#so i’m calling it a kingdom au so that i don’t have to do historic research | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

healinghyunjin · 2 years

Text

Wolfsbane

Pairing: Bang Chan x Reader (fem)

Genre: romance, angst, fluff, smut; historical!AU, arranged marriage!AU, strangers-to-lovers, 18+

Word Count: 16.7k

Warnings: swearing, mentions of warfare/violence, mentions of blood, explicit sexual content, unprotected sex, outdated sexual norms/attitudes

Author’s Note: Feedback and reblogs are what keep me going - so any and all thoughts are greatly appreciated!! This is unedited because I just wanted to get it out lol; I will be doing a read-through tomorrow for errors, but if you guys find any in the meantime, please let me know!!

Summary: You took a deep breath before lifting your head, staring right at Chan. “I can be your collateral – as your wife.”

As you trudged up the stone stairway, heavy buckets of water swinging from your arms, you stopped to wipe the sweat off your forehead – and curse the day your father had ever been born.

One of the captains, a tall, built archer overseeing the supply stockpile, caught sight of you, and, aghast, rushed down to help.

“Milady, you shouldn’t be carrying loads like that all this way by yourself!”

“I appreciate the sentiment, Captain Jeong, but – if I don’t, who’s going to?”

You’d been under siege now for weeks, and morale inside was wearing very, very thin. Everyone knew that you were fighting a losing battle.

Once the two of you had lugged the water buckets up to the ramparts, you quickly got to work distributing water to the hot, tired archers and pulling aside those that needed medical attention. There were only a few, luckily, with mild injuries, but you couldn’t take care of them until Jeongin came up with your bandages and salves and more water.

As the two of you herded the injured men into some shade, you turned to the captain, wanting to assuage your guilt in some way.

“I know words don’t mean much right now, but I’m sorry that you all are having to go through all of this…” you trailed off, not knowing what else you could say.

He leaned against the parapet, looking down at you with a wry half-smile. “Yunho. You can call me Yunho, milady…It’s really not that bad, compared to things we’ve gone through before…the boys down there seem like they want to wait us out more than anything. We haven’t lost any men since the first day they showed up.”

“Thankfully,” you said grimly. “If they threw everything they had at us, we wouldn’t last a day.”

For you had no ordinary enemy waiting outside your gates right now. The Bangs were only spoken of in hushed whispers in these parts, the collective memory of their ruthless might and devastating tactics stretching back for centuries. While your grandfather had painstakingly managed to wrangle together a careful peace, allowing an entire generation to grow up without the fear of war looming over their heads, your father – with his heavy-handedness, his hubris and sheer stupidity – had torn it all apart in a few simple, greedy strokes. Then, when the Bangs rightfully demanded their fair due, he’d turned tail and fled in the middle of the night, leaving you and Jeongin behind to clean up his mess.

And now, you had the scion of that nefarious family camped out just a stone’s throw away from you: Bang Chan. There wasn’t a child in the eight realms who hadn’t heard of his name, his frightening skill as a warrior, or his fiery hair - dyed in the blood of his enemies, as the rumors had it. You knew they were ridiculous - but you still couldn’t help the slight shiver that ran down your spine.

Given the events of the past weeks however, you were more skeptical of the man’s reputation. Bang Chan was clearly formidable, an impressive combination of intelligence and might and masterful leadership. But if he was truly the bloodthirsty monster the stories made him out to be, he would have just smashed his way through your small kingdom in days, enslaving and pillaging your people for all their worth. This careful siege was the sign of a man with great restraint – and enough forethought to realize this was a war nobody here wanted to fight.

At the sound of a shout behind you, you shook off your somber thoughts, turning to see Jeongin running at you like a madman, frantically waving a letter.

“Innie, where have you been? And did you not bring any wa-”

“No, stop, this is important! It’s a message from the southern borders – and the messenger said that it’s urgent.”

The southern borders? That was the direction your father and his men had headed in when they’d left, and you hadn’t had any word from him since.

You hastily took the scroll from him, breaking the seal and unrolling it so that both you and Jeongin, peering over your shoulder, could read it.

And what you found there took your breath away.

My lord and lady…

I write with somber tidings. At your command, we were scouting in search of His Majesty, The King’s party at our southern borderlands this morning when we found the remains of five men. Their clothing, height and weight all corresponds with them being His Majesty, The King along with his four knights, and I myself, along with three other men, were able to positively identify each of their identities.

We are currently en route to the castle with the remains, which we have done our best to preserve. I am writing you this missive in strict confidence so that you may take the necessary actions in the meantime.

“The king is dead, long live the King…” you whispered, turning to look at your brother with wide, shocked eyes. Jeongin was pale, swallowing nervously as the weight of what had just happened truly hit him.

“The king is dead, long live the King!” The two of you turned to see Yunho, new fire blazing in his eyes, bending a knee to Jeongin and bellowing out the proclamation.

Across the ramparts, men stopped what they were doing in shock, dropped their weapons and took a knee as the chant spread like wildfire. In a matter of seconds, you and Jeongin were the only people left standing amid the din; fierce pride and love in your heart, you reached up to cup his face, pressing a stately kiss to his forehead.

There was hope.

It had to end – now. Jeongin and you both agreed that the first and most immediate course of action needed to be ending the siege; you had no interest prolonging a war neither of you had wanted to fight in the first place.

The very next morning, Jeongin ordered your defenders to stand down, leaving a single company of archers on the ramparts. A conspicuously blunted arrow, a thick scroll wrapped around its shaft, was expertly shot to land right in from of the enemy standard.

Observing from the walls, you saw Bang Chan himself, the red glint of his hair unmistakeable, step out of his tent. As one of his men untied the message, Chan looked thoughtfully up at your defenses, clearly lost in thought.

Somehow, some way, almost as if it was meant to be, you watched as Chan’s eyes slowly came to land on you. Even from so far away, the intensity of his gaze seared through you. Within the blink of an eye however, Chan’s attention was drawn away to the scroll, leaving you wondering if you’d just imagined the moment.

While a lesser man would have gloated, reveled in his victory, Chan was made of better stuff. As he read through the letter, you saw his features slightly relax; he granted himself a moment to briefly close his eyes before turning back to his commanders. Before he disappeared into his tent however, he looked up your way yet again; when his eyes finally found yours, he gave you a gentle, but regal nod.

The reply came back quickly. Chan agreed to a cease-fire and convene a council in the castle with your advisors and his to negotiate terms. For his own safety, he would additionally bring his personal guard in with him; he didn’t need to spell out what the consequences of any betrayal would be.

For the first time in weeks, the great drawbridge was lowered. As the church bells tolled in sonorous joy, you watched your sweet Jeongin, the royal diadem awkwardly perched on his head, ride out with your knights to welcome Chan – your new overlord, you realized suddenly with a pang in your heart – and his party. The two men formally clasped hands, exchanging the customary greetings; as they turned to head inside the castle, you hastily jumped down from your perch. You were already an unwanted invitee for this council meeting – you shouldn’t make it worse by being late.

While your father had been a stickler for traditional norms, it was Jeongin who called the shots now. He’d made it very clear that it was your choice to come to the council or not, and if you did, he would make sure that your opinion was respected. You wouldn’t miss it for the world.

You arrived just in time, running up to Jeongin’s side just as everyone was about to enter the chamber. Your brother flashed you a quick, heartfelt smile before discreetly squeezing your hand, giving - and receiving - strength before this first, perhaps biggest, test of his kingship.

“Your sister, I presume?” You turned to see the man, the legend – Bang Chan himself – walking up to the two of you, studying you with intelligent, thoughtful eyes.

While you’d caught glimpses of him here and there from the ramparts, you were not prepared for the sight of the man that stood in front of you now – Chan was handsome. While he may not have been tall, he was still physically imposing, with broad shoulders, muscular arms, and a strong, masculine jaw. For someone who spent so much time on campaign, his skin was still somehow milky pale, a trait that only set off his dark, almond eyes and full, pouty lips to full effect.

You realized that you should probably be scared of him; after all, this was a man whose supposed bloodlust was the stuff of scary bedtime stories. But - as you watched the way he carried himself, the way he looked at your and Jeongin’s still entwined hands with gentle understanding in his eyes - something told you that Bang Chan was a man you could trust.

At the sound of his voice for a second time, you snapped your gaze back down to the ground, flushing slightly as you realized you’d ended up staring at him.

“I’ve heard a lot about you, Princess – about your intelligence and bravery and skill as a healer. It’s my pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

You were taken aback a little by the sincerity of his praise, the warmth in his gaze as he gave you a small bow, let alone the fact that he even acknowledged your presence, something that – judging by the disapproving glances of his advisors – was a courtesy that you, a princess of a defeated nation, didn’t deserve.

Not really knowing how to respond, you merely murmured your thanks, sinking into a deep curtsy in front of him.

There was just something about him – something magnetic – that sucked you in, rendered you almost mute in front of him – and you needed your wits about you for what was about to go down. Therefore, you quickly made your excuses and slunk back to hide behind Jeongin. So much for your so-called bravery.

As the heralds announced the formalities necessary to begin the meeting, the disappointed advisors from before now looked outright shocked as you took the seat right next to Jeongin. For Chan’s part, he kept his expression carefully neutral – though you could swear that you saw an amused smile flash across his face when you raised a challenging eyebrow at a particularly belligerent-looking general of his.

As both sides presented their initial terms, the tension in the air was almost suffocating. It was clear that Chan and his advisors were engaged in a tug-of-war of their own to decide how to deal with your little nation. In characteristic fashion, Chan had championed diplomacy – a peaceful, bloodless annexation of your city that would keep most of its existing power structures and rules intact.

The advisors, however, were baying for blood. Chan’s penchant for even-handedness had become a major point of contention with his generals, who didn’t take too kindly to having their influence and power snatched away from them. It was obvious that they didn’t want to be having these negotiations in the first place – they would have preferred to just crush you in battle and conquer you completely – but, since talks were happening, they were now pushing for punitive, harsh terms.

What to do with Jeongin – and by extension, you – was another major point of contention. Chan typically allowed rulers who negotiated with him in his initial overtures to remain in power, treating them as loyal vassals but keeping a watchful eye on them. Those who fought him, however – if they weren’t killed in the fighting, they were typically relieved of their titles and estates, sent away to be a governor of another province far, far away from their own.

Jeongin, however, was in the awkward position of having surrendered after fighting a war started by his father. Given the strength of his ties to the land and general popularity amongst the people – which greatly outweighed your father’s – the logistically simplest choice would be to leave him as King. But – could he be trusted?

It was this point that the generals zeroed in on to launch their attacks.

“Your Majesty, you cannot rely on these people and their loyalty. The Yangs have shown again and again that they are backstabbers and cowards – they have no honor.”

Next to you, you felt Jeongin bristle, tensing at the blatant insult. Tamping your own emotions down, you laid a calming hand on Jeongin’s arm; pride was a luxury the defeated didn’t have. And, more to the point – your father’s actions had only proved what the man was saying.

Seeing the lack of resistance from your camp, the man pushed forward. “And not just them - this entire court must be rounded up and forced to pay for their actions. I would suggest, Your Majesty, that the deposed Yangs are removed to a place far, far away,” the smug, greasy lord turned to address Chan directly, a serpentine smile on his face, “and that one of us be placed in charge of overseeing this integration process.”

So you can raid and fill your own coffers at the expense of my people, you thought to yourself, lip curling in disgust at his cruel greed.

“Lord Cho.” Chan’s voice rang out loud and clear, cutting the man off. “Your…enthusiasm for our cause is appreciated, but such flagrant disrespect will not be tolerated.” With a wave of Chan’s hand, the man had no choice but to sit down, still spluttering; your lips couldn’t help but quirk slightly at the sharp dismissal.

What he said next though took your breath away.

“The lord general does raise a valid point.” You and Jeongin both sucked in a sharp breath; your hand immediately clutched at Jeongin’s thigh.

“I still insist on a peaceful annexation,” Chan gave his advisors a meaningful look; they had no option but to duck their heads, simmering in resentment.

“I am also still heavily inclined towards leaving my lord Yang here as my lieutenant and the governor in charge. But…” he trailed off for a second; you held your breath, knowing your future would hang on whatever came out of his mouth next.

Chan lifted his head, surveying your side of the room before locking eyes with you; they were still the warm, inviting brown they’d been before – just with a harder edge to them.

“I would need collateral.” You bit your lower lip in thought – and you could almost swear that Chan’s gaze strayed down to your lips for just a second before flitting back to your eyes. “I need something to convince me that you won’t just turn around and start plotting against me the second we leave your lands.”

You could have heard a pin drop in the silence that followed. What in God’s name did you have left to give? Your men, your lands, your treasury was all forfeit; all Chan’s to do what he wanted with. And anyways, the best collateral was always human. Your parents were both dead now, and there was no second or third-born son to give up as a hostage. It was just Jeongin…and you.

“Me.”

You didn’t even consciously mean to speak up. Before you knew it though, all eyes in the room were boring into you, including Chan’s. As you looked back at him – you knew that this was what you had to do.

“What do you mean, Princess?” Chan was still staring at you, a curious, contemplative look on his face. Moving to face Jeongin, who was staring at you with a horrified expression, you gave him a reassuring glance. As you turned back to address the full room, you reached under the table to discreetly squeeze Jeongin’s hand, trying to show him that you were confident with this decision.

You took a deep breath before lifting your head, staring right at Chan. “I can be your collateral – as your wife.”

It was almost as if you launched fireworks in the room. Voices exploded from everywhere: muttering about your audacity, begging you to reconsider, exhorting Chan to shut you down and throw you out for your insolence – and whispering about how, in reality, it might just work as a solution.

Once Chan’s aides had got a handle on the volume, you let Jeongin take over the talking – it was crucial for him to project a strong presence, especially given your earlier outburst. As the two of you had hurriedly discussed during the hubbub, he proposed a marriage between your two families, formally ending your enmity. Your state would come under the hegemony of the Bangs; you would be human collateral to ensure Jeongin’s loyalty, and your dowry would serve as material recompense for the fighting and damages that had been incurred.

In the ensuing rumble of murmurs as both sides mulled over the proposition, your eyes found Chan, who was studying you with an unreadable expression on his face. This time, you openly held his gaze, trying to project more confidence than you actually had. You thought you saw Chan’s expression soften – just a little bit – before he closed his eyes, seeming to take a moment to think for himself. When he opened them again, they were looking straight at you, warm and clear.

“I accept.”

The wedding was a quick, rushed affair. No one had any pretenses about what it represented – a hasty, expedient marriage of convenience – and Chan was eager to get back to his capital after weeks of being away. Ultimately, all you ended up taking away from the ceremony was the warm strength of Chan’s hand as he held yours in front of the altar, and the delicate brush of his soft lips against yours to seal the deal.

The feast afterwards was also shorter and more subdued than typical. Chan’s reputation preceded him, and a good number of your people were still scared stiff just at the sight of him - the flashes of his blood-red hair in the firelight serving as a reminder of just who he was in case someone managed to forget. Despite Chan’s efforts to be as kindly and welcoming as possible, the only person who really talked to him was Jeongin, who, to your surprise, had seemed to warm up to his new brother-in-law considerably. As for you…not knowing where you stood, you just chose to stay quiet, answering Jeongin’s worried glances with hopefully reassuring smiles – and avoiding your husband’s curious eyes.

Before you knew it, you were posed in the royal chambers, ripe for the taking. Shivering in your thin nightgown, you curled up on the carpet in front of the fire, hugging your knees to your chest as you stared off into the flames. The heat, while soothing, did nothing to quell the thoughts within you.

You weren’t nervous about what was expected of you tonight, you told yourself. As a healer, you had ample experience with both the good and bad of what could happen – you’d made up sachets of moon tea for blushing girls who were only too excited to share stories with you, and you’d made up salves and poultices to heal women cursed with cruel, selfish husbands.

As for your husband…despite what the rumors said, despite what everyone else thought, you knew somehow, deep down, that you didn’t need to be worried. Chan had only treated you with respect and kindness until now, even when he didn’t need to. Even if your night wouldn’t be spectacular, you figured that it wouldn’t be dreadful - hopefully.

What you were thinking about was what came after. What would happen when you went to Chan’s court – when you arrived as his wife, as his consort. Here, you were used to a simple life – you spent your days growing herbs, making medicine, and saving Jeongin from whatever scrapes he got himself into. You barely had any official, royal duties to carry out. Now…you had no idea what you were signing up for.

At the sound of a knock behind you, you shook your head, trying to clear the thoughts out of your head, before getting up to go face your husband.

When Chan walked in, still clad in his wedding finery, you were struck again by just how gorgeous your new husband was. You’d never seen him from this close before, in this intimate of a setting, and, as he softly smiled at you, all you could see were his dimples, the glow of his creamy skin in the candlelight, and the warm pools of his brown eyes.

“W-Welcome, my lord,” you opened lamely. What was it about this man that made you so tongue-tied every time? You self-consciously walked over to him, aware that your nightgown, long and high-necked though it might be, clung to your skin – a fact that Chan, judging from the slight flush to his cheeks, seemed to be trying his best not to appreciate.

“They really didn’t dress you with practicality in mind, did they?” He gestured to your nightgown disapprovingly, keeping his eyes fixed carefully on yours. “Here – take this, at least until you’re under the covers.”

Before you could reach out to stop him, he unclasped his heavy cloak and draped it over your shoulders. As he leaned in to fasten it around your neck, the slight passes of his fingers over your sensitive skin and the faint whiffs of his heady, intoxicating perfume sent shivers down your back.

Not knowing what to do now – and desperately needing to clear your head – you stood awkwardly in front of him, watching him move to take a seat on the settee and lean down to unlace his boots.

“I can hel-”

“No,” he stopped you with a laugh. “I’ve been dressing and undressing myself for years. I’ll be fine; you should go try to warm up.”

Not knowing what else to do, you perched yourself gingerly on the mattress, clutching his cloak tightly around you. As you realized that Chan was slowly starting to peel off more and more layers, now tugging at the ties of his overcoat, you couldn’t help but still, pulling yourself to sit up ramrod straight. You weren’t scared, you repeated to yourself. You refused to be scared.

“You look like a lamb going to the slaughter,” Chan remarked with a chuckle tinged with – regret? sadness? You weren’t sure – you just kept your eyes trained on your feet as he continued disrobing. “A proud, brave lamb, but a lamb nonetheless,” he murmured, seemingly to himself.

You soon felt the mattress sinking under his weight as he sat next to you, soft fingers under your chin tilting your head up. “Look at me, wife,” Chan asked in a gentler tone than before. You slowly raised your eyes to his, unsure of what you would find there. As always, the man was hard to read – you could tell he buried his true self behind thick, heavy walls. Still, you thought you saw a gleam of tenderness peeking through.

“I give you my word that I will not take your virtue until it is freely, willingly offered.” His sincerity shone through in his eyes, just as his words sent a shiver down your spine. “Don’t be scared, please – I respect you too much to let any harm come to you.”

He turned away from you abruptly, as if he’d accidentally said more than he’d intended to.

“We should, however, pretend like I did bed you tonight – we don’t want anyone questioning the validity of this marriage.” The two of you knew very well that Chan’s generals were itching for an excuse to resume hostilities – and there would be nothing better than an unconsummated marriage for them to force Chan to put you aside and thus destroy the treaty you’d sacrificed yourself for.

“What will we do about the blood then, my lord?” Being a healer yourself, you of course knew that not all women bled their first time. However, antiquated norms still dictated that, the morning after the wedding, courtiers would barge into the royal bedroom, both to tease the newlyweds and check the bedsheets for blood, “proof” that the marriage had been consummated. You’d basically created a secret, anonymous business dealing vials of fresh animal blood to noblewomen who couldn’t procure their own before their wedding night – but, with the chaos of the preceding days, you hadn’t been able to get one for yourself.

Chan gave you a wry smile. “Well, it doesn’t matter whose blood it is, does it?” Within the blink of an eye, he’d pulled a small dagger out of his waistband, slashed a cut across his palm, and smeared his blood onto the sheets – irrefutable evidence.

You stared up at him in disbelief, frozen as he simply cleaned the blade off, ignoring his wound. The sound of the dagger sliding home into its scabbard, however, startled you out of your daze.

As Chan looked at you in surprise, you snatched the dagger from his hand, deftly cutting off a strip of your nightgown to serve as a clean bandage. Hastily rising from your position on the bed, you sought out a small cubbyhole hidden in the corner of the room. You had made it your responsibility to keep all of your family members well-stocked with healing salves, and there should still be some left in this room. Seizing upon the jar you were looking for with a small cry of satisfaction, you turned back to your bemused husband, who had been following your movements with intrigued eyes.

Taking him by the uninjured hand, you led him to sit by the washbasin, immediately setting yourself to the task of cleaning and dressing the cut. While you could feel your husband’s gaze intently studying you, you shied away from looking at him, choosing to focus on your task instead. Wrapping the cloth securely around his hand, you dripped candle wax to secure the bandage, taking care to not burn him or yourself.

You were just checking to make sure the bandage was firmly bound when you heard Chan’s voice softly addressing you.

“Did you make that salve yourself?”

Now that your initial wave of adrenaline had worn off, you felt yourself becoming a little hesitant again. What would Chan think of you, of your skills? So, you nodded timidly, fiddling with the edges of the bandage to avoid looking into his eyes.

“Wow.” You looked up to find Chan with a warm smile on his face, eyes looking at you with admiration. “Where did you learn to do all of this, pet?”

Tendrils of warmth shot through you. Chan was clearly impressed with your skills - and for some reason, his approval made you feel really good. Also…you didn’t know why, but him addressing you like that – affectionately, almost…lovingly – made you feel good inside, made you want to open up to him.

“I-I’ve always really liked flowers and plants, even when I was a child. I got in the habit of collecting herbs for our castle physician; as I got older, I went from watching him make salves and poultices to learning how to make them myself. I got myself a formal apprenticeship with him, and it just grew naturally from there, I guess.” You shrugged it off with a sheepish, but proud grin.

“Ah yes, without any hard work or discipline or talent on your part, I imagine?” You could hear the laughter, the teasing note in his voice, and you couldn’t help but giggle yourself, letting yourself look back into Chan’s face - only to find him already staring at you, a hint of something like…longing in his expression.

Chan gazed into your eyes for an extra beat before breaking away, standing up and clearing his throat. “For tonight at least, I’ll need to sleep in this room with you. I’ll be taking the floor, so don’t w-”

“No,” you blurt out, flushing as Chan quirked an eyebrow at you. “We have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow, my lord, and you need your rest too…I really don’t mind if you want to sleep here with me.”

Without waiting for a response, you tossed his cloak off and jumped into bed, burrowing yourself into your half of the sheets. After a brief pause, you heard Chan stand up and walk around to the other side of the bed. Stealthily peeking out from the covers, you felt heat burn through you as your husband took his undershirt off, exposing the creamy, muscular expanse of his back to your suddenly hungry eyes. Mercifully (or not – you couldn’t decide), he chose to leave his pants on before blowing out the candles and climbing into bed. Leaving a good amount of space between the two of you, Chan sank into his side of the mattress with a tired groan – you’d clearly made the right choice by letting him get quality sleep.

