel the cooks prepared in the kitchen on special occasions.

He took in that sweet scent and closed his eyes, his mind easing slightly. He felt Taehyung’s calloused fingers feel his forehead for a fever and leaned into the touch. Understanding what he needed, Taehyung stroked his forehead a few times and ran his fingers through his hair.

His head clearing a little, Jungkook left the spider nest of sheets he’d tangled himself in and sat up. Taehyung left him only to remove his uniform’s cloak before sitting next to him.

“Have you seen Seokjin-hyung today?” Jungkook finally spoke, his voice hoarse from all the crying and screaming.

“A little,” Taehyung replied, tucking some hair behind the omega’s ear so he could see his face clearly.

“How is he?”

“He was concerned for you.”

“Is he hurt?” Jungkook asked, pain in his heart.

He could see his friend hesitating, but he ultimately decided to tell him the truth.

“A bit,” he said, “He said he was going to the physician about it.”

Jungkook hummed, thankful that his fellow omega was going to take care of himself, even though it hurt to think of him being injured. Unfortunately, it was a regular occurrence, and Jungkook supposed he would have to get accustomed to it all too soon.

The thought must have affected his scent, because Taehyung’s nose twitched and his worried expression returned.

The omega knew he would find out sooner or later, he guessed it would be better if he got to tell him himself.

“I have been betrothed,” he said, the words making him feel sick, “Father told me yesterday.”

If the news were surprising to him, Taehyung didn’t let it show. The prince doubted it, though. They’d both understood what he had been hiding from the previous day, even if they’d never spoken about it.

“Did he tell you who it is to?” the alpha asked.

“Crown Prince of Issk, Ahn Soohyun,” Jungkook said, a part of him still in disbelief.

Taehyung instantly stiffened, and he glanced at the omega with shock written all over his face and his scent souring.

“No…” he murmured.

Jungkook nodded and brought his knees up against his chest.

“We will mate by the next full moon,” he told the alpha, “And then I will go with him to his kingdom.” 

He bit back tears before adding, “I don’t think I’ll see you again after that.”

Taehyung seemed distraught, his own eyes looking wet, and he pulled Jungkook into his arms. He squeezed him tightly, but it didn’t hurt. The omega couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt that cared for. A single tear rolled down his cheek and onto the alpha’s clothes, leaving a tiny wet patch.

“I will ask to come with you,” Taehyung said.

Jungkook shook his head against his shoulder.

“I don’t want you to see what I will become,” he confessed, voice tight, “You should stay here, protect Seokjin-hyung like you’ve protected me. He will blame himself for not being able to persuade father otherwise. Only…” He swallowed thickly. “When they send word—”

“Jungkook—” Taehyung tried to interrupt him.

“I want you to be the one to bury me, hyung,” the prince cut him.

“Jungkook,” his friend repeated, “Don’t speak like that. Please.”

The omega wanted to tell him that it was the truth, therefore he could speak about it however he wanted, but the time he had left with Taehyung was minimal. He didn’t want to spoil it with foolish arguments. He knew that when it came to it, the alpha would follow his wishes, and that was all that mattered.

He couldn’t help but sympathise with him, though. Taehyung had spent most of his life guarding him and protecting him from harm’s way, only to now be faced with the fact that when he would need it the most, he wouldn’t be able to save him. He couldn’t even begin to imagine what that must feel like.

“Is there anything I can do for you now?” the alpha asked gently.

“I don’t want to see anyone today,” Jungkook replied, unsure how that could be done, but wanting to offer him something to do.

“I will arrange it,” the guard promised him, “Do you want me to stay close, in case you need anything?”

The prince nodded, and sensed the redistribution of weight which meant Taehyung had stood up. The alpha put his cloak back on and left the room with slow, timid steps. At the doorway, he turned around.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked.

“I’ll be fine,” Jungkook reassured him, and with that the alpha was gone, closing the door behind him.

The omega stayed where he was until a sudden urge inside him made him pull the sheets around him again. As he did, he found Taehyung’s scent still lingering where he’d been sitting, faint, but there nonetheless. He brought that part to his nose and inhaled deeply before arranging the sheets around him so he could lie in the middle. His pillows were next, placed all around him, and he pawed at the covers to make sure his craft was sturdy.