You dithered on whether you should say anything - whether you’d make it feel awkward or weird or anything. But after a moment of hesitation…

“Sleep well, my lord.”

You heard a muffled, but mournful chuckle in response. “Sleep has never been my friend, unfortunately.” Chan paused, seeming to weigh his words for a second before continuing. “Now that you’re here though…maybe that will change.”

After a second or two of silence in the dark, you felt the sheets rustling with motion – followed by the weight of a warm hand on your shoulder.

“Good night – and thank you for taking care of me.” Warmth blooming through you, you reached up to squeeze his hand back, unexpectedly savoring the feeling of his skin under your fingertips.

“Good night,” you whispered back. You went off into dreamland with a smile on your face, the heat of his touch still radiating through your skin.

It seemed that your unconscious self lacked the inhibitions you normally did - for when you woke up, roused by the soft rays of morning light streaming into the room, you found that your body had clearly decided its feelings about your husband.

Over the course of the night, you’d somehow plastered yourself to Chan’s bare back, throwing an arm around his waist and wedging your calf between his. You were dwarfed by his shoulders, but one of your arms had wound itself around his trim waist, placed securely on his tight abdominal muscles.

You gulped.

Just one feel wouldn’t hurt, would it?

Listening carefully to the sound of his breathing, making sure it was steady and even, you let your hand trace over your husband’s toned torso before carefully bringing it back…and letting it trail down to his bottom. As you snuck in a light, barely-there squeeze, you couldn’t help but frown – how was it fair that your husband had a perkier ass than you did?

Little did you know that Chan had already been awake for a while, unable to force himself to leave the warmth of your embrace, and was now desperately trying to stay quiet, not knowing whether he wanted to laugh or moan at your wandering hands.

Chan was nothing if not a pragmatic man. He’d been looking to take a wife for a while, and while his ministers back home might chew his head off for not finding a foreign princess with a massive dowry or trade deal to back her up, he had successfully managed with this marriage to end a war without significant bloodshed – always, always a win for him.

However, he’d be lying to himself if he didn’t admit that you were the real reason he’d agreed to the marriage. You’d caught his eye from the very moment he’d seen you, standing so proudly, bravely on your castle defenses, then again in the council meeting.

The final twist of the knife in his heart, however, came last night. As you were prettily bent over his hand in your torn gown, the candlelight illuminating your face, carefully bandaging his cut – he knew that he was starting to fall for you.

Now, all he had to do was convince you to believe him and trust him, and hope that, in the process, your heart would begin warming to him as his had done to you – easy, right?

Muffling a sigh, Chan decided that he had let himself indulge in your arms for too long.

“I can feel you blinking against my back, you know,” your eyes widened as you heard your husband’s lazy drawl. Snatching yourself away from him, you watched as Chan rolled over to face you, propping his head on his arm. When did he wake up? You flushed at the knowing smirk on his face.

“I trust you slept well, pet?”

You just nodded, still embarrassed at getting caught. “And you, my lord?”

“Yes – better than I have in a long time.” Chan sat up, lazily stretching; the satisfied groan he let out in response – combined with the sinful view of his back and arm muscles flexing – traveled right to places it didn’t need to go.

You swallowed hard, averting your eyes quickly so Chan wouldn’t pick up on your staring. You normally considered yourself to have good self-control, but…when it came to your husband, you just fell apart.

You needed to extricate yourself from the situation before you positively imploded from desire. “Uh, my lord – should we get up? It seems like it’s already getting late, and we probably really need to get on the road an-”

But your husband, perceptive almost to a fault, had missed nothing. As you scrambled off the bed, Chan merely leaned back against the headboard, eyeing you slyly. Arms crossed behind his head and sheets pooled around his waist, he looked like some sort of Greek god, tempting you into sin.

Watching you with a dark, almost wild glint in his eyes, Chan just laughed. “Sweetheart, if I let you get up now, looking like that, no one will believe that I made you mine last night.”

Your breath hitched. “What do you mean?”

“What I mean is – you still look too pure, too innocent. Untouched. Unmarked.” He reached an arm out, taking your hand in his. He gently but smoothly tugged you back down to kneel next to him, his grip loose enough for you to pull away if you wanted to.

He brought his other hand up to your face, softly tracing your cheek with the back of his fingers.

“If we want to make this charade convincing, there’s other evidence we need to fake, right? Your hair, your skin, your dress.” He trailed his fingers over each as he named it, goosebumps following in their wake.

“What I said last night still stands – and will stand.” And looking into those warm brown eyes - you had no doubt about it. “But, just for this morning… can I mess you up a little bit, pet?”

Yes, please. Your body knew its answer immediately, and the vehemence of your nod made Chan chuckle as he lifted you into his lap, settling you over his legs to protect his sanity – and your own.

He started off tame, much to your relief. Reaching around you, he grabbed the end of your plait, which you’d dutifully done up as was your routine last night, and pulled off the tie in one smooth motion. He carefully worked his way through separating the strands of hair, tenderly shushing your whimpers when his fingers accidentally caught on a snag. When he finally reached the top of your head, he worked his fingers into your scalp, softly tugging and pulling and running his hands through until your hair was wild, forming a sinful halo around your head.

You found yourself feeling almost lightheaded, falling into a trance like none that you’d ever experienced. The feeling of Chan’s strong, calloused fingers suffused warmth through your whole body, and you could feel yourself starting to go limp against him – fully submitting yourself to him, to do with as he pleased.

“Don’t you think you’re enjoying this a little too much, sweetheart?” The sound of Chan’s amused voice roused you from your stupor, and you looked up at him with hazy eyes. His expression showcased so many different emotions – protectiveness, awe, enjoyment, desire – and you were entranced. The two of you just gazed into each other’s eyes, locked in a charged moment, before Chan cupped your face, tilting your face down so he could give you a sweet forehead kiss. Sparks, warmth blossomed in you at his duality: his teasingly careful, tender treatment of you – and the dark, powerful desires clearly lurking beneath.

“So…what do I get in return, hmm?” He gently teased you, softly chucking your chin on his way to the neckline of your nightgown, thoroughly searching your eyes for any hint of reluctance. When he found none, his fingers sought out the laces holding your gown closed, carefully starting to unravel them.

“I’m just going to undo enough that it starts hanging off you, okay?” You agreed quietly, mind still lingering on his question from before. How could you reward your husband? As you studied his face, you couldn’t help but be mesmerized by his beauty – his expressive, dark brown eyes; his oversized, masculine nose that you just wanted to tug at; and those sinfully pillowy lips. The soft brushes of his fingertips against the sensitive skin of your chest were slowly starting to kindle a fire within you – and you suddenly realized that there was only one thing you wanted to do.

“Alright – this should be go-”

You cut him off by softly, sweetly pressing your lips to his.

Chan froze under you for a split second, mouth tense with surprise. Before you could pull away however, afraid that you’d read his body language wrong – he relaxed into you, opening his mouth under yours and allowing your tongue to tentatively delve in.

While his lips were just as soft, just as plush as you remembered, this kiss was nothing like the perfunctory one from yesterday. Chan – his taste, his heat, his essence – washed over you like a heady wave of warmth, casting you out into a sea of passion and sensation as your lips worshipped each other.

Ever so slowly, Chan started to dominate the kiss, swallowing your moans and claiming your mouth with intense fervor. His fingers, still tangled in the ties of your gown, pulled you closer as he leaned back, bringing your chest flush against his – and your core into the cradle of his hips. As he suckled at your lips, the sound of your soft, muffled whimpers, and the sensation of your hands shyly inching over the hard planes of his chest and shoulders all seemed to infuriate him. Abruptly breaking the kiss, he dived headfirst into your neck, licking and sucking and physically marking his lust onto your skin. The little pinpricks of exquisite pain, dancing on that ever-thinning line with pleasure, sent sparks shooting down your spine, traveling straight to the place that was aching for him most.

You jumped as you felt strong arms wrap around you, pulling you impossibly closer. As he ground you down onto him with seductive, enticing strength, fingers bruising the skin of your hips, Chan ghosted his mouth over the delicate shell of your ear. “Naughty, naughty girl.” At the powerful thrust of his hips into yours, you threw your head back, gasping in shock as pure heat flooded your body.

However, the sound was enough to break through the lusty daze Chan was trapped in; pulling away from you and breathing heavily, his eyes roved over you: taking in your wide, blown-out pupils, hazily staring down at him; your swollen and puffy lips; your bruised and marked neck and chest.

“Fuck, babygirl…” you flushed harder – if that was even possible – at his dark, appraising eyes, at the barely suppressed hunger in his voice. “I really messed you up, didn’t I?”

You just nodded mutely, hanging your head, still speechless and utterly out of it.

There was a beat of silence, and Chan hesitated. You realized too late that your lack of response, your whimpers, your silence could all have been easily misinterpreted as you watched the desire clouding his eyes give way to hints of concern, confusion.

“Did I…I hope I didn’t go too fa-”

The rest of what he had to say was interrupted, in dramatic fashion, by the blasts of a trumpet from down the hall.

“For fuck’s sake,” Chan swore under his breath, hands unconsciously tightening on your sides. As his fingers unwittingly clawed into the sensitive skin of your waist, you couldn’t help but flinch away from him, letting out a sharp whimper of pain.

Chan went stiff, hands startling away from your body. “I-I’m so sorry…” he whispered, his eyes wide in shock. “I didn’t realiz- I didn’t mean to force my-”

What? Force himself? Oh no, no…Chan had drastically misunderstood what was going on, and you rushed to cut him off. “No, no, not all - you weren’t do-”

It wasn’t meant to be. At that moment, the doors to your bedchamber were flung open, and the courtiers and servants all flooded in, ready to heckle the newlyweds out of bed. At the sight of you still perched on Chan’s lap, the hubbub only increased. Your maids rushed in to haul you away, aiming to bundle you up before half of Chan’s court got an eyeful of you. Chan didn’t resist as they pulled you away from him, his arms dropping loosely to his sides, almost as if in defeat.

You stumbled as they stood you up, thighs sore from being spread over Chan’s legs for so long. “Milady!” One of your more innocent maids gasped, eyes riveted to your exposed skin. “Y-your neck…it’s ruined,” she blurted out, tracing her fingers over your mottled chest and neck in horror. Comforting arms wrapped around you, supporting your weight as you were tucked into a warm blanket; but you could see the hostile glares your maids were directing at your husband, hear the barely muffled whispers of “violent” and “vicious” and “monster” that were being throwing around.

You saw red. How dare they play on those rumors, say such awful things about Chan when he hadn’t done anything wrong? You angrily commanded them to hush, visibly upset enough that they quieted down immediately.

But the damage was done. Looking over your shoulder for one last glimpse of Chan, you found him staring after you, pain, hurt and sorrow radiating out from his eyes. As your maids almost frogmarched you back to your rooms, you told yourself that you could just talk things through with Chan the first opportunity you got - tell him that he hadn’t forced his affections onto you in any way; that you knew he hadn’t meant to hurt you. You could fix this, and you could fix this soon.

As you settled into your new life however, you came to realize just how wrong you had been.

For not just days, but several weeks had passed by – and your husband was doing his very best to avoid you as much as possible.

Upon your arrival, Chan had taken good care to set you up well. To your absolute delight, one of the very first things that he’d done was to have you introduced to Gaius, the castle healer and herbalist, and have you installed as an informal apprentice. You were given a lavish suite of rooms for yourself, directly adjoining Chan’s, along with a small retinue of attendants – all chosen with care to be familiar with your habits and tastes from home. Chan had also appointed a tall, clever man named Seungmin to be your chief aide, giving the two of you free rein to try your hand at whatever problems you saw fit to tackle. With Seungmin’s help, you’d already been able to start a few projects to improve the running of the household as well as to expand the castle infirmary, and in the time you had left over, you made your way down to Gaius, helping him prepare his concoctions and arguing with him about new formulations. You were busy, and you were mentally, intellectually satisfied with everything you were accomplishing.

Emotionally, however? You were lonely. Yes, you had Seungmin at your side everyday, and he was masterful at keeping you on your toes. You’d also become fairly close to Chan’s younger brother, Felix, who’d made it a point to bring you treats from the kitchen and help you with your gardening whenever he could. But…there was only one man you truly wanted to see – and of him, all you had were glimpses.

Most often, you ran into your husband in the halls or in the courtyard, in the few moments where he wasn’t parked behind his desk or training or caught up in meetings and audiences - it hadn’t taken you long to realize that your husband was an absolute workaholic. In those settings, he was always serious and professional, even down to the dark colors he wore, his heat-ironed, straight hair and the light kohl that was the only makeup he permitted. While he always, always had a small, but kindly smile for you when you saw him in public, he never pushed any further – though you could always feel the heat of his dark gaze on you, following you in and out of his sight.

There were a few instances, however, where you’d gotten hints at what lay beneath that hard exterior – and what you’d seen had taken your breath away. The way his eyes crinkled, his dimples on prominent display as he tussled with his dogs, his creamy skin glowing in the sunlight. The soft pout of his plush lips, the wild tussle to his curls when he had to drag himself out of bed far too early– a heavenly vision you’d only gotten to see by chance one morning, but one that you would pay dearly to see again.

You wondered what you and Chan would have been like – if you had been a wife he’d loved, rather than a wife he’d been handed.

Your thoughts often drifted back to that one night, that one morning where you did have him in your arms. To your surprise – and shame – those thoughts typically found you most often at night, leaving you tangled up in the sheets, a desperate ache between your thighs – one that you knew only he could truly relieve.

You’d tried, in one of the rare moments you’d gotten him alone, to talk to him, to tell him firmly that he didn’t do anything wrong that morning. Chan had just looked at you with another gentle smile that didn’t reach his eyes, telling you that he understood before making his excuses to walk away, leaving you behind knowing that - no, he didn’t understand.

And the one door separating you from the object of your desires, your own husband – it stayed locked.

It was your fault. At the end of the day, yours was an arranged marriage – one contracted for politics and practicality, not for love and partnership. Yes, from the way Chan had looked at you the day of the treaty, from the way he’d treated you in bed – you’d thought that there might be something there, the tenuous glimmers of a connection starting to build between the two of you.

But maybe you’d mistook mere interest, casual lust for something more.

You should have known better, you scolded yourself. Chan had no obligations to you emotionally or romantically. You were just the fool who wanted too much.

And that was that.

Until…

One serendipitous session of eavesdropping changed everything.

You’d set the afternoon aside to head down to the infirmary, itching to put your hands to good work. To your delight, Gaius didn’t disappoint, giving you a list of herbs to prepare for him.

“Belladonna, Gaius? And foxglove? Who are you trying to poison now, huh?” You joked, nudging the old man as you passed behind him.

Rather than taking the bait however, Gaius merely waved you off with a short laugh – and a smile that seemed just a touch tighter than it should be. You shook your head, cringing at yourself as you headed back out into the warm sunlight; you were the lady of the house, and new at that - you couldn’t just go around joking with people like that just yet.

But soon, all thoughts were pushed out of mind as you knelt down in the dirt, slipping your gloves on before starting the routine you knew like the back of your hand - checking that the plants were healthy, brushing through the leaves to find the darkest, healthiest ones to snip off, and dousing them with spirits to let them sit before you took them back to your workroom. The methodical nature of the work; the ability to do something hands-on, to get your hands dirty - you never felt more at peace than when you were practicing your craft.

Just as you were finishing up, about to head back to your the workshop, you were startled by the sound of footsteps - a rarity in this part of the garden. Without even thinking about it, you quickly ducked behind a bush, wanting to get a peek at who was invading your territory like this.

To your surprise, it was Chan and Felix, engrossed in a seemingly heated conversation as they walked out into the courtyard. Chan was dressed simply in a loose dark robe and pants, his hair mussed from his fingers running through it all morning, but you could feel your heart beat just a little faster, as it always did, at the first sight of your husband.

You debated whether you should go say hello. Chan would probably run away as soon as he saw you - you sighed to yourself yet again at the thought - but Felix would make for good company as you went about your tasks.

Your decision was made for you, however, when you realized that the topic of their conversation was you.

“I’m your brother, so I’m going to say this plainly. You need to stop being an idiot, hyung.”

Your eyebrows shot up almost on their own; Lixie was always the peacemaker - you’d never heard him be so forceful before.

You listened in as he continued, voice only increasing in pitch. “You aren’t doing any favors for yourself or your wife if you keep ignoring her!”

Chan, the most agitated you’d seen him yet, scoffed at Felix’s words. “Don’t oversell it, Lix. She’s definitely happier not having me around.”

“And how could you possibly know that if you don’t spend any time with her?”

Chan exploded. “Because the first time I had her alone, I hurt her, Felix! You didn’t see what I did to her neck, her waist...” He turned away, wrapping his arms around himself defensively. “Her maids looked at me like…like I was the monster everyone thinks I am.”

Pain coursed through you at his words. You should have anticipated that Chan would know of the rumors about him…that he could easily be hurt by the rumors about him. And you had just played into letting him internalize them all again.

Your head sank down to your chest with feelings of self-reproach, with guilt. Yes, Chan’s insecurities weren’t your responsibility to fight for him; but at the same time, you could have done more to help him open up - to show him the way you truly felt about him, to help him feel comfortable enough with you to actually talk about what happened.

By the time you looked back up, Felix had walked up closer to Chan and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. When Felix spoke again, his voice was much softer. “Did she say you hurt her?”

“No…”

“Has she tried to talk to you about it?”

“Yeah-”

“And what did she say?”

“I-I didn’t really give her a chance to talk about it fully but…she said something about how I didn’t do anything wrong, but…”

“But what?”

“I’m her husband, Felix…she probably feels obligated to give herself to me, whether she truly wants to or not.”

“But you won’t know what she wants unless you ask her right?”

And at that, Chan had nothing to say. Felix went in for the kill.

“I’ve seen the way she looks at you – the way she lights up when you walk into a room, the way her eyes follow you around wherever you go.”

At Chan’s disbelieving gaze, Felix merely raised an eyebrow, standing his ground. “It’s obvious to me that she likes you – a lot. So, please…” You watched as Felix’s fingers tightened on Chan’s shoulders, showing just how important he thought this was. “Don’t cheat yourself out of your happiness, hyung - you deserve to be loved.”

And there was nothing you agreed with more, you realized as you watched them walk off together, Felix’s arms wrapped around his brother.

Chan deserved your love, and you deserved his - and you weren’t going to back off any longer. This was your chance, your opportunity to show Chan that his fears were unfounded – that you cared for him, that you wanted him around – that you wanted him to be yours and you to be his. If there was ever a time for you to sit up and take some initiative – it was now.

You set your plan in motion for the very next morning. Chan was a creature of habit, and you knew that he typically took breakfast by himself in his solar before his meetings for the day. It was the perfect opportunity to get uninterrupted time with him, time where you could finally sit down and have it out with him.

Of course, that was much easier said than done. You spent most of the night tossing and turning and woke up a full two hours in advance of breakfast, spending the entire time agonizing over what to say, how to say it, what to wear, what to do when you finally saw him.

All the fretting was helpful in a way. By the time you were outside the room, ready to knock on the door, you’d spent up your nervous energy, and you felt your mind clearing. You could do this. And you were going to do this. For Chan.

Chan was already at the table when you walked in, swallowed up in a cozy couch while working through his daily reports. Giving him a quick once-over before he caught sight of you, you smiled to yourself – Chan had clearly rolled out of bed mere minutes ago. He’d tucked his nightshirt, clearly wrinkled from a night of tossing and turning of his own, into a random pair of pants, and he kept having to brush his unruly curls out of his eyes as he bent over the parchment.

“You’re very early today, Seung-” Lifting his head to see, Chan froze at the sight of you in the doorway, hastily scrambling to his feet.

“My lady…” he trailed off, momentarily at a loss for what to do. But Felix’s words had clearly left their mark on him, and you watched as newfound resolve washed over him, straightening his shoulders out and lifting his gaze to yours. “Welcome,” he matched your smile with a careful, hopeful one of his own, before gesturing to the chair next to him.

As you both sat down at the table, Chan guiltily raked his fingers through his messy hair. “I’m sorry that I look like such a mess,” he admitted sheepishly. “I’m terrible at waking up in the morning, so I never get ready in time for breakfast.”

“I see you dressed up all the time,” you blurted out. “So actually…it’s really n-nice to see you like this.” Your cheeks were burning in self-consciousness - but the look of surprised happiness, of renewed confidence on Chan’s face was reward enough for you to be even more bold.

“My lord, I - I’m here because I overheard your conversation with Felix yesterday.”

You watched apprehensively as Chan stiffened the slightest bit at your words - but you knew you needed to do this.

“I can see why you might have thought the way that you did, but…everything you did that day, I wanted. You didn’t force yourself on me, you didn’t misuse me, and-” You seized his hands in one of yours and let the other smooth over his fiery curls, looking deep into his eyes. “You’re not a monster. The way you handled the war, the way you treated Jeongin, the way you look after everyone here…everything that you’ve done for me…” You ended in a near whisper, pausing to keep your voice from quavering. “I’d never thought that I’d have a husband who’d treat me as kindly as you have, with as much respect, as much care - I didn’t even let myself dream of a husband who’d let me work with my herbs. My lord, you…you’re everything I could have ever wanted.”

By the end of your little speech, Chan’s eyes were shining, brimming with barely controlled emotion. Slowly, hesitantly, almost as if he were handling a forbidden treasure, he lifted his hand to your face, thumb tracing gentle circles over the soft skin of your cheek. You leaned into his palm, reveling in the touch that you’d longed for for so long, and words spilled past your lips unbidden.

“I’m sorry - I should have cleared this up a long time ago, but I convinced myself that you didn’t want me…that you didn’t care for me the way I’d started to care for you.”

His fingers stilled. Chan’s head snapped up abruptly, eyes wide in surprise.

“What?” His voice came out in a whisper, in disbelief. Now that it was out in the open, you met him straight on, lips upturned in a gentle smile.

“Yes,” you confirmed. “I don’t know exactly when or how it happened, but I - I like you. I like you a lot,” you said with a little, embarrassed giggle. You might even love him a little, you thought to yourself - but there were some things you still wanted to keep close to your heart for now.

Chan was utterly still for a second, just looking at you with those warm, brown pools of light that were his eyes. You let yourself just look back, staying calm and confident, just wanting to show him how serious, how sincere you were.

When he spoke again, his voice was gruff, husky with emotion. “Come here, pet,” he murmured, reaching an arm out for you. Your heart soared as you let him tug you out of your chair, easily pulling you over to his couch. You squeezed in next to him - and immediately took a deep breath. While the couch was roomy for one, it was definitely a bit tight for two - you were fully pushed up into Chan, half on his lap; his hard, muscular form pressing into you delightfully as he held you against him; the pale V of skin exposed by his nightshirt mere inches away from your lips.

Chan took a moment to just take you in, running his palms over your arms, your back with a featherlight touch, as if he were just confirming that you were real, that you were indeed here. His touch lulled you into a pleasant haze, eyes half-closed, when he softly started speaking.