He was about to lie down when he realised what he was doing. His eyes widened at the perfect pocket he’d created for himself, seeing it for what it really was.

He was nesting.

A first wave of discomfort surged through him, confirming his suspicions.

“Fuck,” he cursed.

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

The physician said his heat had been brought upon by his distress, had reassured him that it was perfectly normal, and that it happened to many omegas, but that didn’t make it much easier.

Already in severe emotional pain, Jungkook proceeded to spend the next five days in physical pain as well, writhing as the heat coursed through him and crying out for relief. His sweaty skin clung to his bedsheets and his vision was hazy, but he pushed through. It wasn’t the first heat he’d endured on his own.

On the sixth day, he felt well enough to strip his bed. He always carried his soiled bedding to the servants himself after his heats, it eased the shame of it a little. His strength ran out before he could run a bath, though, so a beta maid was called to assist him. The woman washed his hair softly and helped rinse his body of the five long days, all while telling him about the latest stories circulating around the palace. It was well-known among the staff that Jungkook liked hearing them, so whenever they could, they tried to keep him filled in.

They never discussed the ones about him, and he never asked about them.

That day, he could hear in her voice how she wasn’t saying everything. Perhaps she was waiting to see if he would reveal it on his own, but his strength was spent, and even thinking about his betrothal felt like too much.

After the maid had helped dry him off and redress, he thanked her and returned to his room, where the smell of heat had been carefully washed away and his bed remade. He crawled under the covers and got the first bit of true sleep he had gotten in too long.

As he drifted off, he could faintly make out Taehyung’s scent, and he knew the alpha was outside, staying close to him just like he’d asked. He was grateful. Not everyone would have put in that much effort to keep him safe.

Of course, all his father cared about was that he was in good shape when Ahn Soohyun’s party arrived the following day.

Jungkook had been woken early in the morning and had barely had the time to eat some breakfast, not that he could stomach much anyway, before his attendants were sent to prepare him for meeting his suitor.

His hair was combed and brushed, his face twisting in discomfort the whole time, and the attendants decorated it with freshly picked orange blossoms, probably to accentuate his scent.

He was then dressed in black trousers, cinched around his waist and a loose white shirt with frills at the collars and sleeve cuffs, embroidered with small flowers in thin white thread. The front, composed of strings meant to be pulled to hide his chest, was left slightly unfastened.

Every other time he’d been dressed for important events, being an omega, he was used to being covered from head to toe, so the change came as a surprise, but then again, they must want him to look as desirable as possible in front of the crown prince. His hands twitched to cover up his neck, but the attendants were busy adorning them with rings that glimmered in the sunlight that was steadily pouring in through the window. Beneath it, his book lay exactly as he’d left it, untouched since his birthday.

He would give anything to hide in his room again, his quill in hand and dipped in ink.

Once he was deemed ready, he was guided down to the throne room, where they would be greeting their guests. Taehyung walked in front of him the whole time, turning back to check on him every now and then, and he schooled his expressions to appear as unphased as he could. He didn’t want his friend worrying about him any more.

His father and Seokjin were waiting for him when he arrived, standing in front of their thrones. The king was dressed in full regal attire, crown and all, but Jungkook paid him no mind, his eyes only seeking out his fellow omega. He breathed a sigh of relief when he found Seokjin’s skin unblemished, and they smiled at each other before Jungkook was ushered to stand on his father’s other side.

Their guards dispersed to stand throughout the room, their movements coordinated as though choreographed. Taehyung stayed near Jungkook, something he was thankful for.

When Ahn Soohyun and his party were announced, a shudder was felt throughout the room, and all the omegas present tensed up.

The crown prince who walked into the throne room didn’t look like a monster, he could even have been described as handsome, dressed pristinely and walking with pride and a charming expression. His posture gave away that he was an alpha from a distance, and his gaze was piercing as he looked straight ahead at the two omegas by the king’s side.