“Did you know, love, that I wanted you even before I first saw you?” Now, it was your turn to be surprised, but Chan laughed off your look of confusion. “I first heard the rumors about you when we started out on our campaign – the fiercely intelligent, bold princess of the East, who could set bones and run a kingdom, all in one breath. And I just remember thinking to myself – a woman like that, a woman exactly like that is who I want to be my Lady. And then, when I saw you running around on those ramparts, working day and night to take care of your men…” He trailed off, sliding his hand up to cup, caress your cheek. “That might have been the first time I realized I never wanted to take my eyes off you.”

You felt your cheeks starting to burn, that shyness you always felt around him rearing its head.

“I know I messed things up-” he laid a hand on your arm even before you opened your mouth, anticipating your protest. “I might not have hurt you, pet, but I did mess things up by making the assumptions I did and not talking to you about it. Felix showed me that yesterday, and what you’ve told me today just confirms it - I should have taken better care of you, and I shouldn’t have left you to be so alone these past weeks. I’m sorry, love, I’m sorry too.”

And, watching you carefully, making sure you were okay with what he was doing, he slowly leaned in to seal his apology with a gentle, tender kiss, one that sent warmth spiraling through your body - that made you feel whole, complete in the ways you’d been lacking since you first experienced what it was like to be in your husband’s arms.

But the two of you were clearly hungry for more, having been starved of contact for so long. The kiss soon started to devolve, quickly morphing from something purely affectionate to something more…charged. You moaned as Chan’s lips started nibbling at yours, demanding entrance that you were all too happy to grant. His hands had just started to migrate south, inching towards the source of your pain and pleasure and ache, when…

“Breakfast, sire!” A heavy knock sounded from outside the door, followed by the low murmur of voices gathering. You let out an involuntary whine as you realized your alone time was up, Chan’s entourage of servants waiting outside to serve him.

“We never have good timing, do we?” In contrast to you, Chan looked rather amused, the barest hint of a smirk on his face as he took in the sight of your swollen lips, of your thighs clenching together hopelessly in search of relief.

“Just a second!” He called out, before turning his attention back to you. “Tonight,” he whispered, the intensity of his gaze only worsening the ache between your legs, before softly pressing his lips in a placating kiss to your forehead. “You’ll be mine tonight.”

And with that, he gracefully deposited you back in your chair and called for the servants, forcing you to snap out of your daze.

Tonight. You couldn’t wait.

The two of you spent the rest of the morning together, working side-by-side in amiable, affectionate companionship. Ignoring the curious glances from his staff, Chan had settled you in with a massive plate of food and a small stack of papers of your own, saying that he wanted your advice on requests related to medical supplies and budgets. You smiled inwardly as you bent over your work, surreptitiously inching your chair closer and closer to Chan’s; you could see yourself starting every day like this - you and your husband, side by side.

“Mhmm, just what I need…”

You’d just gotten up to snag seconds from the sideboard - after all, keeping your hands off your husband was hard work - and glanced back over to see a servant bringing Chan tea. At first, you didn’t think too much of it - it seemed like the poor man was just sick, sweaty maybe from a light fever. However, something, some odd feeling that something was off about the situation, made you take a second look at him.

That was when you noticed it. The red rash speckling across his hands, marring his right hand especially. His fingers were starting to blanch white, and he was clenching and unclenching them sluggishly - as if they were falling asleep, starting to loose all sensation.

Your worst fears were confirmed when you saw, just barely clinging to the back of his tunic, a stray flower petal, colored that beautiful, distinctive shade of vivid blue-purple – wolfsbane.

Your blood turned to ice.

Someone was trying to poison your husband.

A cold sweat broke out on your forehead, your heart starting to race with adrenaline. Seeing that Chan was engrossed in his reading and not reaching for the tea just yet, you urgently took stock of everyone in the room. You knew you could trust Changbin and Seungmin, but there was no way you could inform them in time without potentially tipping off the conspirators. There were half a dozen servants milling around the room, and you had absolutely no idea who was in on the plot or not.

You had to act, and you had to act quickly.

Chan started to blindly grope around for the teacup, still immersed in his reading. Trying to be as nonchalant, as natural as possible, you slowly ran your fingers over his outreached hand. As his eyes snapped to you in surprise, you leaned in, stage-whispering breathily into his ear.

“Let me serve you your tea, my lord.”

Snatching the cup out of his reach, you tried to unobtrusively pinch him, trying your best to signal with your eyes that something was up. After blinking for a second in confusion, Chan seemed to understand that you were up to something; he relaxed into his role, painting a lascivious smirk on his face and lounging back in his chair as he watched you sashay over to him.

Taking a deep breath, you draped yourself over his lap. Swirling the cup of tea in your left hand carefully – you were determined to keep Chan from touching even a drop of the poison – you leaned into his chest. As you brought your lips to his ear, Chan wrapped an arm around you to pull you close, hand smoothing along your side, temptingly close to your breast. In any other circumstance, you were sure you would have been putty in his hands. With the gravity of the current situation however – you were only focused on one thing.

“My lord,” you whispered. “Can you look over my shoulder and watch the servants carefully for a second? See if any of them react to what I do next.”

Confusion swirling in his eyes, Chan softly nodded his agreement – and if your blood wasn’t already starting to run cold from what you were about to do, you would have found his trust in you heartwarming.

Indulging in the sight of your husband for just a second longer, you forced yourself to turn away from him, steeling yourself to your task.

Bringing the cup of tea to your lips, you downed its contents in one, dramatic gulp.

At the sound of gasps behind you, Chan’s eyes widened. As he put everything together, eyes flitting back and forth between you and the servants, you watched the blood drain out of his face.

“What have you done?” Chan’s fingers dug into your flesh, almost to the point of breaking skin; horror and anger and desperate fear all warring in his eyes as he shook you. “What the fuck have you done?”

Without even waiting for a response, Chan sprung into action. Sweeping you up into his arms, he roared at Changbin and the other guards to seize the guilty servants – “Throw them into the dungeons; I’ll deal with them later myself” – before rushing out the door, breaking into a near run as he beelined for Gaius’ chambers.

“Why…why would you do that?” Chan couldn’t meet your eyes, staring fixedly, almost blankly ahead as he rushed through the hallways. The slight tremble to his lip, however, and the haunted, stricken look in his eyes gave him away. “I’m a goddamn fool – I robbed us of so much time – and now…” he trailed off, unable and unwilling to finish the thought.

You needed to conserve your strength – you knew that was imperative, if you wanted any chance of surviving the struggle you were about to be facing. But you desperately wanted to reassure your husband, to take away his pain in some way. Your arms were beginning to feel weak, but you had the energy to loop them loosely around Chan’s neck, surprising him into staring down at you.

“I’ll be okay, my lord…” you eked out as you buried your head into his neck, lips and tongue ever so slowly starting to go numb.

“You will.” The heat in Chan’s voice startled you into looking up at him, a newfound fire blazing in his eyes. “I refuse to let anything happen to you, love – I promise.”

You arrived at the workshop to find Gaius strangely, conspicuously absent – but he had left you a miraculous present in his place. When Chan set you down at your bench, you were stunned to find everything you could have needed – charcoal powder, the belladonna and foxglove he’d had you prepare, magnesium salts, even fresh water – all readily laid out for you. While Gaius himself was gone, he’d somehow anticipated exactly what would happen…but you didn’t have time to dwell on that now.

Grabbing an empty bucket, you forced your fingers down your throat, trying to make yourself gag. When you finally succeeded, the reaction was violent; you fell to your knees as you retched up everything that you’d had to eat that day and more.

Warm fingers brushed through your hair, holding it back out of your face. Chan. With soft murmurs of apology and concern, he bodily supported you until the spasms had passed and watched on intently as, with all the energy you could muster, you rushed to mix some charcoal powder with water and down it as fast as you could.

Once you were done, you sighed in relief. “That…will help.” Talking was becoming more and more difficult as time passed, and you could feel yourself getting weaker and weaker. While you had everything that could help you in front of you, you couldn’t do it on your own; you needed someone to nurse you, watch over like a baby for the next several hours – if you even made it that long.

“I’m glad.” You felt Chan’s warm, strong arms surrounding you from behind, willingly supporting your weight as you sank into him. “Here,” Chan closed your hands around two objects: a piece of parchment and a quill. “Write down what I need to do to take care of you – I’ll be here for as long as you need, love.” He pressed a soft kiss to the side of your head, and your heart still fluttered, weakly, at the casual, loving affection you’d craved for so long.

With increasingly shaky handwriting, you wrote down basic instructions for him: keep you regularly drinking water; for every few glasses of regular water, give you a glass of magnesium water; every hour, give you a glass of charcoal water; check your three pulse points regularly, and if they were weak or slow, give you a little belladonna; and, if your heart started beating erratically – give you the foxglove and pray.

It was a lot, especially for someone who’d only ever been in an infirmary as a patient before. But – this was Chan.

With the intensity and energy blazing in his eyes as you did your best to teach him – you knew there was no one else who you could trust more to save you.

The next several hours were a daze of pain, discomfort and exhaustion, your mind slipping in and out of awareness. The one constant, the one presence that you felt with you the whole time, however – was Chan.

Wiping away your sweat and tears with soft, cool cloths. Carrying you back and forth without complaint to the garderobe. Religiously taking your pulses and listening to your heart, just how you’d showed him. Coaxing you so gently, so patiently to drink your water and take your medicine. Cuddling you in his arms, rocking you back and forth and rubbing soothing circles into your back.

Through your delirium, you thought you picked up on snatches of different voices conversing with Chan: Felix’s slow, low tones; Changbin’s raspy, quick bursts; and Seungmin’s measured, steady words. It seemed that Chan had been running his investigation of the incident from the infirmary, resting in a cot with you held tightly against his chest.

It was during one such conversation that you woke up, feeling the most lucid that you had until now. Still, you kept your eyes closed and squirmed back into Chan, not wanting to lose the peace of resting in his arms.

“How is she doing?” It was Felix this time, his voice pitched low to keep from potentially disturbing you.

Chan brought his hand up to your head, softly smoothing his fingers over your tangled hair. “I think she’s doing a lot better. She hasn’t thrown up in a long while now, and her heartbeat seems a lot steadier.”

He leaned his head down on yours, taking a deep breath. When he finally spoke, undercurrents of barely suppressed emotions swirled plainly in his voice. “I was really worried there for a while, Lix. In the beginning, she was having such an awful time that…I seriously thought I was going to lose her.”

You heard Felix shuffle closer to the cot, a dip in the mattress suggesting he’d sat down next to Chan. “Well, looks like we thankfully don’t have to worry about that anymore…” Felix trailed off with a humph, shoving himself off the bed. “And you don’t need to worry about your bullshit idea that she hates you anymore.”

Chan let out a rueful chuckle. “You guys are never going to let me live that down, are you?”

“No, and for good reason.” You heard the sound of footsteps as Felix started walking away, but he soon came to a stop again.

“Take good care of her, hyung – and of yourself.”

As the sound of Felix’s steps grew fainter and fainter, you felt your husband’s arms wrap around your shoulders in a solid hug. “I know you’re up, love,” Chan pressed a tender kiss to your forehead, letting out a soft, fond laugh. “I’ve been watching over you for so long, I feel like I can do a better job of telling when you’re awake than you can right now.”

You reluctantly cracked an eye open, peeved at being caught. Scrunching your face and fists up in a massive yawn, you didn’t see how Chan was looking down at you, like you were the most adorable little thing in the world.

“How are you feeling, babygirl?”

“A lot better.” You smiled up at him with soft eyes, enjoying the view of your husband from up close like this.

Chan looked down at you hopefully. “Do you think it’s over then?”

“Yes,” you confirmed, grinning at the bright smile on Chan’s face, his dimples out in full force. “Feeling better means the poison’s out of my system now, thankfully. It’ll probably take me a while to get my full energy back, of course, but…” You heaved yourself up enough to bury your head into his neck, curling your fingers into his shirt; your husband was finally giving you cuddles and affection, and you were going to milk it for all its worth.

“You don’t have to worry about me dying on you anymore.”

Chan said nothing in response to that, just choosing to pull you in tighter to his chest.

As the blanket covering the two of you dropped to your waists, you noticed to your surprise that Chan was still wearing his night clothes, the same outfit he’d had on at breakfast.

“Wait…how long was I out for?”

“It’s almost dark now, so…most of the day.”

“And you haven’t changed? You didn’t leave at all?” You’d been sure that you’d just dreamed up some of what you’d remembered up in your deliriousness, fixating on Chan’s scent and seeing him instead of someone else. But…

“Pretty much, yeah,” Chan admitted with a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his neck. “I mean, I got up a few times to use the bathroom, and Min brought me a bite to eat so I got out of bed for that, but otherwise…I was here the whole time.”

He loved you. The way he’d taken care of you; the way he was holding you against him; the way he looked at you, his heart laid bare in his eyes – you wondered how you could have been oblivious for so long.

You startled him – and yourself – by snatching him up in a fierce hug, crushing yourself into him as powerfully as you can manage.

“Thank you.” Your voice wobbled with effort. “For not giving up. For being so strong. For saving me. Without you, I don’t know if…”

“No.” Chan firmly cut you off, tilting your head up to look him straight in the eyes.

“It was nothing, my love,” his voice cracked a little. “Nothing compared to what you were willing to give up for me.” He dropped his head forward onto your shoulder, burying his head into the curve of your neck – breathing your scent in and reminding himself that you were indeed still there.

“I have so much I need to make up to you, pet.” You shivered at the promise in his voice, his breath dancing along your sensitive skin. “I’m going to spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to you, and it still won’t be enough.”

Cupping your face in his hands, Chan leaned his forehead against yours, just barely brushing his lips to your nose before straightening up. “But for now…get some more rest, okay? You need to recover your strength.” Overwhelmed by emotion – and tired from the talking and shifting around – you nodded, wanting nothing more than to curl up with your husband again. Chan helped slide you down to a comfortable position on his chest, strong hands holding you carefully against him.

You drifted off to the image of warm, limpid brown eyes and a feeling of safety, stability like nothing you’d ever experienced before.

It was only after several days that you found out what had actually happened.

Your marriage had been the breaking point for Chan’s generals, already stretched to their limits with Chan’s penchant for diplomacy and reform, his repeated undermining of their authority and influence. So, they’d hatched a plot that could bring both of you down - murder their lord using poison taken from the herbs in his lady’s garden, setting you perfectly to take the fall for treason. You learned that Gaius had been blackmailed into extracting the poison for them; you realized that he’d known full well that they wouldn’t let him live to spill their secrets, and that was why he’d had you prepare the belladonna and foxglove - as a hint of what was coming, but also as antidotes for you to try and save Chan’s life with. You wept until you couldn’t weep anymore.

You also learned that, for all the warmth and care he’d shown you, Chan had ice-cold metal running through his core. After that first night in the infirmary, Chan wasn’t the same. While the plot and its conspirators were slowly being unraveled, Chan always had a haunted, distracted look in his eyes - like he didn’t deserve to be in your presence, to take you in his arms until he’d avenged the wrong done to you. So when, almost a week after the incident, Chan entered your rooms with his shoulders thrown back, his gaze clear and calm and resolute once again - you knew that he’d exacted his justice, showing everyone exactly what would happen to those who mistook his kindness for weakness. That night, he finally let you pull him into your bed, let you settle against his chest and drift off to sleep, your limbs entwined, bodies curled around one another.

For the rest of your recovery, you never slept alone again. Of course, Chan insisted that the two of you would do nothing but just sleep until you were back in full health – he was Chan after all – but you were satisfied nonetheless. You finally knew what it was like to fall asleep and wake up in your husband’s warm, muscular arms every day – what it felt like to have his plush lips pressing sweet kisses into your sleep-warmed skin, what it felt like to run your fingers through his glorious crop of curls. You were happy.

A few weeks after the incident, when your loving, only slightly overprotective husband was ready to let you go, you made your jubilant return to public life at the autumn harvest feast. While you hadn’t cared too much either way, your maids had insisted on dolling you up for the event; dressing you in a beautiful new gown that set off your eyes, your hair, all of your assets to great display.

And as you walked down the grand staircase and caught sight of Chan, waiting for you by the door, you were incredibly, profoundly glad that you had listened to them.

While a day didn’t go by where you weren’t mesmerized by your husband, you found that he looked absolutely lethal tonight: tight, molded leather pants, and a short black silk robe with gold detailing, tied just loosely enough to leave wide swathes of pale skin open for your perusal; his fiery hair parted to the side, smoothed up and off his forehead, smoky eyes regarding you with the lightest touch of fire in his gaze as you came up to his side, ready to enter the hall.

“You look breathtaking,” he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead before taking your arm in his.

“I think that’s my line, my lord,” you giggled. “You’re lighting my very heart on fire,” you quipped, tugging at a lock of his hair with a sheepish grin on your face. But the flush on Chan’s cheeks, the wide curve of his lips as he beamed down at you - you didn’t mind a little humiliation if that was your reward.

The feast was the most enjoyable evening you’d ever had in your life. The food, the music, the company - with Felix and Seungmin at your side, you laughed more than you’d laughed in years. But best of all was Chan’s strong arm wrapped around your waist, tucking you safely, warmly into his side. The heat suffusing your cheeks was basically permanent at this point.

As the sips of honeyed wine you’d taken kicked in, you relaxed even more into Chan’s side, dropping your head onto his shoulder. You looked around, taking in the sights of all the laughing, smiling, merry faces around you. In a way, it almost felt as if this were your wedding feast. It fit perfectly - you as the giddy, blushing bride; Chan as the loving, doting groom; and everyone around you celebrating your union, making merry over the good fortune in front of them. And in that vein…maybe tonight would be the night that you would truly become a wife.

Suddenly, the way your husband was pressed against your body - the feeling of Chan’s warm hand curled around your hip, his bulk pressing firmly into your side - took on a new meaning. Moisture began to pool between your thighs, and you began to shift uncomfortably in your seat as the barest hints of a desperate, profound ache settled in the pit of your belly. You wanted him - you wanted Chan more than anything you could imagine, and you had no idea how you were supposed to last for the rest of the evening in a state like this.

However, you didn’t count on your husband’s observation skills. You jumped as the arm wrapped around your body tightened, and Chan himself leaned in to whisper in your ear.

“You never can hide it, can you, pet?” It was all you could do to hold back a gasp at the heat of his breath against your ear, at the feeling of his fingers dancing teasingly over the sensitive flesh of your hip. “Sitting there worrying your lip, rubbing your legs together like that’s going to do anything,” he drawled, your mind going blank at the teasing lilt coloring his words. You turned your head to look at him and almost wished you hadn’t - the arch of his eyebrow, the slow, sinful curve of his lips only sent another wave of desire rippling through you.

You couldn’t take it anymore.

“Can we…can we please leave?”

Chan’s smile turned positively predatory.

“Anything for you, my love.”

Smoothly, with effortless poise, Chan pulled you to your feet and made your excuses, giving the two of you the chance to escape with nary a soul the wiser. You’d barely shut the two of you into his rooms before he pounced.

“Needy baby,” Chan murmured, backing you into the door until you could feel every inch of his warmth pressed up into your front. “You want me that bad, hmm?”

“So much,” you squeezed out, shivering as Chan’s lips brushed the softness of your earlobe, tongue darting out to trace the delicate shell of your ear, before moving to your cheek, your forehead. Ignoring the wood digging into your back, you wrapped your arms around him, holding him to you so tightly that you imagined the two of you could almost melt into one. It felt so right to be in his embrace like this - so warm, so loving - that you felt your shyness melting away. This man was yours - and you were his.

“Chan,” you whispered, your husband’s gaze turning molten as he heard his name on your lips for the first time. “Please.”

And with that, his lips crashed down onto yours. Heat exploded throughout your body, making your very toes curl with pleasure as Chan tasted his fill of you, hands sliding up your throat to hold your head still for him as his mouth ravaged yours. Your hands, finally granted the freedom to explore, roved wildly over his body, mapping out the dips and valleys of hard muscle and soft skin that you’d craved to touch for so long. As your fingernails dragged against the taut muscles of his abs, Chan groaned into your mouth, pulling his lips away with difficulty.

“We didn’t wait this long just for me to fuck you against a door, pet,” he rasped out. “And that’s exactly what’s going to happen if you keep teasing me like that.”

Sparks shot straight to your core - and you found yourself aching to see what would happen if you pushed him even more. So, keeping your eyes wide and innocent, gaze fixed on Chan’s, you let your hands wander further back, drifting lower until your fingers found the tempting swell of his ass - and squeezed.

“Minx,” he hissed, eyes narrowing playfully. And suddenly, you felt the ground falling away from under your feet as Chan snatched you up in his arms, walking the few steps to the bed before tossing you on. You were still bouncing from the impact of the landing when he crawled onto the mattress, caging you under him as his lips descended on yours, fingers entangling themselves into the ties of your bodice. Eagerly, with soft kisses and moans and words of praise, the two of you worked each other out of your clothing, sending garments flying from the bed until your bodies finally met, skin-to-skin, flush against one another for the very first time. Your eyes fluttered shut, overcome by just how warm, how sinfully good Chan felt against your body.

Soft lips brushed your forehead, then your cheeks. “How are you feeling?” You opened your eyes to find Chan looking down at you, his hair tousled, cheeks ruddy with the first hints of a blush, and eyes glowing - clearly just as enraptured as you were.

“Blissful,” you murmured, lifting your hand up to thumb at Chan’s cheek - before arching an eyebrow at him. “And a little impatient.”

Chan blinked for a second, then threw his head back in a delighted laugh. “I should have known,” he mused, gaze sharpening as he let the toughened skin of his palms drag up your torso, goosebumps trailing in their wake. You gasped as he cupped your breasts, squeezing the soft flesh with just the right level of roughness.

“I’m sorry I’m not doing enough for you, sweetheart,” he teased darkly, lips curving into a smirk as he watched you squirm under his hands, mewling as his fingers moved to tweak your nipples. “Let me make it up to you now, hmm?”

And in one easy, fluid motion, he flipped you onto your stomach, keeping you prone and flat against the bed as he positioned himself on top of you. “I want you to relax for me,” he whispered into your ear. “Just close your eyes and let me take care of you, okay?” With your head buried in the pillows, eyes squeezed shut, you let yourself embrace the darkness - for your senses were now purely reduced to him. The weight of his body pressing you down into the mattress. The scent of his musky perfume enveloping you, the sound of his voice murmuring into your ear. You were his - and he was all you knew.

So, you nodded yes.

Nuzzling into the crook of your neck, Chan twisted his hand into your hair, gathering it out of the way with delicious pressure on your scalp, before laving his tongue over the soft skin under your ear, grazing the tender flesh with just a hint of teeth. Your hands fisted into the sheets as you cried out in sensitivity, overwhelmed at the sensation.