As soon as he was inside, everyone bowed. Jungkook’s father lowered his head, while he and Seokjin dropped to their knees and bowed to him.

“Welcome, Your Highness,” the king welcomed the alpha, “Caldryn is honoured by your visit.”

“I am honoured to be here,” Ahn Soohyun replied with a bow of his own, “Thank you for your hospitality.”

Jungkook wanted nothing more than to stand up, to at least be able to face his suitor in some semblance of normalcy, but his father’s words rang in his head, warning him about straying out of line.

The hardest part was he couldn’t tell what was worse, being mated to Ahn Soohyun, or ruining the engagement his father had arranged to support his own ambitions.

At long last, the omegas were instructed to rise, and he lifted his head.

“This is my son, Jungkook,” his father introduced him.

“Greetings, Your Highness,” he said, “Thank you for travelling all this way.”

“If it is to meet a beauty like you, it’s worth it,” Ahn Soohyun replied, eyeing him all over.

Jungkook felt immensely small under his gaze, like a pinned butterfly being admired by the one who had caught it.

“You are free to rest, now, you have come far,” his father told the alpha, “Our servants will accompany you to your rooms, and they will be at your service. Once you are settled in, we can arrange time to discuss.”

“Thank you, You Majesty,” Ahn Soohyun said, “I am looking forward to our talk.”

With that, he bowed once more, before he and his group of knights, servants and attendants were escorted away to the rooms prepared for them by the servants. On his way out, his eyes lingered on Jungkook, and the omega did his best not to break eye contact.

He let out a breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding once they were out of sight, and made a move to stand up, but he was still recovering from his heat, and his legs wobbled.

Unexpectedly, it was his father who caught him, grabbing his arm forcefully and hoisting him back to his feet. Seokjin was beside him immediately after, Taehyung hovering closely behind the royals.

“May he take his leave, alpha?” Seokjin asked the king, “He hasn’t fully recuperated from his heat yet, there is no point in keeping him here if he collapses.”

“You are both dismissed,” the alpha told them, then turned to Jungkook’s entourage of servants.

“Make sure he is in good shape for tomorrow’s ball,” he ordered them.

“Ball?” Jungkook asked.

“To welcome the crown prince and to celebrate your betrothal,” Seokjin explained, “You were still unwell when it was decided.”

A ball where he was supposed to put on his best behaviour and expressions, as well as celebrate his death sentence, was the last thing Jungkook wanted, but there was no point in protesting. He had all day to rest, somehow predicting he wouldn’t be involved in any further discussions concerning the mating his father would have with Ahn Soohyun.

“Everyone will be there,” the king said, leaning closer to him, “Don’t disappoint me.”

After he’d spoken, his nose twitched uncomfortably, and he looked his son over.

“Why do you smell like an alpha?” he asked.

Jungkook gulped, not understanding what his father meant by that at first, only fearful of his anger.

Then it hit him. He’d spent five days lying in a bed that had still held traces of Taehyung’s scent, on sheets he’d pulled close to him during that time in search of an alpha’s presence. So close that the scent must have lingered on him even after he’d been bathed.

Not that he could admit any of that to his father. He tried to come up with an excuse, panic rising inside him.

“It must have come from all the alphas that were here,” Seokjin came to his rescue, “It’s been a long time since so many were around him.”

It wasn’t the best explanation, but his father didn’t seem to question it too much. He made a noise of acceptance and turned his back to them, taking his leave.

Jungkook relaxed.

“Thank you,” he told the older omega.

From the corner of his eye, he could make out the blurry shapes of some of the white blossoms that had fallen from his hair and lay unceremoniously on the floor.

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

A royal ball was typically a joyous occasion, with acquaintances of the royal family coming in from their own kingdoms, exciting news to share, lively music, beautiful clothes, and dancing.

Jungkook could tell that this ball was supposed to be like that, but everything felt off. All the attendants were members of either Caldryn’s or Issk’s royal court, and most of them seemed as if they didn’t truly want to be there, or that they could also sense that something was off about this ball.