As he continued to suckle dark, tender bruises into your neck, his free hand roamed your body, mapping out all of the spots that made you shiver and whimper - the undersides of your breasts, the dip of your waist, the crease where your bottom meets your thigh. You moaned as he palmed the flesh of your ass, dancing dangerously close to your now leaking core. And when his fingers finally found your folds…

“Fuck, babygirl…you’re so wet,” he purred. “I could probably just slip right in like this, don’t you think?”

You could feel the bulbous head of his cock teasing your entrance, and you clenched at the thought of how well it would fill you up, how good it would make you feel.

And as if that wasn’t enough, he slowly started to grind his hips into yours, his hardening length catching on your folds in the most maddening way.

“Chan,” you whispered. “P-please…,” you choked out, frantic for something. Some pressure, some friction, anything to take the edge off at least even a little.

“Hmm?” He leaned his head back into the crook of your necks, so close that you could feel his lips moving against the shell of your ear. “Did you need something, sweetheart?”

You could feel him smirking against your skin, so pleased with himself. Smug bastard. But you were desperate – and you weren’t above begging at this point.

“Fingers, Chan…please, I need something,” you moaned.

Once again, you found yourself flipped over. But this time, your husband was looming over you, eyes dark and dangerous. “My angel just needs something to fill her up, doesn’t she?” And you let your head fall back, groaning in pleasure, as you felt not just one, but two fingers slotting into your entrance.

You’d been ready for it to burn, hurt even - but you were so aroused, so desperate for relief that his fingers slid right into you, your walls sucking them in as Chan scissored you open.

“Good girl,” Chan hissed. “Taking my fingers so well, like you were made for me.”

“Because I was,” you whispered. “Because I’m yours, Chan…please, make me yours.”

Chan’s fingers stilled, sliding out of you as he looked down at you with an unreadable expression. But then – in the span of a millisecond – he’d caught your lips up in a searing, toe-curling kiss, one that you knew you’d never forget as long as you lived.

“There’s nothing else in the world that I want to do more, my love,” he breathed back, voice thick with emotion. And as he settled his hips in the cradle of yours; as he pressed into you, filling you up with one powerful, breathtaking push – you felt a sense of completeness, of rightness that settled in all the way down to your bones.

You were already far gone from his previous ministrations, from the sensuality, the emotion of it all. So, with just a few well-placed thrusts, the weight of his pelvis grinding down with delicious friction onto your clit, you felt yourself climbing and climbing higher, could feel that cord twisting tighter, just about to snap – and when it did, you felt a veritable wave of pleasure crash over you, sending warmth furling through your body from head to toe. Slowing down to let you ride out your peak, Chan cursed, mouth dropping open in a moan as your walls clamped down on his length, their rhythmic pulsing driving him nearly to distraction.

“I’m a goddamn fool,” he rasped out, watching with hungry eyes as you trembled at the touch of his fingertips, tracing softly over your oversensitive clit. “Imagine – I could have had you like this every night, every morning, every spare moment I could get my hands on you, love.”

You groaned weakly, futilely trying to meet Chan’s thrusts - your sensitivity be damned - but he pinned your hips down. “It’s okay, babygirl,” he cooed. “Just let me do all the work, okay?”

And work he did - Chan drove into you with powerful, deep strokes, your breasts bouncing almost painfully from the force of his thrusts. You couldn’t hear anything over the sound of your heart beating in your ears and the slap of skin on skin as your husband claimed your body, took you as his. In your hazy, fucked-out state, you couldn’t focus on anything but him - how gorgeous, how beautiful he looked above you: lips swollen, bruised from your kisses; sweat beading on his forehead; veins popping and muscles tense as he exerted himself.

“Y-you’re doing so well for me,” he stuttered out, hands roughly dragging over your body. You could tell he was approaching his own high from the way he was biting at his lip, eyes screwed up in concentration. So, you dragged your nails over his skin again, feeling his abs contracting in response, and with the little strength you had left in you, clenched down on his length.

That was enough to tip Chan over the edge. With one final, harsh thrust and the wildest moan you’d ever heard from him, he exploded - his dick throbbing in you as hot, thick cum flooded your pussy, your walls fluttering weakly in response. You cradled him into your neck as he collapsed onto you, drained but satiated.

Of course, Chan being Chan, he only let himself catch his breath for a few seconds. Shoving himself up out of your arms, he carefully pulled out of you before standing up, grabbing a discarded blanket to tie around himself as a makeshift sarong. Leaning back down over you, he pressed a soft kiss to your forehead. “Try to relax, love - I’ll be right back,” he murmured, brushing a few loose strands of hair off your forehead, before venturing out.

You had absolutely no idea how he managed it so quickly at this odd of an hour, but Chan was soon back with a bowl of warm, fragrant water and a fresh towel. He swiftly cleaned you and himself up with careful hands and soft apologies every time he grazed an area that was a little too sensitive. But your winces of discomfort, the burgeoning soreness between your legs were all forgotten when he slid under the covers with you once again, body bare and warm against yours. The two of you laid there snug in each other’s arms, legs entangled, in a comfortable, cozy silence. You were almost about to drift off, lulled to sleep by the rhythm of Chan’s heart, when he suddenly spoke up.

“I…I wasn’t too rough with you again, right?” While his voice remained calm, heartbeat still steady under your ear, you looked up to find hints of vulnerability flickering in his gaze.

“I enjoyed every second of it,” you smiled up at him, letting your hand drift up to smooth over his head. “Besides, I like it when you…do all of that. Use me like that.” You felt yourself start to flush, heat rising to your cheeks. “It feels really good.”

The corner of his mouth quirked up, relief and amusement shining from his eyes. “I’ll keep that in mind.” In one confident motion, his hand slid down the curve of your back, giving your ass an experimental, possessive smack; at your answering moan, the automatic thrust of your hips into his, he broke into a full on grin, laughing and pulling you even more tightly into his arms. For a second, he just held you against him. Then -

“I love you.” His voice was quiet, but resolute. And this time, you could feel his heart pounding just a little faster.

You wriggled up his body, planting yourself right at face level - eye to eye, lips to lips. You tenderly cupped his face in your hands, watching as his eyes fluttered shut for just a second before opening again, looking back at you with clear, unguarded eyes.

“I love you too,” you whispered back, lips trembling the slightest bit with emotion. And this time, when your lips met his - you knew you were home.

Fin.

5K notes · View notes

lubdubsworld · 3 years

Text

A Tale Untold. ( Jungkook x Oc)

Historical Au! General Jungkook! x Princess Oc!

Warnings : Non con/ Dub con, Manipulation, violence.

Rated 18+

Summary : The King of Elvyra is proud of his empire and of his perfect family. But the truth behind his ascension, is a tale that remains untold.

“The palace is so beautifully maintained your Majesty. Truly, such opulent splendor …..” The envoy from the neighboring Kingdom stood slack jawed in the Grand Hall, staring around at the gleaming trophies, mounted shields and gold embossed portraits that decorated the walls.

The brocade curtains had been left open, tied together with silk braided ropes with jeweled hangings, the light from the late afternoon sun setting the whole place aglow. On ornate tables scattered across the large room, stood little treasures and trinkets that had been taken as bounty from successful military campaigns against smaller, weaker Kingdoms.

All of it a testament to the unchallenged power wielded by General Jeon Jungkook, the King of Elvyra. He was not like the other monarchs. He still commanded his army personally despite wearing the title of King.

Jeon Jungkook, who stood to my left, with his arm wrapped around my waist in a possessive grip that was just shy of painful.

“ You must thank my beautiful queen for that, I’m afraid, Sir Cha. She has been much occupied with setting the Hall and the Palace to rights after my ascension, and her efforts have paid off. Have they not, princess?” Jungkook whispered, turning around to brush soft lips against my ear and I felt physically sick.

The last endearment was a sneer. And insult. A reminder of what I was : a captive.

“Yes, my King.” I said softly, keeping my tone level. I wouldn’t dare act up in front of guests, because Jungkook’s punishments would be cruel and merciless. He would keep my sister away from me, or worse, he would forbid me from spending time with our oldest son.

Jihwan was only seven, but already he was being trained as the heir, spending hours on the training fields with his father and it took endless hours of begging and servicing Jungkook in his bed and out of it, for me to be allowed a scant few hours with the boy.

Jungkook drilled into his head the importance of power, the need to instill fear in his subordinates, raising him to be just as ruthless and cruel as he himself was and I had only those few stolen hours to speak to my son about the values that I had grown up with. My heart ached when I remembered the kind of monarch my own father had been : a kind, gentle man who loved his Kingdom. And my elder brother had been raised with morals , compassion and justice in his veins, only for Jeon Jungkook and his barbaric army to invade our home and destroy it all.

“Your beauty outshines all of this, my Queen.” A man simpered next to me and Jungkook’s eyes narrowed at him. I swallowed. Jungkook didn’t like others looking at what was his.

“The story of your ascension to the throne here, we would love to hear of it.” One of the women said and my breath caught in my lungs, Memories flooded my head, traumatizing and painful. My skin went hot and then icy cold and my husband laughed next to me.

“It was quite simple. I was offered the throne and the lovely daughter of the Kingdom, in return for saving them from ruin, was it not, my dear?”

Liar.

“I.. Yes.”

“Ruin? Was your kingdom is trouble, my Queen?” the woman asked.

~~~~~~

No. We were rich and thriving. Everyone was treated equal here. My parents ruled with a heart of gold and everyone was well fed and joyful. We held festivals every month, celebrated life and never deemed ill will to anyone else. We loved each other. The commonfolk dined with the royals in the courtyards and the King himself drank at the cavern down in the village. The oldest prince, my brother, he played with the boys in the village, taught them how to wield the sword and the bow and arrow and my sister and I… we spent our days in the meadows…. Making daisy chains and stealing kisses from the stable boys.

~~~~~

“ They were in desperate need of firm leadership. My father in law, may he rest in peace….he had a weak heart that gave out soon after our alliance. Her brother followed soon after leaving me no choice but to take over.” Jungkook’s voice held a note of genuine sympathy and I felt sick to my stomach.

~~~~~~~~

The sight of my father, kneeling in front of his throne, shackled and in chains. My mother on her knees, begging for mercy and Jungkook’s men held a dagger to her throat. My brother standing in front of me and my sister, arms spread wide as he stared right at General Jeon, refusing to kneel.

“What you’re doing goes against every law on earth, Jeon. The moment you attack a foe when he has his back turned you reveal yourself to be a coward.”

And Jungkook had laughed, loud and uncaring.

“And if I stab him through the heart when he’s right in front of me? What does that reveal?”

It had happened in a flash, the quick movement of his wrist, the flash of silver as he drew his weapon and then the sickening squelch of the blade as it sunk through skin and flesh. The hot wetness of my brother’s blood as it splattered all over my face, the dawning horror as I realized that he had run the sword right through my brother’s heart and the endless screams from my mother and sister as my brother died right in front of our eyes.

I had stood there, too stunned to scream watching the boy who had taught me how to walk bleeding to death in front of me and when I had looked up, Jungkook’s eyes had been trained on mine.

“Bring her here” He had said firmly, pointing right at me and my entire world had exploded in agony. I screamed in protest as his men grabbed me by the arm, yanking me forward with such force that my legs gave out, dragging over the rough stone floors as they pulled me to stand in front of the man who had invaded our home without remorse.

“General Jeon….” My father’s voice came from behind me , soft and yet firm. I could hear the grief and pain in the syllables, and I wondered how much my father must be aching at this moment. He had loved my brother with his whole heart “ We’ve offered to surrender, offered you the throne. Please. Spare my daughters and my wife. There is a summer palace at the edge of the kingdom . We will retire there and live our lives out in exile. Please… don’t hurt them. They are too young to understand what you’re doing.”

One of the men standing next to Jungkook stepped forward and I glanced at him, my eyes widening when I saw his face. He looked like an angel, pristine and flawless. And his gaze was trained on my sister . I felt my heart began to pound as he began making his way over to her.

“No!! No… Aline!!” I screamed and Jungkook’s hand shot out gripping my jaw and forcing my mouth closed.

“Hold your tongue, woman.” He whispered. “ My patience wears thin.” He glanced at my father and the smirk on his face grew bigger. “ I think that would be such a pity, your highness. A face like your daughter’s … it doesn’t belong in exile. It belongs on the throne…. does it not, princess?”

“Your daughters are beautiful , majesty. They deserve to have handsome, brave husbands, do they not?” the man who had gone to my sister called out, his fingers curled around her arm as he dragged her to the front and I felt my heart crack in two as Aline burst into loud, miserable tears.

“Lulu…. Lulu make him stop… tell him to let me go…” She whimpered , punching fruitless against the soldier’s armored chest and the man seemed amused as he stared at her.

“Please…she’s too young…” I begged, staring at Jungkook beseechingly. “ She’s only sixteen summers old… Please don’t hurt her…”

“Sixteen isn’t a child. She is old enough to bear one herself.” The man holding her snapped angrily and I stiffened.

“A fair enough point, Taehyung- ah…” Jungkook laughed “ but we’re not barbarians. Let her go for now.”

“What?” Taehyung growled. “ No. I want her. Jungkook I’ve never taken anything from any of the countless kingdoms we’ve ravaged but I want her.” He shook my sister like she was ragged doll and Aline looked catatonic with terror.

“Please , let her go, she’s shaking…” I begged , trying to yank my arms away from the men holding me and Jungkook growled.

“Shut your mouth or your father dies.” He snarled and I was too stricken, too distracted to register what he had said, too focused on my baby sister to listen.

“please Jungkook, don’t do this… She’s young and she’s scared….”

Jungkook’s snarl of rage made me go white as a sheet and I watched in horror as he pointed straight at my father with the sword that still dripped with my brother’s life blood.

“ Get rid of the old fool.” He roared and my heart ripped straight in two.

“NO!!!!!!!”

My loud cry did nothing to deter the men holding my father who showed not a moment of hesitation, raising their sword.

“Remember who you are, Iseul!!” My father said loudly and I turned my face away, closing my eyes as the sickening sound of the blade coming down rang through the place, my mother’s howl of agony following shortly after. I stared at the floor, going limp in the arms of the men holding me up, my body numb and throbbing in disbelief.

“Now look what you made me do.” Jungkook snapped. “ I was going to let the poor fool live, somewhere in the dungeons with your mother but your complete and utter disregard for my authority….it fills me with rage, Iseul.” He snapped.

I couldn’t breathe, my lungs constricting. They were dead. My father and brother, the only two men who had protected me and my sister all our lives, they were both dead. This man. No, not a man. A monster.

This cruel, heartless monster had butchered them in front of my eyes.

“Look at me.” He said suddenly, stepping in front of me.

I didn’t respond, keeping my gaze trained on the floor and his hand shot out, gripping my chin and forcing me to look up at him.

“Look at me.” He said firmly. “ Come morning we will be wed. I will be your husband. You will belong to me. You will give me strong heirs and all of your wants and needs will be mine to fulfill. Do you understand what that means, Iseul?” He demanded.

I choked on a sob.

“Jungkook we need to get rid of the bodies. Give them a proper funeral at least.” Another man stepped out of the shadows and Jungkook sighed.

“Yes, hyung. Taehyung-ah… Why don’t we take our new brides to our chambers?” He smirked, “ I could do with some stress relief now that the hard part of this whole thing is done.”

“Took you long enough. Come here my pretty doll…” Taehyung grinned, dragging Aline away and I whimpered, stumbling to try and follow but Jungkook’s arm came around my waist squeezing tight.

“That’s her husband now. Think of it that way and it will hurt less. Your sister is married to a man who will love her , protect her and cherish her. He will give her nice strong children. What more do you want for her?”

I exhaled shakily, turning to him.

“ What do you know of love, you monster?” I whispered.

Jungkook hummed.

“Then how about this, my princess. Let me teach you what I know of pleasure, and you can teach me all about love.”

It was a lesson that I never forgot. A painful, humiliating excruciating lesson in his bed where he stripped of my clothes, my dignity and the last shreds of my honour.

I stared at the ceiling as he lay over me, the large expanse of his chest pinning me to the mattress, the slick drag of his member inside me making me ache and throb, his lips, pressing kisses against my throat.

“you smell like a flower garden, my angel. So pure and precious. Made for me, I see….” He whispered, hips pushing up against mine as he ducked into me with long, rough strokes.

I stayed still staring into nothing and he pinched my nipple, twisting the buds till I whimpered.

“Please…”

“please what?” He whispered, resting his forehead against mine, forcing me to stare into doe eyes that seemed to glitter like the clear sky on a spring night. What a beautiful monster.

“Please stop…” I whispered.

“Stop…” He laughed cruelly. He pulled out fully before slamming back in with more force. Pain lanced up my body. “ Now why would I do that?”

“Hurts…” I whispered, exhausted. My hands lay limp and tired next to my head, throbbing from trying to punch him countless times to no avail.

“Poor little love. It hurts because you aren’t used to it. I will do this often and well and soon, your body will know that I belong inside you. And then you will beg me to make it last longer… not stop.”

I closed my eyes, staring into my mind. Remember who you are? I didn’t even know who I was anymore.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Of course, it was a pity that the royal blood came to an end that way. But some things can’t be helped.” Jungkook said firmly, arm still wrapped around me in a vice like grip. I glanced at the sun as it dipped lower in the sky. Was Jihwan done with the training? I wanted to see him. To hold him and remind myself that there was still some goodness in the world.

“But under your rule, the kingdom has thrived, your Majesty. So it was all for the best.” The man said brightly and Jungkook chuckled.

“That is true. Would you like to view the training grounds now?”

“If, I maybe excused?” I asked softly and Jungkook frowned.

“Is something the matter?”

“I feel a little unwell…” I said softly and the look on his face darkened.

But he didn’t protest, merely dipping his head lightly.

“Jihwan is in the west wing. He’s working on his scribing skills. You may visit him for a while and after our guests retire, I will fetch you from him.”

I bowed respectfully.

“Thank you, my King.”

~~~~~~~~

“Mother!!!” Jihwan’s loud cry rang through the hallway as he came barreling into my arms. I caught him too my chest, eyes stinging because soon he would be too old for me to hug and kiss and caress.

“My darling child, I’ve missed you..” I whispered.

“You saw me last night at dinner…” He laughed.

“And that is entirely too long ago.” I brushed the hair of his face. “ did you eat your meals? Have you been keeping yourself safe?”

He nodded eagerly.

“Auntie Aline and Uncle Tae bought me a new dagger.”

I felt my heart drop. A dagger?

“Darling, please be safe…Is it too sharp?”

“A little. But Uncle Tae told me I’m old enough to learn how to use it to fight.”

I closed my eyes, willing my self not to scream in frustration.

“Alright. But now unless your father is there to watch you, alright?” I whispered.

He nodded.

“Yes, mother. Mother…. “ He hesitated. “ Do Auntie Aline and Uncle Tae love each other?”

I blinked.

“What?”

“She looks so sad, sometimes.”

I bit my lips, willing myself to smile. Unlike me , my sister didn’t know how to put on an act. She had always been a delicate child and the trauma of our parents death and Taehyung’s cruelty had taken a toll on her. She was deeply depressed but her husband didn’t care. All Taehyung cared for was her body and the two sturdy sons she had borne him, a third child on the way.

“Of course darling. You do know, Han and Jiwoo are going to have a younger sibling soon? She must be tired from growing the baby inside her.”

“Will I have a sibling too?” He asked innocently and I opened my mouth to refute the idea when a shadow fell over us.

“Would you like one, my brave little tiger?” Jungkook’s voice rang over us and I stiffened.

“No.” I said swiftly, “ He enjoys having all of mama’s attention, don’t you darling?”

Jihwan wrinkled his nose.

“I don’t know. A little sister would feel nice.”

Jungkook hummed.

“I like the idea of that. If you give me a daughter then we can have her betrothed to Han at birth.” He said casually and I felt sick.

“Jihwan, you must go back to your lessons, now. Your mother and I will see you at dinner.” Jungkook said softly and I flinched when Jungkook gripped my shoulders tugging me away from my boy. Everyday Jihwan looked less and less upset at leaving me and I wondered if one day he would begin welcoming my departure.

Jungkook didn’t say a word, turning me around and leading me gently to the opposite wing, where our bedchamber lay. It was a path I traipsed a million times in the seven years we’d been married and yet, it felt just as unbearable as it had back then.

The sight of the King made the maids and footmen scramble away in a panic and I swallowed as he opened the large engraved doors , prompting me to go in. I stepped in only to have him press against my back at once. I stayed still, letting him untie the strings of my train, before moving to undo the button of my gown. He stopped halfway through.

“This is tedious. Strip for me and get on the bed.”

I didn’t move. What did he want? Surely he wouldn’t be thinking of humoring my son? The idea of bearing more children for him was abhorrent to me. I wanted to cry. But I did as he said, carefully stripping out of all my clothes ,m placing them in a neat pile, on the table nearby before moving to climb into the bed for him. Jungkook moved into sit against the headboard, before grabbing my wrists and pulling me to his lap.

“Look at me.” Jungkook said, once I sat straddling his thick thighs, the curve of my bottom resting against the hardness of his arousal. “ I was right, wasn’t I?”

I stared at him as his hands came up to pinch both of my nipples at the same time, playing with the hardened numbs till I began squirming on his hard length.

“ You were made for this weren’t you? To be my queen and my wife? Such a perfect mother too. I was right to choose you, wasn’t I?”

I stared at him, the handsome face that I wanted to hate., But it was hard. He had given me Jihwan. He had let me keep my sister at arm’s length. He had let my mother live out her years in the palace, although the grief had killed her two years ago. It could be worse, I told myself, lifting and moving to line the tip of his member against my body and sinking down on him. It could be so much worse.

“Fuck…yes. Just like that angel….” He gripped my waist, bucking up into me and my body caved, now used to the intrusion.

“Yes…” I choked out, when his thumb moved to press against my center, rubbing circles.

“I was right….I’m always right . Your body knows I belong inside you.”

He pulled me close, arms a vice around my body and I choked as he fucked into me .

“Say it… “ He demanded and I closed my eyes, sorrow and helplessness welling into tears and brimming over my eyes onto his shoulders and down his back. But Just as I was used to him inside me, Jungkook was used to the tears soaking him whenever we did this.

“Don’t stop.” I breathed.

The King after all was always right.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author's Note : Would you guys like another part? But please tell me what you thought !!

#jungkook smut #bts jungkook #yandere jungkook #yandere smut #bts smut #bts fic #jungkook fics #jungkook #bts scenarios #bts fics #bts fanfic #bts fanfics

377 notes · View notes

pocket-luv101 · 2 years

Text

Summary: Kuro is in an arranged marriage. He visits his fiancé in disguise with the wish to know him before they are forced to marry. (KuroMahi, Historical Romance AU)

Kuro stepped out of the carriage and he looked towards the regal castle in the distance. He would meet his fiancé once he arrived at the castle. The purpose of their marriage was to strengthen both of their kingdoms. He would do what was best for his people. However, a marriage wasn’t something he could easily agree to for political reasons. He wanted to know the type of man his fiancé was at least.

He decided to meet the prince in the disguise of a common messenger for his kingdom. His siblings didn’t agree with his plan due to the danger. Kuro intended to travel to Hanafield with only a few trusted servants because the prince would become suspicious if he saw him with so many knights. He would be defenseless in the event that someone discovered he was a prince and attacked him. He assured his siblings that he would only be visiting the kingdom for a short time.

Kuro had never met his fiancé before and he didn’t know what he looked like. He assumed he would easily be able to know which man he was betrothed to by his appearance. Most nobles he met would drape themselves in jewels and fine clothes. He could only hope that the prince was a kind man who cared for his people. As a prince, Kuro couldn’t hope for a marriage with love.

They stopped a short distance from the castle to allow the horses to drink from the lake. Kuro rubbed his neck and he was reminded of why he disliked travelling long distances. His neck was stiff from sleeping in an uncomfortable position in the carriage. He walked to his horse and he untied it from the harness so it would be more comfortable. He stroked the horse’s mane and said, “I hope we didn’t travel a thousand miles to meet a troublesome prince.”

His horse’s ears suddenly twitched and it trotted forward. Kuro was confused by its behaviour because it had a lazy nature like its rider. The horse would usually rest in the shade unless he was riding it. He wondered what caught the animal’s attention and he trailed behind him. His attendants didn’t notice him leave and he walked deeper into the forest.

The sound of voices grew as he approached the person who caught his horse’s attention. He stepped out of the bushes and saw a group of children standing around a large peach tree. Kuro followed the children’s stares to the man standing on a branch above them. He picked a peach and he called down to the children. “Okay, I have enough for everyone. Do you guys want me to get an extra peach to bring back to your family?”

When Mahiru asked the question, he didn’t expect a horse to respond to him. He felt a light nudge on his feet and he almost slipped from the branch he stood on. Mahiru managed to catch himself and he was relieved he didn’t drop his basket of peaches. He plucked another peach from the tree and then he reached down to feed it to the horse. “Here you go, Boy. Where’s your owner?”

“Sorry, my horse wandered away from my travelling party. He must’ve heard you mention peaches and decided to beg you for some as well. He’s troublesome.” Kuro stepped next to his horse and he looked up at the brunette man. The first thing he noticed about him was his large eyes. He wore simple clothes and he assumed he was a caretaker for the peach trees. “I never knew the royal family’s peach trees grew so close to the castle. You should be careful they don’t see you stealing their peaches.”

“There are so many that it’s impossible to eat or sell all of them in a season. Thinking simply, it’ll be a waste to just leave them so the villagers are free to take peaches from the trees. These children are too short to reach them so I’m picking peaches for them.” Mahiru explained and the children nodded in agreement. “Are you a traveller, Sir? I can point you to the direction of the castle. My name is Mahiru.”

“I’m Kuro and a messenger for Hakucho Island.” He introduced himself with the nickname only his siblings would call him. Kuro was careful not to tell him that he was visiting the kingdom to negotiate an arranged marriage between their kingdoms. While Mahiru appeared to be a simple villager, he didn’t know whether there was someone watching them nearby. He couldn’t risk the chance that someone would try to attack him for information on the potential alliance.

“Hakucho Lake and Hanafield are bordering each other but that must’ve been a long journey for you. Would you like a peach?” Mahiru stood to pick a fruit for him. The horse assumed that he was offering him more food and it excitedly stepped forward. It pressed its head against his ankles and the innocent gesture sent Mahiru falling backwards.

Kuro instinctively jumped forward to save Mahiru before he could crash to the ground and hurt himself. He caught him against his chest but he wasn’t able to stop the momentum of the fall. They both tumbled to the ground and Kuro winced as his feet hit the tree trunk. He landed on his back with Mahiru on his chest. He looked down at him and he appeared to be unhurt.

“Troublesome.” He groaned. “Sorry for my horse.”

“I’m sure he didn’t mean to do anything to hurt us.” As if to agree with him, his horse leaned towards them and nuzzled its nose against his brown hair. The action pressed him closer against his chest. Mahiru reached back and lightly patted its head. Then, he rolled off his chest and he sat next to him. He held out his hand to help Kuro to his feet. He noticed that Kuro grimaced as he moved and he realized that he had been hurt when he saved him.

Mahiru turned to the children and listed instructions to them. “Go to the castle and ask Misono to bring the medic and a wagon here. I’ll stay here and do what I can to treat his leg. Don’t move, Kuro. Your leg could be broken and moving will make the injury worse.”

“You don’t need to worry about me since it feels like a little sprain.” Kuro reassured him as he sat up. He pulled up his pants to examine his swollen leg and he cursed to himself softly. Mahiru’s worry didn’t leave his face and he joked to lower the mood. “I don’t mind laying here for an hour or so. I’m tired from travelling for hours and this is a good excuse to sleep.”

“I never knew a messenger to be so lazy.” Mahiru giggled and his laugh sounded like bells to Kuro. He enjoyed the sound and he found himself thinking of how he could make him laugh again. He pushed himself up so he could lean against the tree and face Mahiru. His words reminded him that he needed to go to the castle to speak with the prince.

“I didn’t expect to arrive at the castle in a wagon. It’s going to be an embarrassment for my kingdom.” Kuro realized that he could take the chance to ask Mahiru about the prince he was betrothed to. He doubted a prince would interact with a simple villager but he could learn how the kingdom treated its people. “The royal family allows people to eat from their peach trees. Are they good people?”

“I like to think they are but it’s difficult to know if others will agree with me.” Mahiru’s voice sounded a little lonely as he moved to sit next to him. He took out a peach from his basket and handed it to Kuro. They each took a bite of the peach. “I am a valet for the prince. He told me that he is to marry the prince of Hakucho Lake. What kind of man is he? It would comfort me if my friend is engaged to a good person. It’s a political marriage but the prince is still a man who wants love.”

He’s the same as me. Kuro thought to himself. “I’ll tell you something about Prince Ash if you tell me something about Prince Shirota. It’s a good trade.”

“I was hoping that peaches would be payment enough.” Mahiru grinned at him as he held up the fruit to him. The peach juice dripped down his chin as he took another bite. He took out his napkin from his pocket and he gently wiped it against the corner of his lips. “Prince Shirota enjoys baking different things with peaches. The cook hates when he takes over the kitchen since it isn’t right for a prince to be working among them. He’s strange, isn’t he?”

“He doesn’t look down on people like other royalty I’ve spoken with. Your prince sounds hard working but my kingdom will call ours a lazy cat. Sloth doesn’t like politics and he could take days deciding what he should do with his advisors.” Kuro told him and he looked towards the lake. “He would rather spend time with his siblings.”

“Family is important so I can’t judge him for his feelings. I grew up as an only child and I’ve always wondered what it’s like to have a lot of siblings. I heard that Sloth has seven younger siblings.” Kuro thought of how Mahiru helped the children pick peaches and he likely did so to act like an older brother to them. “You’re a messenger so you probably don’t know this but what kind of food does Sloth like?”

“Noodles. They’re quick to make because you can throw premade noodles and seasoning into a pot.” They fell into a comfortable conversation. Kuro wasn’t a social person and it would take him a while to become open with someone. He found that it was easy to speak with Mahiru. He had a warmth that made him feel at ease and he told him about himself.

Hours passed without them noticing. They only stopped when Mahiru saw the children return with a doctor. A part of him was a little disappointed that their conversation was over and he didn’t know if they would have the chance to talk to him again. He knelt next to Kuro and he took his hand. “Lean on me and I’ll help you walk to Misono.”

“Can’t we just wait for them to come to us?” He asked but he placed his arm around Mahiru’s shoulder. Together they stood and he did his best not to put too much of his weight on Mahiru.

“I’m sorry that your ankle was sprained because of me but I’m a little thankful.” Mahiru admitted and it took Kuro aback. “I was able to learn more about Sleepy Ash. I thought I would have to marry a complete stranger but I know my fiancé likes noodles at least.”

Kuro’s eyes widened when understanding fell over him. “You’re the prince of Hanafield?”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you at first but I thought this was my chance to learn more about Sleepy Ash.”

#servamp #kuromahi #sloth pair #servamp kuro #mahiru shirota #fanfiction

40 notes · View notes

flightlessangelwings · 3 years

Text

Grant a Name to a Buried and a Burning Flame ~ Chapter 1

Hades!Din Djarin x Persephone!Reader (gender neutral, no y/n)

Chapter 1/3

Word Count: 3.1k

Warnings: Hades/Persephone retelling, historical setting, hints of soulmate AU, arranged marriage, slight angst, some fluff, mutual pining

Thank you to @ollypopp for letting me bounce ideas and talk my thoughts out and thank you to my wonderful partner @we-can-be-himbos for beta reading for me!

Moodboard made by me

“Persephone!”

You turned your head toward the voice that called your name. It wasn’t your birth name, but once you became of age you were assigned the name and your real name was never used in public anymore. No one remembered how or why it started, but it became tradition for every royal to assume the name of an Old God as a title and signifier of their status. Most took to it and even forgot their birth names, but you made sure that you used your real name when you were alone with yourself.

Some maybe wanted to forget and embrace their role in life, but you didn’t want to forget. If you were honest with yourself, you didn’t even want this role. But, you were born into it and as soon as you were old enough, you were prepared for the day you would lead your kingdom. You were good at it for sure, and leading came naturally to you, but you didn’t feel like this was your calling. You didn’t even feel like this was truly a home to you, even as beautiful as the land was.

The voice belonged to your mother, Demeter, who found you in the garden again. It’s where she usually found you: alone in the peace and quiet, surrounded by your favorite flowers. Flowers always lined your chiton and served as decorative accents to the long robe you typically wore. Sometimes, you even tucked one behind your ear as well. The beauty of the harvest and forests were one of the only comforts to your kingdom. Otherwise, it all just felt lonely to you, and like you didn’t truly belong there.

“Yes mother?” you rolled your eyes before you turned to face her. You already knew what she came to see you about and you dreaded it.

“Persephone you know you can’t spend all your time out here. You have responsibilities,” she always pushed your royal duties on you and then some, and you hated it. She always seemed more concerned for what you could offer her than what you were as a person, and it got under your skin more than you liked to admit.

You felt trapped in your role, in your kingdom. With a defeated sigh, you decided not to argue with her this time, “Yes mother.”

It was another several days before you could sneak out to your garden again, and you felt smothered every minute you stayed within the walls of the palace. It was lavish and beautiful, and the sun always shone through the windows, but you still felt suffocated. With a deep breath, you took in the fresh air and plucked your favorite flower from a nearby bush. As you exhaled you whispered your name, a habit you got yourself into so that you would never forget it. At times, your mother had trouble remembering her birth name, and you didn’t want that for yourself.

As you gazed down the horizon, you suddenly felt a pull to run past the gate that separated your palace and garden from the rest of the kingdom. It was as if a voice inside your head screamed at you to get out, to leave and never look back. You had heard that voice before, and you almost gave in several times. But you always stopped yourself just before you stepped over the threshold. Before you even realized your movements, you moved forward until your body lined up with the border.

Beyond the lush of your own kingdom lay a more barren land, and you could see the darkness shadow in the distance. It should have scared you, you should have wanted to stay away from it. And yet, you couldn’t help but feel a pull towards it instead. The kingdom in the distance was the complete opposite of yours: where yours was sunny and colorful, the other land was dark and dull. It looked as if the land was lifeless, though you knew it had a daily large population.

You looked back over your shoulder, and when you didn’t see anyone, you finally took the next step.

Once you started, you couldn’t stop and you ran as fast as you could. For the first time in your adult life, you felt free. Some of your flowers fell off in your haste, but plenty more still decorated your figure. The one that you had tucked behind your ear stayed somehow, and since it was your favorite you were grateful for that little comfort. The weight of your royal title felt far away, and you could just be you. Even as the darkness and emptiness of the land surrounded you more and more, you embraced it.

It was a quiet land, and you stayed in the forests and away from any villages to stay hidden. The trees were so dark they were almost black, and hardly any vegetation grew on them. You became more aware of how much you stood out here; a lone flower among the dirt, a lone light in the darkness. Nevertheless, you kept on the move.

Suddenly, you heard the sound of footsteps behind you, and you spun around to find that you were no longer alone in the dark forest. A hooded figure emerged from the shadows, and though it didn’t seem to move quickly, it still somehow ended up in your space before you realized it. You let out a gasp as the figure reached out and grabbed your arm, and even this close, you couldn’t see a face. The flower that was securely tucked behind your ear fell to the ground from your sudden harsh movement.

“What are you doing here?” the hooded figure asked. His voice was deep and gruff, yet void of any malice. His hood completely covered his face, and from this close you could see that he also donned a mask for added anonymity. On his belt, he carried several weapons, and the deep black sword especially stood out. You could also see the armor he wore over his robes glisten in the low light. This was obviously someone you did not want to mess with.

“I…” you were at a loss for words. What could you say? It wasn’t like you wanted to divulge who you were or that you ran away from your kingdom. But you also didn’t want to seem like someone who had gotten lost in the woods either.

“Aren’t you a long way from home… Persephone?” you heard the slight smirk in his voice. He kept a grip on your arm, but it didn’t feel like a threat for some reason.

Your eyes went wide; how did he know who you were? Maybe you should have grabbed a cloak or something so that your features were hidden, but it was too late for that now. Strangely, you didn’t feel as scared as you should have been around him. It almost felt as if the voice in your head that pulled you forward led you right to him. Was that how he found you too? Was there a voice that pulled him as well?

In the distance, you could hear the howls of wolves: the Cerberus. Legend had it that a pack of black-fured wolves guarded the border to the kingdom. Some would even say that it wasn’t even an entire wolf pack, but just three unusually large dogs. Those who have glimpsed it say that they move as one, appearing as if they were one large beast with three heads.

The hooded stranger took your silence as an answer on its own and ushered you through the forest and away from the howls, “Come with me,” he spoke in a low tone. He left it unsaid, but he felt an immediate need to protect you and keep you safe, and that started with getting you out of the darkened woods.

It felt like a whirlwind, and you couldn’t even react as he led you to an unknown destination. As the outline of a dark castle came into view, realization dawned on you and you figured out who had found you, “Hades…” you breathed out.

He let out a single sharp laugh, “You’re smarter than you look,” he replied.

Hades was both well known and a complete mystery to everyone, even other royals. His kingdom was shrouded in shadow, the night to the day that was your own kingdom. He had a reputation for being a loner, and he was ruthless to any enemy who stood in his way. And no one had ever seen his face. You wondered if he even remembered his real name or if he was among those who had forgotten it.

Rumor was that he belonged to an ancient sect, the Mandalorians if you remembered correctly, and it was part of their teachings to never show their faces, but no one knew for sure. For the most part, Hades’ kingdom, the Underworld as it was nicknamed, was left alone. And that was how everyone preferred it.

You tried to struggle, but his grip was too strong, and though he did not hold you hard enough to hurt, you still failed to break yourself free. How did you find yourself so easily taken by Hades? Technically you did run away and into his territory, so were you really his prisoner? He did not seem interested in harming you, but he did not seem to want to release you so easily either.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” he seemed to sense your hesitation and in his words he spoke the truth. He would never hurt you, not when he just found you.

His words took you off guard and you looked into the blackness of his hood, “Then why don’t you let me go?” you offered back in as confident a voice as you could muster.

At that, he said nothing. You let out a dramatic sigh as you decided not to struggle for the time being. As your eyes darted around, you became increasingly aware of how much you contrasted your new surroundings. Everything was dark and plain compared to the robe adorned with flowers you wore. And yet, something about Hades’ palace was almost comforting in a strange way. Maybe it was because nothing about the castle was exactly lavish. It seemed to exist only for utility and not for show like your own palace was. It was much smaller than your own as well.

“Stay here,” he broke the silence as he left you in a small room and disappeared through the doorway.

There wasn’t much to the room, just a table with a bowl of fruits on it and a couple of chairs. As you eyed the bowl, your stomach started to growl and it dawned on you that you hadn’t eaten in some time. You looked around as you wondered if you should eat some of the food on the table. He had left you in a room with the bowl, which had to be on purpose, and he didn’t explicitly say that you couldn’t.

With a shrug, you decided that a little snack couldn’t hurt anybody. Besides, who knew how long you would be here? You grabbed the brightest thing on the table: a handful of pomegranate seeds. They were surprisingly tasty, and you wondered how something this luscious grew in such an unforgiving land.

You had no idea how long you stayed in that little room. It was hard to tell the difference between night and day in this kingdom, but eventually you relaxed into one of the chairs and drifted off.

When you woke up again, you were in a different room and laid out in a soft bed. You furrowed your brown in confusion before you shot up to stand. The room was small; there was only space for a bed and a dresser with a small bathroom attached. One thing that did catch your eye, however, was there was a single flower laid out on the dresser. Upon closer inspection, you noticed that it was your favorite: similar to the one you had tucked behind your ear when you first encountered Hades. But, you could tell it was not the same one.

“What…?” you whispered to yourself as you picked up the flower and rolled it gently in your hands.

Your thoughts were interrupted, however, when the door to the room suddenly burst open and Hades’ hooded figure stepped into the room. The two of you just stared at each other in silence for several long minutes. Your mind went in a thousand directions as you looked into the abyss of his face and you wondered what was going through his mind. Faintly, you also realized that the pull you had felt for so long as stopped now that he was in front of you.

“You like the flower?” he finally asked in a raspy voice.

“I… Yes,” you fiddled with it as you stuttered, surprised that the gift was from him.

He let out a soft laugh that you wouldn’t have heard had the room not been so quiet. It was a nice laugh, and it made you wonder if the rumors about him were all wrong. Sure he was an intimidating figure when you first met, but he seemed to be nothing but kind to you, even if he was your captor. Is that what he was? Ever since you left home, everything felt so strange and so upside down that you weren’t even sure about your current predicament. And yet, you didn’t feel afraid. This man was armed head to toe, and yet you felt completely safe with him.

“Follow me,” he broke the silence again as he stepped just outside the door.

You blinked a few times before you set the flower down and did as you were told, “How long was I asleep?” you asked as you fell into line a few steps behind him.

“All night,” he replied shortly. Both of you were silent after that.

He led you down a hallway into a larger chamber that was beautifully lit with candles. Your mouth hung open at the sight, and the light was a welcome warmth after all the darkness that engulfed you since you were brought here. A man in a white robe stood at an altar at the end of the room and it took you a moment to recognize that your mother and father stood nearby. Demeter had a sullen look on her face while your father remained stoic.

“What is going on?” you asked, since no one wanted to break the tense silence in the room.

“We’re getting married,” Hades replied matter-of-factly. When you just stared at him, he continued, “Your father arranged it so that we can unite our kingdoms in peace.”

You were too dumbfounded to say anything and the ceremony went by in a blur. It was mostly a formality, nothing special or extravagant. It wasn’t that you were opposed to marriage, but you certainly did not think you would end up married like this. Sure it happened at times to unite kingdoms or bring peace to warring lands, but you had been groomed since childhood to take over the throne yourself, not get married off.

“Why did you have to do this, Persephone?” Demeter shook your shoulders once the vows were exchanged, “Why couldn’t you just listen to me and do your duty? Why did you have to eat the seeds?” she berated you with questions and you wanted nothing more than to run away again.

Truthfully, you didn’t even think of the consequences when you ate the pomegranate seeds, but Hades had argued that since you ate food from his kingdom and accepted his gift of the flower that you were bound to his land now. But, he struck a deal with your father that you could return home for half of the year if you ruled the Underworld at his side.

Rage burned within you as your mind caught up to your body. You felt used and tricked, which you expected from your parents, but not from your newly found companion. Why did you hold him in a higher regard than them? You didn’t think too much about it and shook the thought from your head. You ran away to escape the life that was expected of you, not to fall further into it. With a huff, you stormed out of the chamber and back into the room that you had woken up in.

You slammed the door shut behind you and leaned back against it with your eyes closed as tears of anger slowly fell down your cheeks. With a few deep breaths to calm yourself, you opened your eyes again and almost immediately they landed on the flower. What was once a beautiful gift now became an ugly reminder of your situation. You stomped over and grabbed the flower harshly and opened the window to throw it out.

Just as you were about to swing your arm, however, you froze. For some reason, you couldn’t bring yourself to do it. You tightened your grip on the flower as you tried again to throw it out, and again you couldn’t do it. With a defeated huff, you tossed it onto the dresser instead and collapsed onto your bed.

Your bed?

You closed your eyes as you thought about what would happen next. A thousand questions ran through your mind. You could run away again, but where would you go? Was this any better than what you came from? Was it worse? Why did this Hades marry you so quickly after meeting once? Why were you more angry about not being consulted about this than being married to him? Why did you feel this pull to him? Did he feel that pull towards you?

Eventually your mind was able to quiet itself and you drifted off to sleep. Between your emotions and the way your mind raced, you found yourself exhausted already. And you just wanted to escape this realm for a little while and just dream. When you dreamed, you dreamed about him.

What you didn’t know, however, was that everything you had felt was reflected in the blank stare of Hades’ hood. He found you in the forest because he felt a pull towards you; a pull he had felt every time he looked in the direction of your kingdom. To finally see you in person was more than he could have asked for, and he was captivated by you immediately. You couldn’t see it, but underneath the hood, he had a look of pure adoration for you. And more nights than not, he dreamed of you. In those dreams too, you always used his real name: Din Djarin.

Notes: I hope y’all like what I came up with for this AU. I didn’t want to do a strait retelling and I took some creative liberties with this to make it unique. Chapters 2 and 3 are drafted and I’ll be updating this on Mondays so there won’t be a long wait for chapter 2. And I normally wouldn’t be specific about the pomegranates since not everyone likes them but since that’s a big part of the myth, I had to put it in here lol.

#din djarin x reader #the mandalorian x you #the mandalorian x reader #din djarin #din djarin x you #the mandalorian imagine #din djarin imagine #the mandalorian #the mandalorian fic #din djaren x you

631 notes · View notes

chemicalpink · 3 years

Text

대취타 (DAECHWITA) | EMPEROR!YOONGI X READER | FINAL

Pairing: Emperor!Yoongi x Assassin!Reader

Words: 3.5k

Genre: Emperor AU, Historical AU (kinda), smut, angsty

Warnings: mentions of death, mentions of historical public execution, oral sex (male receiving), lowkey breath play, unprotected sex

A/N: FINALLY IT’S HERE. I hope you enjoy, I had a hard time trying to make this not seem lame so here it is! please let me know what you think!

Summary: You used to be an assassin, got caught and works at the palace as a servant up until you are escorted to the main palace, either to meet your inevitable destiny or for a change of plans.

PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4

Forehead resting against your own as you found yourselves panting, him sliding out as your spasming cunt dripped with both of your releases onto the floor, placing one more soft kiss on your lips with his eyes closed “Marry me”

You almost sat up with a start. Suddenly the world was bright and hazy. Yoongi had opened his eyes and they were digging like daggers into yours, an unusual look on him. You looked at the emperor apologetically before turning your gaze to the end of the room where there was a pile of books, silently detangling yourself from him.

The silence was deafening.