His father and Ahn Soohyun were deep in conversation with various important figures, most likely discussing their kingdoms’ union and the politics surrounding it. He noted sympathetically that any omega present was keeping as far away from the pair as they could, and he didn’t blame them. He wanted more than anything to follow their example and fade into the background, but he knew that was impossible.

He’d been dressed for the occasion that night, in polished shoes and the same black trousers that accentuated his waist and legs, but this time paired with a silk shirt with lace ruffles in front, the lace continuing where the silk ended at the top of his chest up to the collar. A dark blue outer layer had been added to bring in one of the kingdom’s colours, another shirt that remained unbuttoned so as to not obscure the beautiful lace, and two long shining necklaces hung around his neck.

His hair had been styled much the same way as the day before, except this time, his crown had been placed on top of his head. The crown was gold, with several thin lines winding around each other making up its base, adjourned with tiny round crystals, and weaving further up to create its shape. The same small crystals were scattered throughout it, and at the front, two opposing crescent moons had been shaped, with a full one in the middle, made of a round moonstone and outlined in gold. On top of the full moon sat another small crystal, like a single drop of rain or glint of moonlight.

He hadn’t worn his crown in such a long time that he’d forgotten the sensation. For what it was worth, for how troublesome and painful it could be living as the prince, he liked his crown, and always felt more confident when he wore it. It was a visual reminder that while his father could dismiss him as his heir and throw him away like he was nothing, he was someone who others could look up to, who, had he presented differently, could have led the nation.

He and Taehyung paused at the entrance to the ballroom, his guard waiting for him to proceed so he could follow after. The alpha was dressed in his formal uniform and appeared just about as happy to be there as Jungkook was.

Once they were spotted by the other attendees, Jungkook was being pulled from guest to guest, asked questions he didn’t even know the answers to and forced into small talk from people whose names he couldn’t recall ever learning. 

Even as they told him he was lucky to find a mate so quickly, as they asked him how many pups he wanted, or what he would name them, there was a detectable unease, often accompanied by glances towards Ahn Soohyun, who was conversing casually with members of the court, a glass of alcohol in his hand.

He supposed it was hard to keep up a jovial environment when someone like him was there.

More astonishing, however, was the number of people who approached Jungkook to praise him for finding an alpha, to congratulate him, and tell him that he would love Issk. It was impossible they were so clueless as to Ahn Soohyun’s reputation, which led him to one conclusion: They didn’t care.

After realising that, buzzing filled his ears, his throat felt dry, and he wanted to run more than ever.

He let the general who was speaking to him finish his sentence before offering him a polite bow and excusing himself. He searched the crowd for Taehyung, but his rapidly beating heart was urging him to just leave, and his vision was shaky.

Telling himself that he was just going to get some air, he abandoned the idea of finding his friend and slipped out of the ballroom quietly, hoping no one would notice him.

Simply distancing himself from the affair helped him calm down. He traversed down some silent corridors and stopped when he couldn’t hear anything anymore. He leaned against the stone wall and closed his eyes. His head was still spinning a little, but at least here he was alone, he could have some peace.

“There you are, pretty thing.”

Jungkook’s eyes shot open.

For a brief moment, he thought he must have been imagining it, but as he whipped his head around in panic he came face to face with Ahn Soohyun, who was standing a few metres away from him, staring at him like a hunter who had stumbled upon rare game.

His breathing picked up again, and he searched frantically for somewhere to run, but he couldn’t move. As the alpha’s eyes bore into him and he slowly approached him, Jungkook felt pinned to the wall.

“I saw you leaving,” Ahn Soohyun said, “And thought I should make sure you weren’t running away.”

“Just- Just getting some air,” Jungkook stumbled over his words.

By the end of his words, the alpha was standing in front of him. His wine and rose scent hit Jungkook’s nose so hard it was overwhelming, and his hands scrambled to grab at the stones behind him.

Ahn Soohyun looked down, and then he was grabbing one of his wrists.

“Is that so?” he asked, “You smell terrified, omega. Was there anything scary in there?”

Slowly, he brought Jungkook’s wrist up to his nose, making a show of taking in his scent.