Then again, who in their right mind proposed marriage while having their cock buried deep inside some assassin turned royal slave. All the same, Min Yoongi wasn’t exactly known for having a right mind. But it wasn’t just the fact that he had proposed seemingly out of the blue, more than it was everything that came with it. The words seemed to tangle themselves inside your brain as you hear him say them over and over again. That he couldn’t think of himself marrying some woman that was inferior to him in mind and spirit. That he had wanted to marry to someone he loved. To think that Min Yoongi had proposed you marriage not in the heat of the moment but fully conscious of his actions would not only mean that he was in it for the great sexual escaped you two regularly went on, but because due to some fucked up mindset the royal had, he believed he could love you.

Yoongi reached for your hand in an attempt to get your attention, face soft with post orgasmic bliss as he repeated the ill fated words “Marry me, Y/N”

You snapped out of his hold. “Yoongi I don’t think you understand the situation”

“What is it then, please do enlighten me, Y/N cause from what I understand is me asking for your hand in marriage, twice now” he blinks a few times, looking at you expectantly, crossing his arms like a petulant child

“FUCKING READ THE ROOM MIN YOONGI ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND”

“Well I’m not, but you seem to be”

“I’m a fucking assassin, my hands? they will forever be tainted red” you look down at your hands and the blond man comes near to hold both of them inside his

“Y/N I couldn’t care less about that, it’s not like I’m a saint either”

“You just don’t understand”

“Then help me out” somehow his ever consistent and aloof tone gave you more chills thana you could’ve imagined if he were to raise his voice at you “Y/N I’m serious with my proposal, the sex is amazing, but you’ve proven to be an excellent addition not only to my court, but to my life”

You are shaking, voice trembling and just above a mere whisper “I was the one that killed your mother on that freezing December night”

He freezes in place.

He seemed oddly composed for someone who had just been told the responsible of his mother's death was none other than the woman he thought he wanted to marry

You remember how a few years ago, he had gone on a killing rampage, exposing heads outside his palace as if they were homemade decorations, swearing to find the person responsible for his mother’s death and get revenge. It had been months of bloodbath. Some had considered the emperor’s son to have gone completely out of his mind.

You storm off. Not before accepting the responsibility of your actions, perhaps Yoongi had also been a good addition to your life “I’m fine with you deciding to execute me for my crimes, I understand whatever sentence is best fitted for me, your majesty” for the first time since you had arrived at the palace, you don’t dare to look him in the ye, opting to follow court protocol and bow deeply before taking your leave, attempting to detangle yourself from your messed up robes and even more messed up string of thoughts.

The following days to that conversation were a blur and for the most part, uneventful, the emperor had opted not to gravitate your way unless strictly necessary, oddly enough, the air wasn’t awkward at all, it was as if nothing had ever happened between the two of you in the first place. Yoongi had retreated to being an aloof ruler, along with regular trips to meet his once very occupied and spoiled rotten concubines, all the while you were kept apart from. Sometimes, you would receive jobs outside the palace and were expected to fulfill them according to instructions. More times than not, you were left wondering if you would make it back to the palace or if it was one hell of an excuse to execute you.

Hearing approaching footsteps, you couldn’t help but hide the best that you could behind one of the hostel’s walls. Hooded and well muffled with the cape, as you did your best to camouflage yourself into the shadows and become a mere wisp of darkness. A maid from the hostel trudged to the open window and closed it, grumbling. Lightning illuminated the landing. You took a deep breath and reviewed the plans that you had so painstakingly memorized throughout the three days you had been guarding that building on the outskirts of the kingdom. Five doors on each side. The target’s bedroom was behind the third one on the left.

Stealthy as a specter, you walked down the landing. You pushed the target's bedroom door, which opened with an almost imperceptible squeak; waiting for another thunder to rumble to close it carefully. A second flash of lightning illuminated the two figures sleeping on the canopy bed. Young Hee must not have been over thirty-five. His son, small and beautiful, slept soundly in his arms.

“I’m not murdering a poor kid’s mother”

“So you’ve gone soft”

“No I haven’t gone soft” “What could a poor merchant woman have done to you for her to deserve such an end to her life”

He sits down on his throne “You didn’t even hesitate when killing my mother, though”

“Yoongi I-” he turns his head to you, a sharp gaze following your every move, as if he was a predator waiting for the precise moment his prey took a wrong turn to jump on them. You turn your gaze to the floor immediately “Your Majesty”

“Listen Y/N- I’m a very busy man, so I’ll make it easier for you” he stood up from where he was sitting, and although you weren’t looking directly at him, you could hear him move around the room until you were able to see him stop right in front of you, a hand you were so familiar with once caresses your cheek as he grabs your chin and forces you to look at him face to face “It’s either her life, or your life. Easy choice, Y/N”

You can feel your heart wanting to burst out of your ribcage at that exact moment, finally understanding the importance behind such a horrifying task, the mirroring in the situation. And the choice was as simple as it could get. “Kill me instead”

You could see the rage inside his eyes, even as he stood still for a few second, steady as ever, unfaltering as he called over one of the palace’s servants to get him the royal seal, the infamous red ink that decorated the skin of those in line to be executed by the royal himself, an utmost sign of rage, of personally wronging the monarch. A sense of longing crossed his gaze for half a second as he locked eyes with you before he took your wrist in his hand and stamped the cold ink on it; you couldn’t keep your body from reacting to the action, whether it was having him touching you again, the almost imperceptible stuttering of his movements when he did so, or the knowledge that you’d have to face an execution, making you shake lightly as adrenaline filled your veins.

Preparations were something the emperor certainly didn’t scattered in, back when he became known as the cold hearted borderline psychopath he had a vaste fame of, ikt was mostly do to the whole antiques that surrounded his personal executions, the way that they seemed to mimic a kingdom’s festivity was almost breathtaking, were it not for the fact that the main entertainment of the day would be having you publicly executed. You had been waiting for that night for a whole week. Sitting in the wooden corridor nestled to one side of the golden dome of Min Yoongi’s personal library, remembering how the last time you had been there, things were so different from how they were now, where the emperor had asked you to marry you in the worst way possible and you had confessed the greatest murder of the dynasty; you let yourself be carried away by the music that rose through the amphitheater. With your legs dangling under the railing, you leaned forward and rested your cheek on your crossed arms. One could almost swear the palace was preparing for a wedding, if the way you were constantly dressed up and down during the week, the way the palace’s servants were constantly bustling around the building to ensure the greatest quality for the evening, the greatest night for the kingdom. The execution of the Empress’ murderer.

“You seem oddly calm for someone who's about to be executed” Jungkook mentions as he approaches where you were currently hanging out, a few minutes to spare before a small group of designated maids were to call you to get you ready for the night.

You look up at him tiredly, without separating your head from where it was laying, catching him taking a seat by your side in the most infantile way you had ever seen the royal guard do, shrugging to no one in particular, you add “You know, accountability and stuff”

“Oh and she grew a moral compass during her time here” if he was expecting a bickering comeback, the way you used to do back when he was designated to look after you, he was certainly not getting anything other than be met by an extended silence that seemed to rise the tension and seriousness of the whole interaction between the two “Why are you letting this happen to you?”

“What are you talking about” this time, you do turn to face him, confused as to where he was expecting the conversation to go.

“You didn’t kill his mother”

“I did”

He huffed out air, sounding a bit exasperated at your response; you could have even sworn you saw him roll his eyes faintly “No you didn’t, you were a mere 15 year old” there was a bit of laughter behind his sentence before he regained his composure and went back to his former self from a few minutes ago, looking at your face quizzically as if there was something hidden in there that held the answer to his question “So why are you doing this”

You try and miserably fail to convey a nonchalant look on your face as memories of your time with the emperor fill your mind, not just the carnal ones, but those where you would watch him work for his place in the royal hierarchy, the soft sides around the rough edges that were publicly hidden on purpose, turning away from the guard you say softly “Yoongi’s a great man”

“Okay sure, he could do with a more...tame temperament, but what does that have anything to do with you chopping your own head off”

You try your best to ignore the way your heart seems to physically ache at the thought behind the answer; you almost don’t get enough strength from within to mutter “I’m hoping to get him some closure, be an even better ruler”

“That’s- definitely not how it’s supposed to work Y/N” Jungkook says incredulously

“I was technically part of the killing so, it’s all the same”

He huffs before going to stand up, dusting off his uniform and already facing away from you, before you can hear him call for you one last time “Yoongi’s in his room, you know, he was looking for you a few hours ago, in case that information helps in any way”

So perhaps you were naive for thinking that he would answer his door, he would have no reason to do so, especially given the circumstances, if it were you, opening the door to the person that had confessed of murdering your mother, and having them come up at your room, you wouldn’t even need to think it once to decide not to further interact with them, but Jungkook had said Yoongi had been looking for you before, so the chance of him wanting to see you alive one last time were there. Unless you were reading it all wrong. You turned your back on the huge wooden door you had come to know as the emperor’s bedroom a few months back, resigned, when you heard the creaking of a door opening and a calm steady voice.

“So you’re going to just knock on my door and run away the same way you entered my life and are now leaving it forever?” his frozen tone still having an effect on your body as you turned to face him properly for the first time in what seemed like an eternity “Came to discuss a bargain for your life?”

“Not at all” you lock eyes with him when approaching him, until you were practically inside the room, his judgemental gaze still on you “I wanted to say my goodbyes properly, your majesty”

“Then don’t waste my time and come in already, Y/N”

The royal wasted no time in cornering you against the door, face so close to yours you could feel his breath on your skin, the tip of his nose nuzzling the side of your face and you knew him enough to know he had his eyes closed to keep his composure as he talked “I’m going to miss you like a fucking mad man”

It felt like falling back into routine, the way he kissed you, down to your neck up to your collarbone, pushing past the robes that covered your skin, in preparation for the ritual, his hands roaming freely in a familiar way, grabbing all the right places as he draws little sounds from your throat, all while he worked the both of you to where his bed was placed, although he was giving your body and pleasure a decent amount of attention, you couldn’t brush off the fact that he irradiated an angry aura, words left unspoken as he got his anger out by pleasuring both of you. Maybe himself more than you, as he removes himself from caressing your body as he usually did and positioned himself above you, his member laying flat on your already expecting tongue,as soon as you realised what his intentions were when he started undressing himself, his hips thrusting a few times in an experimental manner, soon enough finding a pace at the same time as you bobbed your head up to capture as much of his length as you could inside your mouth, your hands captured under Yoongi’s weight, unable to help you work him further, the way you’d done before.

You feel him start to thrust further into your throat at one particular kitten lick of yours to the tip of his cock, your head starting to hang from the edge of the mattress you two were on as he picked up the pace, his cock filling you up all the way until it hit the back of your throat a few times, you trying to whine around him, only further encouraging him to take a handful of your hair and push you further against him, your gag reflex taking the best of you as he held you there, nose close to his navel, deep grunts ripped from his lips, the air leaving your lungs and becoming slightly light headed after a few seconds of you tapping his thigh in a motion to let him know to let you breathe, at which Yoongi locked eyes with you, a mix of anger and longing in his yes as he thrusts a few more times as saliva started dripping from your mouth, tears decorating your pink stained cheeks before he removed himself from you, giving you a few seconds to gain air before he repositioned both of you. A deafening silence taking over both of you, as you were still catching your breath and he positioned his cock at your entrance, his tip, wet with your saliva, playing with your folds for a few seconds, as you take a sharp intake of air when he enters you and immediately sets a slow deep pace. You can feel his member filling you up perfectly, mind racing with flashbacks to all those other nights before where the emperor and you shared endless nights all over the palace.

The knowledge that this would be the last time creeping up in the back of your mind. You feel an unfamiliar wetness hit your neck where Yoongi was kissing your skin, rolling down as you identified it as tears, as he was still passionately thrusting into you.

“I don’t want to lose you” his voice barely above a whisper, trying to conceal the way his chest was tightened with sadness

“You have to let me go, Yoongi” one of your hands comes up to caress his locks as he pushes up to stare at your face, anger long gone and replaced with utter sadness before one last thrust has him filling you up with his seed, warmth enveloping you, a soft whimper leaving your lips as his cock leaves your cunt, a briskly wind coming from the window causing your body to shiver for a second at the loss of body heat on top of you.

“I guess this was it then” his cold and unnerved facade was on again, making the cold shivers in your body that much worse as you watched him adjust his clothes and walk out of the room, leaving you to dress yourself and ultimately face your fated destiny at the end of the day.

The palace’s front plaza is filled to the brim with spectators as the news got out that the Emperor was finally getting revenge for his mother’s killing, people from the kingdom and even some people from neighbouring ones all lined up in the outer sides of the fire marks that decorated the space to illuminate the middle path where you were placed in the end of it to walk your way up, two unknown guards on each side of you as each grabbed your elbows to push you forward, the rope certainly leaving marks on your skin as it was wrapped tightly around your wrists.

You could only catch a glimpse of Yoongi’s blond hair, wrapped in his infamous black and golden hanbok, drums roaring in unison, people screaming as you watched him take the sword from the swordsman that had prepared the ritual beforehand, as someone wrapped a cloth around your eyes and you were promptly pushed forward, legs buckling every few seconds as you came to realise what you were about to face, it hadn’t been clear before, mere seconds away, finally falling to your knees, head bowed down in resignation as you could barely hear the sharp sword cutting the air around you, gasps from the crowd filling the air along with the constant sound of the drums around you. You could only hope your death would bring much needed peace to the monarch and his kingdom. Your heart seemed to want to burst out of your chest, if anything, Yoongi was known for being an espectacular swordsman, which hopefully made the whole execution that much easier. You could hear cheers and a metal cutting the air before your body fell limp to the ground.

But your consciousness never left, the drums couldn’t be heard anymore, cheers were replaced with confusion as a pair of hands helped you up to your knees, fumbling with the cloth around your eyes to come face to face with Min Yoongi kneeling before you, a subtle smile on his face as one of his hands caressed your cheek before helping you up beside him.

“I’m sure you all must be confused right now” he announced to his subjects “This woman right here, has got more courage in her than anyone that has ever worked for me, any of us, for that matter. Which is why I’m asking once again, publicly, for the first time, for her hand in marriage” he turned to face you, as you were still dazed by the whole ordeal, his hand in yours being the only thing holding you down “Marry me, Y/N”

#kwritersworldnet #thebtswritersclub #bangtanarmynet #hyunglinenetwork #networkbangtan #bangtanuniversity #yoongi smut #bts smut #bts imagines #min yoongi imagine #yoongi fanfic #min yoongi smut #bts fanfics #bts fanfic #yoongi fic #yoongi scenario #bts scenarios

253 notes · View notes

lemonjoonah · 4 years

Text

Blood Bounty - Part 3 (M) - Finale

Pairings: Yoongi x Reader, Taehyung x Reader, ft. Seokjin x Namjoon Word Count: 15.5K Rating: M Genre: Historical fantasy AU, Vampire AU, Thriller, Drama, Smut Warnings (CONTAINS SPOILERS): Dub-con (consent is freely given but the context is dubious), non-con vampire feeding, non-con kiss, unprotected sex, light bondage, oral sex (f. rec.), cum eating, pain during intercourse (don’t be like the OC here in the beginning and try to conceal it, you should tell your partner if something hurts), somewhat antiquated thoughts on virginity, virgin reader (it’s a flashback and there’s a small amount of blood...), death of major and minor characters, drugging (with vampire blood), murder, violence, blood, gore, sexism, blood slavery, kidnapping, captivity, forced marriage, manipulation, gaslighting, once again it’s some pretty dark shit, consider yourself warned.

| Series Masterlist |

Summary: He’s taken everything from you, your blood, your memories, your life, and after months spent as Taehyung’s own personal feast, you eagerly take your chance to flee. Unfortunately your escape doesn’t go as well as you had hoped, as you are soon caught by another blood thirsty beast. The vampire Yoongi claims to know you, and that he wishes to return you home. But when you can only remember the pain caused by his kind, you find it difficult to trust him, since he too could just be another monster waiting to feed.

A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who stuck with me through this mini-series. I truly hope you enjoy the end of this tale (and the hints to another separate series in the works 😉).

...

Your new stead is surprisingly responsive to your commands, possibly desiring to get as far away from the predators as you. Taking you down the road to the kingdom at a startling pace, causing several branches to whip painfully in your direction. When a stinging blow inevitably lands on your brow, enough to draw a spot of blood, you pull back on the speed of your mount. You are not so far now that you worry about making it back before nightfall.

The route home becomes more populated the closer you get. For the first time in years you are among people like you again. Those who see you as just another person passing by, not a temping entree, nor a traveller to rob. Some even nod to you as they cross your path, you respond in kind, but keep your face hidden beneath the hood of your cloak.

Your first few paces inside the town comes as quite a shock. The notable gathering spots are even more vacant than they were during your nighttime strolls. With the stalls of the market bare, and so many businesses closed, the only well occupied space appears to be the mounted boards on the end of every other street. You stop at one littered with official orders for curfews, new regulations, and missing souls. The most notable of all to you is the obituary detailing your brothers passing.

You swallow back your grief, and proceed to examine the document claiming that he had died of a devastating injury and no more. It seems your parents will still not admit to any weakness that might carry in the family's blood. But with each stamped flyer, there’s been an addition made, one that was obviously not approved by the crown.

‘The crown prince is dead, and our princess lost. If we let them rule any longer we will be next!’

You are stunned by the note, fearing how bad the circumstances must have become in your absence. Backing away from the board you prod your stead onward and in the direction of the public stables. Hoping to find the mount it’s own new home, while you return to yours.

“Three pence for a night,” The master grunts, looking up from his work as you dismount near the entrance to the paddock.

“I have no coin, but-”

“No coin, no stall. Don’t waste my time and move along.” He interrupts before returning to shovelling the pungent manure.

You wrinkle your nose at the odour and persist in your efforts. “I was going to offer for you to take ownership of him instead. I have no use for him now.”

“Keep him? Tell me, how did you come to own this stead? Is it truly yours? ” He leers down, placing you beneath his scrutinous glare. “People don’t just give up a worthy horse. How can I know that there is not someone out there who will come looking for it and will blame me for their loss?”

“I can assure you the last owner will not come to retrieve him. Now do you want the horse or should I go find another who is willing to take my offer? Maybe that nice family there.” You point to a couple making their way into a nearby building.

Your bluff calls his, leading the man to grimace and huff, “Fine. I will take it, now be gone with you.”

With the horse now tended to, you start to walk away, passing the entrance to the tavern, the door the mentioned pair just walked into. It’s hard not to take note of its current occupancy, for it is packed with people, all shouting and trying to have their say. With the entryway cracked open an inch you are able to catch several snippets of the debate.

“We can’t wait any longer. They are changing the narrative as we speak! Now stating they hold out hope for the princess’s return.”

“And what if she does?” A familiar man stands in argument. “Would you have us send the kingdom into turmoil when hope still exists? I would not be as I stand before you today without the surgeon she sent to us. A blacksmith cannot work without a hand. My wife and I would have been out on the street before long.”

“Can you not see what they are doing for what it is?” The first speaks again to counter his point. “It’s a convenient ploy! With an heir lost, only the promise of another, with more favour than them will quell our anger. If she was still alive they would have found her by now.” He pauses to pat the smith on the shoulder. “I mourn her loss too my good friend, but we can’t wait for a small sliver of hope when we continue to live the way we do. Taxed within an inch of our livelihoods, while the list of missing continues to grow and those who are in charge hide behind their walls, keeping secrets that affect us all. If she returns we can offer her a good standing among us. But their rule must end.”

You edge closer and closer to the door trying to get a better view of the meeting in progress, when a throat clears and grunts, “Run along lad...” Nearly jumping from the fright you turn around to find the stable master having come up from behind. Bowing your head you comply, thankful that he had not realized the gravity of what you overheard.

What had truly happened in the time you were gone? This isn’t just contempt but a full blown revolution building. Your people think you dead, and understandably so, but if they see that you are alive and well, maybe a better path can be found than one that will surely end in blood.

When considering your options you know there will be no way in through the front gates, your parents have always kept them heavily guarded, and no one will believe you are the child of the king and queen dressed as you are now. Rather than stir up trouble, you proceed to your fastest route in, the trap door hidden on the perimeter.

In your absence it appears to have remained unused. The roots of the hedge have grown over, needing to be tugged out of place until the hinges and wood are freed from their grasp. You drop down into the passage, closing the hatch behind. With no light, nor lantern you are left to navigate the abandoned hall in the dark. The palm of your hand brushes against the damp stone wall, crossing cobwebs and critters on it’s trek to lead you to the portrait door. You try your best not to think of the time spent in this place, and the company you are now left without, but the sound of your steps resonates around you. Tricking your ear into thinking it a whisper of the past, as if his promises still remain locked away down here, echoing off the bedrock for you to claim.

You are grateful when you finally reach the castle's interior, although for the time of day even the palace appears deserted and cold, you slip about the halls feeling like a stranger in your own home. Hoping to return to your old bedroom before you find anyone else, so you can at least reclaim another part of what you once were. But when you find the door and step inside someone is already there, crying at the foot of your bed. It’s too late to back away for they look up, just as startled as you. It’s your former lady’s maid who steps back from shock at your appearance, followed by a baffled stare when she catches a glimpse of your face.

“My word...” She gasps as tears continue to roll down her cheeks, “I never thought I’d see you again. He brought you back, I can’t believe he brought you back.” She runs forward wrapping her arms around you, a blubbering speech follows. “I’m so sorry, your b-brother... he’s gone. After everything that happened, everything you did, he’s still gone. An-and the threats to the crown, ever since his death everyone has been in an uproar. I haven’t dared to leave the grounds out of fear that someone will know I work here.” “It’ll be okay. We will figure this out.” You attempt to calm the maid you can only remember fragments of. She must have thought you had run off with Yoongi that night, but now is not the time to correct her with actual horrors you endured.

“Having you back now will surely pull the king and queen from their stupor. They have been pleading and praying for your return.” She looks down at your clothes with apprehension. “Court is in session right now. They are locked away until a matter is settled, but we can ready you to meet with them once they are finished.” You nod prompting her to seek out your wardrobe. “I’ve been keeping them well looked after in case of your return.” She pulls out a dark dress, a sign of mourning for your brother. “I believe this will still fit. You don’t look to have changed much.”

As she laces you in you can feel the garment tug on your ribs and chest. Maybe a little too small, but it will have to do for the time being. Once finished she escorts you to the dining room, while you continue to marvel at the empty halls. “Where is everyone?”

“Much has changed... your parents' fears have grown in the time you’ve been gone. They feel they can trust far fewer than they have before, and so, many of the staff were let go. If anyone ever even asked about you they too were sent away.” She stops at the set of double doors and urges you inside. “If you remain here and I will go and have the King and Queen informed as soon as the proceedings let out.”

“Wait, don’t leave...” You were going to ask her more questions to address the gaps in your past, hoping you might stir more than a few moments you have of her and your life here, but she has already closed the door and departed.

You are left in the dining hall, waiting only with the excessive spread of your parents forthcoming dinner. The feel of the room compared to the passage below is unfamiliar, unlike the dark narrow tunnel this place is void of memory and the feelings that come with it. You pray that such a disconnect will not last long.