“So delicate,” he said, “Like a flower ready to be picked.”

A smirk appeared on his lips, then, and he slammed the omega’s wrist into the wall, leaning even closer to him.

Jungkook whimpered, his omega crying out at him to leave, but he was paralyzed in place, far from anyone who could find him.

“I can’t wait to take you apart bit by bit,” Ahn Soohyun murmured, his free hand coming up to touch his cheek.

Jungkook flinched, and the alpha chuckled darkly.

“Don’t be scared,” he told him, “You’ll learn to love it, sharing my bed, taking everything I give you like a good omega.”

His hand stroked along his face, brushing over his lips, before taking hold of his chin to tilt it upwards as his nose touched Jungkook’s. From this close, his scent was so strong, the wine smell so intense the omega felt lightheaded. His wrist was tingling where the alpha was holding him.

Then, the alpha’s eyes locked on his neck, and Jungkook squirmed, his omega shouting at him to run, that he was in danger. He whimpered, but it didn’t deter the crown prince one bit. If anything, he seemed pleased with his reaction.

“I bet you sound so beautiful when you cry,” he said.

Jungkook heard something in his voice, something terrifying that wasn’t only his alpha trying to make him submit.

Lust.

Before he could even consider running, the alpha had buried his nose into the crook of his neck, his grip of his wrist tightening impossibly, and Jungkook cried out.

He loved scenting, loved the closeness about it and the way he could feel so much comfort just by taking in the scent of someone he cared about. He used to scent with his mother when she’d still been alive, later with Seokjin, and, on rare occasions, even with Taehyung.

This wasn’t anything like that.

There was no comfort with how Ahn Soohyun was brutally rubbing against his scent gland, forcing him to give more, more, more .

“Fuck, you smell so good,” the alpha gasped, a raspy edge to his voice, bordering on a possessive growl.

At the same time, his hand moved down from Jungkook’s face, past his neck, stopping on his stomach.

“I can’t wait to fill you with my pups,” he said, his tongue licking over the omega’s scent gland, “See this cute body of yours round and swollen. Do you want that? Want to carry alpha’s litter and then be fucked on his knot until you can’t walk?”

He pressed his whole body against him, and Jungkook felt tears forming in his eyes, his breaths coming in short gasps. He didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t run, closed in by the alpha’s large body. He couldn’t scream, his voice felt like it had retreated far into his throat, and no one would hear him anyway.

Resigning to his fate, as much as he resented even thinking about it, seemed like the only thing he could do.

As Ahn Soohyun’s hand tried to reach lower, he bit back his tears and wished he was already dead.

Until the scent of lavender entered his nose.

“Jungkook?”

Seokjin’s voice seemed like the brightest beacon of hope, something so perfect the prince couldn’t have even wished for.

And yet, there he was, at the entrance of the corridor, still in his attire for the ball, his crown on his head, wide-eyed and frozen in place.

Instantly, Ahn Soohyun pulled away from him, and Jungkook felt like he could breathe again.

“Is anything the matter?” Seokjin asked, his voice wavering slightly, clearly uncomfortable in front of the alpha, the sight he had walked in on, or both.

“Not at all,” Ahn Soohyun replied, “I was just hoping to get to know my betrothed a little better.”

It was such an unconvincing lie, but one that would pass with just about anyone. 

Not Seokjin, though, if the way he was staring at his fellow omega was anything to go by.

“His Majesty is requesting for you,” he told him, “Come, we shouldn’t keep him waiting.”

With those words, Jungkook realised what he’d detected in Seokjin’s voice. 

Not discomfort, fear.

He held a hand out for Jungkook to take, his eyes urging him to move desperately, and Jungkook obliged, taking shaky steps towards the omega.

As soon as he could, he took his hand, and Seokjin pulled him closer, his touch protective.

They watched Ahn Soohyun’s expression morph into one of irritation, and with a growl coming from the back of his throat, the alpha left, his footsteps echoing through the halls. The two omegas listened as they slowly faded, and only once they had disappeared completely did they let out a sigh of relief.

Immediately, the tears Jungkook had been holding at bay streamed down his face, and he sobbed loudly.

Seokjin pulled him into his arms, one hand coming up to cup the back of his head, while the other wrapped around his shoulders, shielding him. Jungkook buried his face into the older omega’s embroidered waistcoat and cried, all his fear pouring out of him, mixing with the relief of being saved.

“It’s okay,” Seokjin whispered to him, pushing calming pheromones, “He’s gone. You’re okay.”

He repeated the words like a mantra, stroking his hair softly, not caring how long it took Jungkook to calm down. He let him cry, because he knew that pain, and he knew that sometimes, the only way to feel relief was to let it out.

“Hyung,” Jungkook sobbed, because Seokjin was too close in age to him for him to refer to him as anything else, “He… He…”

“I know,” Seokjin replied, “I know, darling.”

The prince could still feel the alpha’s hands on him, leaving imprints all over him, asking for things he couldn’t, didn’t want to give. He remembered how he’d touched his stomach, what he’d said.

His breathing sped up as they reverberated in his head. He saw himself, stomach round, heavy with pups, dressed in white sleepwear stained red with blood, just like his mother and he thought he would be sick.

“Jungkook, breathe,” Seokjin told him.

He tried, he took deep gulps of air and tried to match the way the other omega’s chest rose and fell steadily, but it felt impossible. The image wouldn’t leave his head, and he couldn’t find any way to push it away, because it wasn’t an irrational thought, it was what was destined for him.

Finally, he managed to somewhat control his breathing, and he leaned against his hyung, his tears slowing down.

“Where is Taehyung?” the older omega asked, anger lacing his voice, “Why isn’t he with you?”

“It wasn’t his fault,” Jungkook told him, “I snuck out. He didn’t know. I just had to get away.”

He swallowed.

“Hyung, I don’t want to go back there,” he said.

“You don’t have to,” Seokjin replied.

“Father will be furious,” Jungkook shook his head.

“I will take care of that,” the older reassured him.

“No,” the prince argued, “You can’t get hurt again for my sake.”

Seokjin smiled at him and kissed his temple.

“Let me protect you while I still can,” he implored.

Jungkook wrapped his own arms around him and tried not to cry again.

They ran into Taehyung as they made their way back to the prince’s quarters. Or, rather, he ran into them, one hand on the hilt of his sword, his expression signalling pure panic.

“His Highness!” he panted when he spotted Seokjin, visibly untensing when he saw the prince with him, his grip on his sword loosening and his arm falling limply to his side.

“He is retiring for the night,” the royal consort explained, “Can you accompany him back to his room while I inform the king?”

Clearly taken aback by the news, and not yet past his prior anxiety, it took Taehyung some time to respond.

“Yes, of course,” he said eventually.

Seokjin nodded in thanks and gave Jungkook’s hand that was in his one last squeeze before moving past Taehyung to return to the ballroom. 

As he passed the alpha, he paused.

“Keep a better eye on him next time,” he warned him.

Jungkook was flabbergasted at the tone he used, so unseemly for an omega when addressing an alpha, regardless of who that was. Taehyung, on the other hand, lowered his head in shame.

“You are right,” he said somberly, “I will be more diligent in my duties in the future.”

That seemed to satisfy Seokjin, as he bowed to the alpha and continued on his way.

Now on their own, Jungkook and Taehyung began walking together.

“What happened?” Taehyung asked him, “I couldn’t find you all of a sudden. I was so worried.”

“I’m sorry,” Jungkook replied truthfully.

“Are you alright?” the alpha asked.

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

So, they didn’t. They walked the rest of the way in silence, the alpha only leaving his side so Jungkook could change into his sleepwear in private. He threw the clothes off and rushed to exchange them for his nightclothes, not wanting to stay exposed. Once dressed, he took off his crown and placed it on the table that held his jewellery.

He wanted to slip into his bed and forget everything, but a sense of paranoia coursed through him, and he ran back to the door of his room, opening it only slightly so he could look outside. Like he’d hoped, Taehyung was there, stationed to keep watch on him.

“Hyung,” he murmured, “Can you come inside?”