Mounted up on the back wall you find your family’s portrait. Staring at it at the faces and details, you remain so until slivers of the painting's creation surfaces in your mind. You hated that gown, for its rigid seams and heavy fabric took quite a toll as you stood there for hours behind your brother. He was seated due to his condition but you were told to stand and remain still, while the prince takes the forefront of the picture.

It had been made not long before you disappeared from the kingdom. You can recall dwelling on how little blood you had left, while the painter took your likeness. Your parents look so happy in the portrait, thinking their son to be healing and ready to take on the throne, while you spent the whole time daydreaming of Yoongi’s return.

Your anger spikes as you think of him now, it is beyond doubt that he has noticed your absence. You will have to warn your parents and their guard of his possible travel to the kingdom to claim you for his clan. The secret passage will have to be sealed, taking with it your hopes to ever leave again.

Grabbing one of the many decanters and with a shaking hand pour yourself a goblet of wine. Seeking to soothe your trepidation of meeting your parents, you sip on the bitter drink while picking at the food of the central spread.

The hours pass while you take your fill, until finally, when the sky has long been dark your mother hurries first. Looking exactly the same as she once did in your memories, frantic and worried. “Thank heavens you are back. You are safe, we are safe.” She looks down at you, her face unchanged with time, and the skin of the arms which clutch you... you stare at them for a moment, perfect and untouched, but you remember... you recall deep gashes and blood, so much blood pouring down your fingers. Disturbed by the thought you shake yourself from your horrific vision and smile back at her. Expecting her to launch into a flurry of questions but to your surprise, both her and your father pose no queries.

“We knew he would find you again,” your mother cries with happiness. “We knew he would bring you back. The people, they will be so thrilled to hear of your return. The threats, the violence it will all be over soon.”

“You knew him? You asked him to find me?” The facts of her statement confuse you greatly, had they been privy to information your maid had not? For if she thought you were with him... what did your parents believe?

“My dear, are you well? Of course we did.” Your gaze once again focuses on the flesh of her forearms, as if entranced to the spot, while she brushes at your unkempt hair. Upon following your sight she pulls at the shawl of her dress in an awkward fashion, covering the length of her exposed skin. “Think not of what happened at our parting. All is well.” A painted grin plasters your mother's face. “We made all the changes necessary, you my darling, are to be next in line, not your children, but you. Your father had to work so hard to gain the approval of his lords, they thought it pointless to change the law in your absence, but here you are! Once your consort holds up the rest of his bargain your father will sign and you will be heir to the throne.”

This is all too much, you trying to keep hold of all the information while more is poured on to you. Unable to focus on anything other than their knowledge of Yoongi. Did they really meet him and make the request of him to bring you home? But to what bargain are they referring? “He did but I fear his clan has plans to remove me once again. We have to guard the old passage too, it’s already been nightfall for some time and I fear he won’t be far behind.”

“My poor girl... are you sure you are not ill?” Your mother’s head tilts in confusion. “He is already here, he has been for some time... you fled from his estate when he was just about to send for your return.”

You step away from your parents as fear tightens and grips your chest. “No, you can not mean. Not him, please not him-”

But your greatest nightmare returns to join you, with Taehyung waltzing through the double doors as if your parents castle is his own. “Princess, so good of you to join us. You shouldn’t have run off like that, you had your parents worried.” He approaches, inciting you to back into a wall in an attempt to keep your distance. Your parents don’t react with shock or fear at his sudden advancement on you, surely it is just a dream or vision then? One you are bound to wake up from soon. “But I knew you couldn’t run from me... only towards. Isn’t that right my sweet princess?” Though when his breath comes to find your ear you know him to be real. “I would have gone to find you myself, and take you back sooner, but your parents have been a rather large thorn in my side. Refusing to let me go until I-”

“And what of the other part of our bargain?” Your father calls from behind Taehyung, who grimaces and rolls his eyes at the interruption.

“They will be here shortly. My kin are acting on my behalf tonight, for I could wait no longer when I heard news of her arrival.”

“You have short changed us before,” the king admonishes. “I will not sign until I am certain the problem is dealt with.”

Taehyung turns from you entirely, the accusation leading him to snap back in anger. “That was your own doing, not mine, human. I gave you what you asked and you chose to squander it.”

With Taehyung now focused on your father, you are ready to run, to seek anything you might use against him, but your mother catches you before you can take two steps.

Shouting and jeering can be heard from just outside of the room, along with the heavy footfalls of several men, far too loud for what should be expected of the staff and guard. The procession outside bursts into the dinning hall. Your father’s lip curls ever so slightly as several men are pushed to their knees in front of him, muzzled and chained by the vampiric clan that restrains them.

Taehyung introduces them with a proud and theatrical air, as he takes a seat at the head of the table. “As you requested my liege, the leaders of the now failed rebellion.”

You recognize many of them from the tavern earlier, even the blacksmith whose hand Yoongi saved long ago. Your father after taking stock, waves them away, ordering them to be held out of his sight, until a public execution can be arranged.

You open your mouth to argue and condemn such brutal tactics when you are pushed down in the chair beside the monstrous vampire by your own mother. “You will sit still, be quiet, and do your duty for the family.” Despite her insistence your nails claw at her hold trying to free yourself from his side. As blood breaches her skin, so too does the memory of your first meeting with the vampire lord.

...

-Five years ago-

You look through the streets for hours hoping to catch even a glimpse or a whisper of Yoongi. Asking several people who pass you by, but no one knows of his whereabouts, nor has seen the distinguished surgeon in months.

With the sun ready to rise, you retire from town for the night. Stripping from the simple dress, you toss it to the side and return to bed for the hour you have left to sleep. When forced awake by duty, your day ultimately passes with you a hollow shell. Barely able to keep your eyes open from lack of rest, with a gnawing disappointment taking root in your stomach, distracting you from much else. You tell your maid of your plans to venture out again to find him, but she looks concerned by the prospect.

“You can hardly stand! What if, as a result of your current state, you cannot find him tonight? Your brother needs this and if you should fail... maybe we should tell the king and queen and let them put out a search for him?”

“No, I must do this on my own. He would not want them to be aware of his kind.” You go to take the plain gown but your maid grabs it first.

“I understand that you feel you must go. But please take an hour or two to sleep before you journey out. You look dead on your feet.” She does not relent, prodding and scolding until you are between the covers of your bed. “I will wake you once the castle is quiet enough for you to leave without being spotted.”

Nodding in agreement you submit to the coma of slumber rather quickly while she sits in the seat across from your bed. You wake hours later not by the hand of your staff, but from the hammering of rain pelting at your window.

You rise and call out, confused as to why she did not wake you earlier, but no answer responds. Lighting the candle on your bedside you find the chair empty of both her and the dress. You jump from your bed, in only your dressing gown and slippers reach for the door. When she bursts through it first, wearing the dress you intended to wear on the street.

“Where were you? Why didn’t you-”

“Princess, I found him!” Your lady’s maid exclaims happily, despite being absolutely drenched from the weather outside. “I went in your place so you could have more time to rest, and I found your friend, or I should say he found me.”

“You found him?” You breathe a sigh of relief, your brother is now safe and your plans with Yoongi can come to fruition. “Where is he now?”

“He’s with the king and queen.”

“My parents?”

“He wished to see them, mentioned something about desiring their permission. He’s already healed your brother, your mother and father couldn’t believe it.” She grabs hold of your hand and pulls you from the room, not caring that you don only your bed attire. “Come! They are waiting for you.”

Still half asleep and only semi-coherent you allow yourself to be ushered along to your father’s den. There he sits behind a desk quill pen in hand, your mother hanging over his shoulder, and settled across from them both is... someone who is not your vampire, someone who is not Yoongi.

The stranger smiles, showing off his sharp teeth as he gets up from his seat to deliver a sweeping bow. “Lord Kim Taehyung, at your service princess.”

You take a step back upon hearing the name that Yoongi warned you of so many times. “W-why are you here?” With concern immediately drifting to your lost vampire, for if his enemy has found you what could have befallen him.

Your mother scolds your response, “This man has offered his assistance, to aid in your brother's care, you will show him your respect.”

“It’s no matter,” Taehyung shakes his head at your mother. “Though I must ask, why do you look so scared princess? Your maid was looking for one of my kind, were you not seeking my help?”

“Is this true?” Your mother interjects, glaring at you. “You knew of people like him, those who could help your brother and you told us nothing?”

“I was looking for another,” you attempt to explain. “One who had been helping us in the past without your knowledge, he forbade me from revealing his kind to you.”

“What did this other tell you of me?” The lord smiles. “I should like to set my story straight, because you, princess, looked ready to flee the moment you heard my name.”

“What is it that you want?” You ask again. If he refuses to answer your question why should you obey his own. “I thought your kind did not wish to reveal their existence to humans.”

“When the situation is as important as this, exceptions can be made.” The vampire justifies, a crooked grin refusing to leave his mouth. “I am only here to offer my services to your family.”

“We already have the services of another. He was doing so for years before you came here, he will help my brother should he need it in the future.”

“Then where is he now?” Taehyung asks the dreaded question which stabs at your heart.

“He will be back...” You retort, hoping it to be the honest truth. “We do not require your help.”

Your father silences you with the stern call of your name and the hammer of his fist on his desk, before he too jumps into the argument. “I will overlook the concealment of your past acquaintances, along with the fact that you gave your brother treatment without our knowledge and consent. But I will not have you demean this man who just saved his life.”

“He is not a man!” You shout back at your king and father. “He is a monster. I have been told of his misdeeds, of his ethics. We can not trust him-”

“We have no choice! Without an heir the whole kingdom will become a place of ruin, an unclear line of descent will lead to chaos.”

“Then we wait. We wait for the one I can trust. He will be back soon, I know it.” Certain at least in this instance you know better than your parents, you plead for them both to listen.

“This is not a discussion.” Your father clarifies while the vampire takes out a bag, pulling from it two large corked bottles filled with a fluid far thicker than wine. “We called you here merely to inform you that we have accepted his services.”

“This should be enough to keep him healthy for a long span of human life. It will heal most ailments, and injuries, and when enough is consumed will even slow the course of ageing.” You watch as the vampire's attention falls on your mother during his explanation, his lip curls even further when her eyes brighten in interest over the properties of the cure.

You go to her, grabbing her arms so that she will focus on you alone, trying to convince her of the vampire's true nature. “This is a trick it must be. You can’t accept this, he will bring only ruin.”

“All that remains is the payment.” The Lord Taehyung adds, ignoring your plight.

Your gaze snaps back to him, when you hear of his charge. “What payment? What did you ask of them?”

“The cost for such a bounty of blood requires an equal sacrifice on your family's part.” The vampire beams with delight. “The blood needed for his life, in exchange for the blood of yours.”

Your stomach drops when you see your father dip his head in confirmation. They already knew the cost and still they bartered you off without much thought. Your hands continue to grip your mother’s arm. “Please... please listen to me. It doesn’t have to be like this. There’s another way, there has to be.”

“There is no other way.” She responds, her tone cold enough to match her words. “It is time you stop living in your dreams dear girl, those books you cling to, those maps you draw, they will bring us nothing in the end. You have scorned numerous suitors in the past few months alone, leaving your father and I at wits’ end trying to secure a noble future for you. If you will not have that duty, you will take this. Better to have your hands stained with blood than ink if it will at least save our prince.”

As she starts to push you towards your new fate, your fingers dig into the soft flesh of her arm, desperate to try and keep hold of your past life. Taehyung takes you by the waist and pulls you towards him leaving long lacerations down your mother’s skin as you continue to sob and beg for her to stop this. The thumb of your captor crosses your lips, bringing with it a metallic taste to your tongue. There’s a hushed order whispered in your ear to be quiet and complacent, and you do just that. Relaxing into Taehyung's arms while he carries you out and into a waiting carriage in the dark and drenched courtyard.

Once out from the castle walls his slick smile falls. He may have taken your ability to speak, but not your tears will to flow. Pulling out a kerchief, he cleans your hands of your mother's blood. After removing every spot he lifts the fabric to his nose, and winces at the smell. “It is still amazing to me that one like yourself could be born of such soiled stock.” He then tosses the cloth out the window of the carriage. “That’s better.” His hand lifts up to the stream that continues down your cheeks. “Do not weep my princess. They may not see the same value in you that I do, but I promise we will prove it to them soon.”

Angered by his declaration, you look away to the door, not wanting to give Yoongi’s adversary the satisfaction of your gaze. You knew you always weighed less in your parents mind. For you were second in their hearts even before your brother was conceived, second to the mere hope of a son. Swaying their love even a fraction in your favour was and is an impossible feat, a battle you could never win.

“I know you wished to leave them, my kin intercepted a letter addressed to a royal who was willing to abscond with a vampire.” You look back at him with eager eyes. A letter? Yoongi must have sent word and this lord stopped it from reaching you. “I see that I have your attention now do I?” Taehyung scoffs and sits back in the carriage clearly enjoying your regard. “I knew of a woman much like you before I became what I am. I once travelled the land with a troupe. Entertaining both the nobles and the masses, while dressed in simple white garments, with only a tapestry as a backdrop, and the floor as our stage. It was invigorating, the life that came from holding the eye of the courts, and one lady... one princess in particular.”

Taehyung pauses to look back at your castle before continuing his tale. You can do nothing but sit there and listen, his blood and previous demands continuing to hold you in his custody.

“She too was not content with the possible suitors before her, they could not offer her the multitude of lives she wished to live, but through narratives and plays I fulfilled that need. We could become whatever she or I wished ourselves to be. I was sure to see her as often as I could, but when her parents learned of our tryst, my group was banished, and she, to the bed of a neighbouring prince.” The vampire sighs as the story takes a darker turn. “I promised I would return to her when I could offer her a better home, but my cast and I, we ran afoul of a beast one night. When another caught the scent of our tragedy and found only me hanging by a thread, he took pity and made me one of them. I was so fearful to return to her at first, it took me several years to work up the courage and restraint before I could send her a letter begging to call on her again.”

Now engrossed in the tale and the comparison of his story to yours. You stop an attempt to fight his will, too curious of the outcome.

“She agreed to meet, stealing away from the castle at night to find me at a nearby inn. It was my intent to flee with her that evening, to give her not only all the lives she had desired, but an endless supply of existence. What I did not expect was for her to deny my proposal. In the time I had gone she bore the prince a child, and no longer desired to part with her new role. I was not willing to accept her answer... lost in the heat of my anger and hunger for her, I took the princess with me. Draining her of life, I added her blood to mine.”

You stiffen in your seat wondering if this too will be your end, recalling a cautionary tale your mother used to tell you. The story of a noble lady, who was bled dry by the parasitic and sinful world outside. You thought back then it was her way to scare you into not leaving the protection of the castle walls, never did you consider it to be real, nor that she would be the one to give you to the monster of the fable.

“The smell and taste, I have not had anything quite like her since... until this night, when I caught wind of your own scent upon your maid's dress. I was already on my way to see you, but she made it so much easier, for she spoke on my behalf to gain my entrance. Such a sweet girl, and so very much in love with your brother isn’t she? A shame that she will likely feel the same pain as I once did, a love that crosses classes only to end in death.”

Seething with rage at his confession, you wish to fight back and escape from his carriage but your own body will still not comply. You knew it, you knew he never intended to save your brother, he only wanted a bargain that would play in his favour. There is still a catch that remains unseen by you and your family, one that will result in the prince’s demise.

“They’ve hitched their kingdom to a dying horse, keeping it alive by selling off their only hope.” His finger follows the path of a tear down your jaw and falling to your collar. “I can promise you I will have far more roles and lives for you to play, more than you ever would have had with them. And you, you who have so much to give in return.” He opens his mouth, his breathing heavy as he leans towards your throat. “It's been so long since I’ve had someone of your calibre... I plan to savour you for far longer than the last.” Pushing you down, until you lie on the seat of the carriage, his teeth latch on, piercing the skin of your neck.

...

You drop your mother’s arms, leaning back upon remembering the part she had to play in giving you away. “You forced me into his custody? You are the reason I was made to endure his torture.”

“We had no choice. Your brother, he was dying.”

“And where is he now?” You shout back at them, all decorum vanished from the room. “You were given the cure, so why is my brother still dead?”

With that Taehyung smiles bringing light to the answer. “It would seem the temptation was too great for their own vanity. Even your lovely parting gift to her, erased by my remedy.”

The marks that should be on your mother's arms from your own assault, the ageing that should have become apparent since your last moment with them, none of it is there. All wiped away by the blood that would have given your brother a longer span of life. “You-you used it didn’t you... I should have known. It’s always been about appearances with you. Playing the strong hand to keep both me and your people in line. And when you ran out... you asked for more didn’t you?”

“He said he would keep our prince alive!” Your mother replies shaking from the accusation, but not denying it.

“I told you that what I gave you would be enough. It is not my fault that you chose to waste it.” Taehyung counters with a wicked grin, pleased by their faults and presumptions. “They let your brother die, not I.”

“Then why return now? Why come if you already received what you wanted out of the deal?” You question fearing his answer, for what more could he want.

“I promised I would one day make them see the value in you.” Taehyung explains. “And there is always another bargain to be made.”

“With your brother dead and you gone we needed an heir.” Your father sets out his quill and ink on the table along with a rolled document he’s been clinging to. “It is as we feared what might happen. Our rivals at court have been stoking the fires of our people, without any official descendant they grow discontent and worried about the security of the country's future, we need you back.”

“Though you still belong to me as per the first agreement,” Taehyung interjects. “So you will return, the law will be changed, and you will become the next in line instead of any child you might have produced. With me by your side, living as husband and wife, the future rulers of this kingdom.

“I won’t allow this.” You shake your head aghast by the thought of such a deal. “First you give him me, and now your people?”

“Those people are currently rallied against us, they would see the end of us if they could. You witnessed the proof.” The king gestures to the floor where the captured were held just a moment ago. “We need assistance in controlling them.”

“Because you’ve given them nothing to stand behind! Instead your first instinct is to feed them to a beast. Why do you still trust this monster? He will double cross you, my brother, your son is already dead, don’t let him take any more!”

There’s a knock on the door with the return of Taehyung’s vampire kin having stowed away the prisoners. He bids them to enter, while your father looks on somewhat ruffled by the impermanence of the lord’s comfort in his own home. “My part of the deal has already been given, they cannot back out now. Unless they would like those rebels to return to their people?”

The king shakes his head. Dipping the feathered pen he signs the parchment, and hands it off to the vampire lord.

“Thank you for your cooperation my liege...” Taehyung bows his head as he takes the paper, passing it off to one of his clan, before returning his unwanted attention to you again. “Your parents will live out the remainder of their lives as king and queen. As long as I can assure that their people will not revolt while they live. The throne will pass to us, and your people to mine.” He tilts up your chin, his thumb crossing over the small scratch on your forehead from your travels. Dipping his finger in your goblet of wine he touches the cut again. The familiar itch of healing skin crosses the surface of your brow. Your stomach turns with the knowledge of what you unintentionally consumed. “It’s a shame for them though...They won’t live long enough to see the benefits of my work here.” With the brush of his hand he gives the order to his clan, “Kill them.”

Your parents both stand in alarm, attempting to reason with the monster before you. “No, you swore-”

“That I would keep you safe from your people, not that you are protected from myself or my kind.” He addresses his fellow vampires once again, “If you insist on feeding on them do not do it here. I find their smell distasteful and I would rather not lose my appetite.”

His progenies take hold of your parents, dragging them away. They scream for their guards, but when no one comes to their rescue they call for you next. Pleading with you so that you might speak up on their behalf, with all dignity lost while they come to face their own mortality. You remain silent, any words frozen inside out of fear and hate. Your last duty to them would be what they always asked of you, to be quiet and still, until their screaming comes to an abrupt halt as they meet their end.

Now alone Taehyung rises from his chair and lifts you up onto the dining table, locking you in with his arms on either side. “I told you I could give you so much more than them, didn’t I promise you that? Do you remember?”

“I never said I wanted it from you.” Your furry has reached a new level, overwhelmed with contempt towards Taehyung, your parents, and yourself for not remembering sooner. “You believe their deaths will give you the kingdom? You forget that you had them sign it off to me. I will never consent to marrying you, and we both know your blood will not force me into such a binding contract. It's why you had to make deals with my parents is it not? Compulsion will not work when it comes to such bonds in ink, and you have nothing left to play in order to sway me.”

“Such a smart girl,” Taehyung coos, while brushing the side of your face. “However, it is not I who has forgotten but you, for I have already won that battle too. Here...” He takes a swig of the wine, and firmly grasps the back of your neck. Pushing more of the drink between your lips with his, Taehyung forces you to choke it back and drown in your own past. “Let me help you remember, my princess... my bride...”

...

- 4 years ago -

You open your eyes, to be greeted by unfamiliar surroundings. A soft bed beneath you, lying between warmed sheets with a handsome yet concerned looking man sitting at your side.

“Thank heavens you’re awake. You took quite a fall.”

You lift a hand to your head trying to dull a sharp ache in your temple. The man leans in closer without hesitation, an action which surely indicates a close tie with you, but you have no memory of him. His hands are cool yet you welcome them on the side of your face, for they diminish the pain. “I don’t remember-”

“It’s okay my princess. I'm glad you are saved from the trauma of reliving that event.” He comforts you with a boxy smile, that doesn’t quite reach the sadness of his eyes.

“No, not just that, I mean I don’t remember... I don’t remember you, where I am, nor why I am here.” You strain to recall your most recent past, everything seems so long ago. There are glimpses and fragments of moments and people which you manage to pull forth, your parents and their rule, your brother and his suffering, your castle and it’s cold walls that once surrounded you. The loneliness of your past brings a tear to your eye for it is all you can recall. Everything about this man before you seems to have vanished from your mind.

“No, no, no, don’t cry.” His expression falls, as his hand shifts to wipe beneath your eyes, he swallows his shaking breath in clear distress over your loss. “I promised that I would look after you, that I would treat you well. Your parents, what will I tell them? They will rightfully blame me for letting you get hurt like this.”

The fear and sadness strewn across his handsome face is more than you can bear. You reach out a hand to his to comfort him back. “Could you remind me of your name sir?”

“Taehyung, and please don’t be so formal. There’s no need with me.”

“Then our relationship to each other...”

He takes your hand, tracing your fingers with his, before planting a kiss on your fourth digit. “We have been promised to one another. Your parents agreed to let you leave your own kingdom to be with me.”

“Oh god, I’m so sorry... I don’t remember, I don’t remember anything. I can’t-”

“It’s okay my princess. It’s not your fault, but mine. You were hurt under my care. I’ll help you to rebuild what we have. We’ll start from the beginning, if we have to. I just can’t endure the thought of losing you entirely. Please just tell me what you need, whatever I can do, it will be done. I will help you to fall for me over and over, if it means I can continue to be with you.”

...

Taehyung spends the nights alongside you tending to your every desire, reciting poetry and plays to keep you entertained while you remain on bed rest for your injury. You feel bound by his kindness, and so guilty for not being able to recall your own past together.