“Do you need help?” his guard asked, not expecting the request.

“I don’t want to be alone,” Jungkook confessed, his throat tight.

Taehyung didn’t question him any further, just nodded and followed him into the room. He left his sword and boots at the entrance and shed his coat, draping it over a seat.

Jungkook felt embarrassed about what he really wanted to ask, but he thought that nothing could be worse than what he’d just been through, so he mustered up the little bit of courage he had left to ask, “Can you lie in bed with me?”

Taehyung couldn’t hide his astonishment, the request unlike anything that had been asked of him until then, but Jungkook thought he must have sensed his desperation, because he agreed.

They sat on the spacious bed, and Jungkook remembered his bedsheets that had smelled of the alpha during his heat, and how they would be infused with his scent again. For some reason, that filled him with warmth.

He lay his head against his pillow, but sleep wouldn’t come. He couldn’t even close his eyes without being assaulted by the horrible images Ahn Soohyun’s words had painted in his mind.

“Do you want me to read to you?” Taehyung asked suddenly.

What he had done for the world to send him such a wonderful friend, Jungkook didn’t know, but he would be thankful for it until the day he died.

The alpha rummaged through his book collection, finding the books they’d bought together.

“Have you read these yet?” he asked, and Jungkook shook his head.

Taehyung selected one and returned to the bed.

“This is the one by the new author they told us about,” he said, and glanced at the cover, “Jung Byul.”

He opened the book and started reading, enunciating every word beautifully, his deep voice bringing every single sentence to life. Jungkook didn’t care to hear the story, only to revel in the magic of the alpha’s narration. He pressed himself closer to him, so he could take his scent in better, and wondered how Taehyung could be an alpha, and yet so different from his father or Ahn Soohyun.

He breathed in his sweet scent and let himself fantasise, just for a moment, that he was mated to someone like him, who remembered he didn’t like shoes trailing dirt into his room, who brought him yakgwa on his birthday, who was dedicated to keeping him safe, not solely because it was his job, who read to him when he found it hard to sleep.

He slipped deeper and deeper into the fantasy, until he turned to look at Taehyung, and his eyes landed on the alpha’s unmarked neck.

An idea hit him then, more akin to a fleeting thought meant to be brushed away and not brought back ever again, a single wisp of wind that couldn’t even rustle a tree’s leaves.

But then it returned, again and again, each time causing the leaves to stir more, until he couldn’t ignore it any longer.

It sounded ridiculous, even in his own mind, and he wasn’t sure how he could even voice such a thought, but at the same time, it tugged at him, and something in the back of his head told him he had nothing to lose anymore, he may as well try.

“Hyung,” he interrupted Taehyung’s reading, “What if… What if we pretended to mate?”

The alpha’s eyes widened, and his mouth fell open.

“We could say it happened during my heat,” the prince continued, “That we’d already been together by then, and the heat of the moment pushed us over the edge. They can’t give me to another alpha if I’m already mated.”

He tried to gauge what Taehyung thought, but the alpha offered little in terms of a reaction, frozen in place and staring at him.

Regret flooded Jungkook’s body. How stupid, he thought, to even entertain the thought. Surely Taehyung had ambitions of his own, he probably dreamed of eventually settling down with a mate, someone he truly loved and had chosen. Who was Jungkook to ask something so unheard of of him?

He was about to begin apologising when Taehyung spoke.

“We’d have to be very careful,” the alpha said, “We would have to create fake bites too, and act like a couple in front of everyone.”

Blood pounding through his ears, not believing what he was hearing, Jungkook sat up straighter.

“I know,” he said, “And find a way to smell like each other. You’d need to accompany me to all important occasions too.”

“I wouldn’t mind,” Taehyung replied, “So long as you’re sure this is what you want.”

Determination burned inside Jungkook, stronger than ever before throughout his entire life.

His one chance to escape a death sentence, such an outlandish idea, yet Taehyung had accepted it.

“It is,” he told him.

“Then, let’s try,” Taehyung said.

Jungkook’s heart lightened so much he thought he could fly, and for the first time in days, he felt a smile bloom on his face.