During the day he is forced away from your side. He has a demanding role filled with travel and responsibilities, your only hope is that when he deems you well enough, you will spend that time together too. That you will be able fulfill this building desire within, to go out and journey for his role together.

But the weeks pass with no change in your situation.

Until one night when it all becomes too much to conceal. When left by his caretakers to bathe, you dissolve into sorrow over the fact that your loss of memory is holding you back. Your wedding to him was to be days from now, but he has called it off until you can recover what you lost. Your wracking sobs echo through the empty room as you commiserate alone. Questioning what you could possibly do to dispel this suffering.

You did not expect the sound to summon Taehyung, who comes bursting in without thought to your current state of dress. “Princess I-I...” He stops in his tracks and turns on his heel, shielding his eyes from your nude form. “Forgive me, I was not made aware that you were bathing.”

You press yourself to the side of the tub. Shy at first but when you find him more so, you beckon him over, just as he is about to reach for the door. “No wait, don’t leave. If you go I fear I will only feel more guilt over our situation.”

“Guilt? To what shame are you referring? Have I not made you comfortable here? Do you not have everything you need?” Taehyung abides by your call, joining you beside the tub, and swallowing as he glimpses you in the water.

“I do, and that is the issue. I remember nothing other than your care and kindness. You have given me everything you can, and I have nothing to grant you in return.”

“That’s not true-”

You press a damp finger to his lips, urging him to let you finish. “Despite not having a memory of our past, there is this need inside me... it’s difficult to express, but it calls out for someone like you. I do not wish to continue this cautionary stance, waiting and hoping for something that might not return. I do not want to hold us back. I think we should still marry, for I cannot see my life in any other way.”

Taehyung gives you a small smile along with a kiss to your hand which still lingers near his mouth. While his own reaches into the tub, his fingers twirling in the water just above your leg. “There is still much you don’t know about me.”

“Then I will learn it as it comes. Please, I long to move past this. I cannot and will not remain in this present, with you restraining yourself because of me. I truly believe that moving forward with the original plan is the best course of action.”

“If that is what you desire,” He the tips of his fingers submerge further until they draw against your thigh. “I will resume the plans between you and I.”

...

The ceremony is modest, with only you and Taehyung reciting your vows under the night sky. After signing a document to confirm your ties, he whisks you off to the bedroom to consummate the new promise between you.

The strength of the man before you comes as quite a shock as he rips the laces of your gown in his eager hunt to find the flesh beneath, until your best dress soon lays in tatters on the floor. His hunger for you appears to reach a new level, with his mouth nipping and devouring every inch he has exposed. Your situation has held you both back for so long, but at least now you will both get to revel in the path forward together.

Once bare he flips you on to your stomach and disrobes himself. His taut legs come to straddle your hips, while his hands run up your back and down your arms. Taking your wrists he pins them over top of your head. “Just a precaution my princess,” He chuckles your ear as his leather belt wraps around. Tightening them together before the strap loops the headboard and is once again threaded through the buckle, wittingly securing you to the bed. “For if I am worried over the possibility of you fleeing, I might lose myself, and consume too much of you.”

“I have no plans to run.” You muse, giggling at his passion.“But I will concede to your bondage if it satisfies you.”

“I was hoping you would agree.” He teases his index along your slit, drenching your sensitive skin, and preparing you for his swollen cock. You raise your hips eagerly towards him and he takes the hint. Laying down over top of you he guides himself in with one hand while the other loops your waist.

You gasp from the stretch before gritting your teeth trying to hide the brief moment of pain. Taehyung swears as his forehead comes to rest on your shoulder, his breath shaking as much as yours while he inhales deeply. A growl echoes in his throat which he promptly clears. “Princess, am I... am I your first?” There’s a hint of surprise in his voice, but you can not understand why that would be so.

“If I was promised to you... I can not see why I would have laid with another.” You answer somewhat hurt by the notion that he thinks you would have been unfaithful in the past. Your memories might be limited, but you can not believe that would be the kind of person you are, to be unfaithful to one so kind would make you a monster.

“Yes, of course.” He sighs, “I just, I had not...” He empties his throat again. Hugging you tightly as he pushes his cock in further. “My dear princess, so good to trust me with such a gift.”

You exhale with a confirmation. “I am all yours.”

With Taehyung resting deep inside he pauses for another moment. His fingers trapped between you and the bed shift down to your mound where they press and cause you to buck back onto him. “Forget the pain for now...” He whispers in your ear while the deep circles he rubs shift you from discomfort to pleasure. Your twitching responses beguile him as you clench down on his shaft. The growl in his voice returns and grows deeper, he thrusts along with you. A need inside your start to build, your breathing stutters while he continues on. “...And come for me.” Your nerves reach their peak at his words, holding you in place until the tension inside you finally releases and the warm waves run from head to toe.

As you ride out your climax Taehyung pushes forward with his own. His cock continues to swell, demanding more of you, until he comes to his end and collapses twitching with content. With a groan he wraps his arms around you and nuzzles your back, while you remain trapped beneath him.

You tug on his belt wanting to touch him and hold him as he does to you. But even once he has come himself, he does not appear to be fully parted from his lustful needs. He shifts down so that his face can be found between your thighs. Your cheeks burn with embarrassment as you inquire for him. “Taehyung, please-”

“Don’t fret my princess, I just- I just want to- there was some blood drawn in my haste to have you, I would like to kiss it better.” He chuckles before his tongue comes to find your folds. The beastly sounds from him become far greater than before as he laps at the spot. Your hesitation is cast aside as you soon delve into pleasure once again.

His fingers clamp down on your legs as he feeds from your cunt with an even stronger resolve. “I must- I must have more.” He begs of you.

“I am yours to take.” You respond, eager to indulge more from his affectionate appetite.

But as soon as your permission is granted an unimaginable pain pierces the skin and muscle of your thigh. His mouth latches onto the source of such misery, and draws on the wound taking deep drafts. “Taehyung?” You cry out in confusion, pulling the bonds he left you in.

Your lord and husband suspends the act. Rising up to release you from the headboard, he takes your restraints in his hand. Flipping you back over and pinning you back down beneath him. You find your groom smiling while his mouth drips with blood. He chuckles lightly at your horror, taking in your fear. “Did you have a change of heart my princess? I’m sorry to have brought such a swift end to our happy scene, but tomorrow we may start over... once I’ve had my fill.”

...

After the first Taehyung proceeds to push upon you several moments wrought in passion and pain. The concealment of his identity to become your love, and of course the times when he chose purely to torture you as your captor.

You come to understand that your past with Taehyung is a series of tales, with him portraying the villain, or the hero. Going from captor, to suitor, to husband, only to break you by becoming your captor once again. He’s crippled you countless times, in so many different ways, choosing whichever act suits him in the moment, gorging himself off your emotional defeat the same way he feeds your blood, in the most painful way possible.

“A small sample of our time together, but you see princess, you are already bound to me in matrimony. I have what I need for my clan. My followers will have access to any house, any dwelling on our kingdom’s land once I give them my consent to enter.”

“Y-you have no right to do that!” You stutter, trying to push down the past to focus on the present.

“Oh but I do as your husband, as the new king I now have partial claim. My men will be able to feed within the safety of your peoples homes. Hunting them in their beds will be far easier than being restricted to the streets.”

“They are not cattle for you to feed upon!”

“How is that any different than your family's rule?” Taehyung scoffs, looking to the ornate room around you both. “Your parents in their vanity and greed bleed them dry, to the point where they were begging for a change, even if it was the rule of a young man who had barely stepped into adulthood. They will be grateful for the passing of the king and queen, and for the new rule. Remembering the vampires who will now stalk them while they sleep only as a passing nightmare.”

“That does not make what you are doing any better.” You argue, though you know it to be pointless.

“Not in your eyes, but my people will at least benefit from the sacrifice of your own. They trust me to do right by them. Can yours say the same about you? Will you bear the pain of your suffering and theirs? All that’s left is for us to choose which story we should play next. Would you like to forget it all again? To have me return to the role of doting lover and husband? Or would you prefer to recall that which has brought you pain? Your parents, your brother, and myself, knowing that soon my people will feast on yours.”

To remember would be the only chance you have in finding a weakness to him, any attempt to remove him from his position will require your knowledge of what happened in the past and what is happening in the present. Who knows what story he would otherwise weave next, but he will no doubt pull the wool over your eyes if you let him.

“I will give you until the end of this night to choose, if you don’t I will do so for you. But I am so very ready to return to our routine. These past few weeks have been a torment without you to entertain and fulfil me.” His finger traces an x on your neck, marking the spot he intends to bite. “I will never again allow us to be parted for so long.” The point of his teeth make contact with your skin, when the door opens and one of his keepers calls for him. “What?!” Taehyung shouts back in frustration. “What could possibly be so important that you must interrupt my dinner?”

“There is a hunter demanding entrance at the gate.” The vampire informs, looking rather shaken for having displeased his lord. “Says he won’t leave until he sees proof that you received your princess. It seems that he was trying to deliver her when she ran off in the daylight earlier today.”

“So someone did find you... that would explain...” His hands soften on your neck running his fingers over the previously tortured flesh. He then turns to the vampire waiting for his answer. “What is the hunter’s name?”

“Agust, my lord.”

Your head snaps up with your eyes wide. Yoongi is here, and he knew to call himself Agust? That can only mean, the secrets kept from him by his clan, the truth that would break you, it was the knowledge of Taehyung’s presence here.

“Is this the case my princess? Did this Agust find you and intend to bring you here?” You bite your tongue but he pushes his power over you again. “Tell me the truth of this matter.”

“He did.” You can’t be sure of what Yoongi intends to do once inside, but at least your forced honesty did not betray his cover.

“He has my permission to enter. Bring him to me now, I owe him my gratitude for taking such good care of my princess.” The vampire guard leaves to grant the other access.

Taehyung traces his teeth with his tongue. Appearing unusually happy despite the fact that his meal was disturbed. “You will remain seated and quiet, while I reward this hunter for his deeds, is that understood princess?” You reluctantly nod, submitting to his compulsion.

Yoongi, accompanied by four of Taehyung's kin, enters the dinning hall and promptly bows. “My lord.”

“Agust... I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of speaking before have we?”

“No my lord, I’ve dealt only with your keepers. But it was my honour to retrieve your princess as requested.” You meet his eye when they flicker in your direction trying to decipher his plan, but are unable to see a way out that could have possessed him to take such a risk.

“Yes, I must thank you for bringing her most of the way. I am surprised that you knew to find me here though, I thought that was kept confidential from the hunters.”

“It was my lord but I learned of your occupation here only recently, such a large group of vampires in a human city does not go unnoticed for long.”

“Then I commend you, for doing what many of my other hunters could not.” Taehyung smirks at his own kin’s expense. “Tell me who was your maker, from which line do you descend?

“Your caretaker Egan, my lord.” Yoongi offers, his tone flat and even. “Though I don’t know if he would recall me, I am one of many.”

“Egan you say?” Taehyung pauses, with a raised brow and pout, which soon fades into a smile after a moment's hesitation. “He has created a fair few hasn’t he?” He chuckles. “Now you were not able to finish my task to completion, but I will still grant you the reward of becoming a keeper if you can complete just one other challenge.”

“Of course my lord.” Yoongi promises, watching adamantly with his hand twitching at his side.

“There is someone I need you to find, one who has been haunting me for quite some time. Before my princess met me she fell in love with another of our kind. A vampire who works for Lord Hoseok, and goes by the name Min Yoongi. It took me a year to find the full extent of the boundaries in her memory that relate to him, I needed to empty her of love for that fool, and take it for myself. I was successful in the end of course.” He tips your chin with his finger delighting in the pained expression you bear at the thought. “But I would like to see the end of him, and purge anything that might hope to take her from me.”

“I understand...” Yoongi responds through a clenched jaw. Peeking a concerned glance at you when Taehyung's back turns to him.

“I think she might be able to help you start your quest. You know where to find this Yoongi, do you not my princess?”

You dip your head, as a tear slips from your cheek and falls to your lap. You bite your tongue in an attempt to hold back your answer but Taehyung presses again with the compulsion of his blood. “You will answer me, out loud.”

“Yes,” you confirm, your eyes meeting with Yoongi’s again, pleading for him to go now, and escape before you reveal anything else.

“Do you think it will be an easy task for this vampire Agust to find him?”

“I do.” You utter with a reply stolen from your lips.

Taehyung mutters in your ear for his final question. “Is he the one who stands before us now my princess?” Panic instantly seizes you, with every function of your body coming to a halt, wondering how he could have found out. The moment your mouth starts to open, Yoongi launches himself at Taehyung, but his attack is quickly brought to a halt by the vampire lord who draws his own stake. Shoving Yoongi across the room and into the arms of his guard.

“You thought you could fool me after so many of your brethren tried and failed?” The cruel lord chides with a low chuckle. “There have been too many errors on your part, the greatest of which was the name of your false creator.” He approaches his new prisoner dragging the point of the stake along Yoongi’s chest while he is held in place. “A misstep of Egan’s allowed for her to escape, and so I sent the order for him to be disposed of. I knew the deed was done mere hours ago when I watched a progeny of his wither away before my eyes. If you were of his blood you too would have perished.” Taehyung explains before he paces away twirling the stake between his fingers. “What a wicked curse we must endure is it not? Though it does have its advantages... I wonder how many will I wipe out with your death?” Your heart beats wildly in your chest longing to run forward and prevent such an event. “It will come soon, of that there is no question, but not before I take every ounce of information you hold about Hoseok’s current plans.”

“You will get nothing from me unless you let her go,” Yoongi growls.

“Let go of my own bride?” The restrained vampire flinches at the comment as Taehyung grins and prods further. “I suppose you didn’t know. You must forgive her for not informing you, she couldn’t recall it herself until a few minutes ago. Regardless, I have no plans to free her, for I believe the closer I am to your beloved the more I will get from you.” Taehyung joins you at your side again. “What do you think princess? Would you like an admirer for our performance? I’m sure even the steadfast Min Yoongi would bend to my will if he witnesses you in my favourite roles.”

Taehyung’s attention is drawn away from the pair of you when more of his keepers enter the room greeting him with a nod. “Alas the show will have to wait. I have permissions to grant, and a story to feed your staff,” The vampire lord sighs and acquiesces to their needs, grabbing the decanter from which you took a glass. “The rest of your people will come after.”

Taehyung gestures to one of his men. “He will take you to your room, and you will remain there until I return. I look forward to having a more fulfilling reunion between you and I come dawn.” His fingers brush against your cheek one last time before addressing the vampires holding Yoongi. “Keep him locked up along with the revolutionaries for now. I will call upon him later.”

Yoongi continues to lash out as you are both dragged in opposite directions. Barring his fangs at those who hold him, but he is soon subdued with the addition of another clan member and carried out of sight.

Your own escort doesn’t say a word as he takes you through the empty halls, and staircases with one hand grappling your upper arm. Any attempt to pull it from him is met with a snarl and tighter hold. As you pass the rooms of the hall you wonder where Taehyung has the remaining staff kept and despite the lies forced down their throat you hope they will remain untouched.

The guard opens a door and pushes you in, sending you to the ground before locking it behind. The dimly lit room is unfortunately not your own, consisting only of a bed, washstand, and shuttered windows. Rising from the timber floor you find a stain on your hands and dress originating from the spot on which you landed, a spill, red enough to be the remnants of a vampire's meal. You start heaving at the thought, running to the filled basin desperate to remove the sticky scarlet substance. With hands shaking as they are submerged in water, your entirety follows suit, quaking in fear of what has just transpired and what is left to come.

Your parents are lost, they dug their own grave, but your fellow citizens, and Yoongi... you have to find him, before he too is lost and your people are reduced to a mere spattering on the floor.

You pull on the shutters of the window, releasing them to peer out and see if there is any hope to scale out of this one too. The height from the ground might be manageable, but a pair of glowing eyes looking up to you from the garden stops your attempt. The gaze from below continues to watch until you retract and close the space between you again. Taehyung's caretakers and keepers are as eager to keep and feed on you as he is. Visions of past attacks start to flood your mind, making you regret your venture to look out. You tried to escape so many times in your past captivity. Each one with the exception of the last was foiled by his keepers or caretakers, some brought you straight back to your room, while others... others were swiftly intercepted by the lord of the fortress, but only after they landed their first bite.

Retreating to the corner of the room, you set yourself down at the furthest point from the door and window. Left alone to stare at the crimson puddle, as you wait for Taehyung’s return. There is no question that you have to bear the weight of your memories as painful as they are, you can not afford to forget the past. Not now, not with Yoongi nor your people in jeopardy. You wonder if Taehyung will strike such a deal with you. If you promise to abide by his command without his blood, will that be enough to buy at the very least Yoongi’s safety?

The minutes pass while you consider your options, distracted only when there comes a thump from the shutters. You rise from your spot and move closer to the door. The boards made to conceal the daylight shatter inward with another hit, knocking over the solitary candle and casting you into darkness. The shadowy intruder leaps in, their gleaming eyes holding you in their sights.

Figuring it to be one of the Taehyung’s progeny’s come for a taste, you draw breath to scream. Until the vampire collides with you, holding you down, and covering your mouth.

“I told you to stay in the room.” The hushed tones of Yoongi greet you to your immense relief. “Why didn’t you listen to me? Why did you run?” He waits there for a moment, removing his hand only when you finally relax beneath him.

“Yoongi...” You gasp in relief. “I overheard you and Seokjin. When I saw you give into the demands... I-I didn’t know, I didn’t realize-”

There’s a knock interrupting your explanation, the vampiric guard no doubt alarmed by the commotion. You both fall silent, but that does not seem to satisfy the sentry, who proceeds to unlock the door. Yoongi jumps up ready to meet him with a stake. As the barrier opens, the vampire tries to step inside, making it only far enough in for the wooden weapon to reach his heart. Yoongi grabs the enemies throat in the last moments, committing him to silence until death before tossing the corpse to the side. Treating the newly dead as nothing more than a bothersome distraction.

Yoongi turns back to you but keeps his distance, a growl rattling in his throat as he takes deep breaths. “I told you before, I would never take you there. I had no wish to abide by the request from my lord. I could not tell Seokjin of my plans to disobey while we remained in his house. I was going to take you as far away as I could after learning the whole truth behind your capture, but your stunt put everything in jeopardy, including yourself.”

You start to sob upon hearing his deception, you should have guessed that with such a reveal from his own clan he would try to deceive them too, like the others he dealt with on your behalf. He closes the gap between you, pulling you in close, allowing your tears to fall on his chest. “How-how did you escape just now? I thought for certain he had us both in his grasp.”

“I kept hold of the tainted blood, and those holding me were in desperate need of a drink. One sip and they were at my mercy instead.” He lips grace the top of your head with a kiss as you cling to him. “We’re going to get you out of here okay? We’ll go down to the passage. I have already released those he captured, if he has a mob on his hands, we might slip out undetected.”

“I can’t leave, not yet-”

“Why, because he compelled you to stay?” Yoongi questions, attempting to dismiss your concern. “I will carry you out if your own volition fails to do so.”

“It is not that alone... he was not lying when he told you I was his-his-” You stall on the word unable to say it yourself. “In those five years, he played with my mind, he made me forget you and desire him instead, a-and I fell for it. It is because of me he now has a claim to every home in the town. This is my error to fix. I will not leave those who dwell here to feed his own.”

“You are not to blame for his actions.” He counters, his own voice cracking in desperation. “Your remaining here will not change that.”

“I only wish to remain so I can bring an end to him, to kill him.” You promise. “Either way, whether successful or not I will not exist here long.

“No, I am not letting you near him again. If we must do this then let him be mine to kill.”

“He thinks me in here unarmed and broken to his will,” You open Yoongi’s jacket to find another stake that he must have stolen from Taehyung’s followers. “I will have a better chance. It would be better for you to ensure that his clan has not brought harm to anyone else.”

“And leave you here to face him? If he falls so do his own progenies, which includes most if not all of his keepers. There will be no point in my leaving to dispose of them, if your main goal is to defeat him.”

“If he sees you he will be instantly aware. When he is as strong as you say then even you won’t be able to defeat him without catching him off guard.”

“I am not leaving you alone with him even if you are armed, and that is final.” Yoongi takes his firm stance, while grabbing at the stake in your hand. “I will not lose you again...”

You look down at the deceased on your floor, fearing the same fate for Yoongi should he remain here with you. Taehyung has proven time and time again that none can fool him for long, not Yoongi, not his clan members, even those who disobeyed him attempting to draw blood from you were cast aside... with Taehyung throwing himself between you and them. “If you will not leave then... I need you to bite me.”

Yoongi follows your gaze in confusion, “What is it you are plotting your highness?”

“He will no doubt come running if he smells my spilt blood. He has before. If he thinks I am in danger from his own, I will be able to get close with his guard down.” You take the stake back from him while he considers your plan, gripping it in your fist behind your back. “All you have to do is play the threat.”

“Will you not wait for another alternative? My clan could be here in a day to deal with them.”

“He is hungry, and all too confident of victory.” You plead with your vampire. “If we wait-”

“If we wait he will be more likely to catch on...” Yoongi growls confirming your thoughts, as he begrudgingly bends down to take the cloak of the defeated guard. Tying it around he pulls the hood over his head. “This is unbelievably reckless you know. I should just take you from here this instant.”

“But you won’t.” You reply with a sad smile reaching up to touch his cheek with your hand, and press a kiss to his lips. “You long for an end to this as much as I.”

With his back to the door he takes you into his arms. When hunched over you Taehyung should not know who he is until it is too late. Yoongi places his mouth ready to sink into your neck. “Are you sure you want to be the one to-”

“I have to.” You cut him off before he can even try to change your mind again.

With a deep sigh his teeth pierce your skin, the blood starts to flood from the wound and Yoongi lets out a low pained groan as he resists the urge to feed. For the more blood that escapes and is left to the air, the sooner that Taehyung will come running to investigate your situation. After a minute passes, you start to feel light headed and grip your weapon tighter.

“If he doesn't come soon I will have to put a stop to this.”

“He will come,” you gasp. “Just wait.”

Right on cue there comes a shout from down the hall along with the thunder of footsteps. Your door crashes open to reveal the ferocious monster.

Yoongi is thrown to the wall, and promptly disregarded in the moment by Taehyung, whose immediate attention is more occupied with you spilling out before him. “She is mine,” he seethes looking ravenous after not feeding on you for weeks. His hunger distracting him from the arm you have tucked behind your back. While pulling you closer to take a taste himself, you draw your own weapon, stabbing him through his heart with the stake.

He looks down to injury with a sobering disbelief, his words heavy on his lips with a low chuckle as he forces out his final thoughts before his demise. “Well played princess... you had me thinking I was to be your hero again.”

“You were never my hero, only my assailant.” You shove the stake deeper into his chest. “And now my fatality.”

Taehyung gasps and delivers one last cruel smile. “A fitting end, though I can think of one better. Why part here, when you can join me in death.” He launches at your throat ready to strike and bleed you further, when his actions are cut short by another.

With the stake pulled from the other vampire, Yoongi pierces him through the back, and takes hold from behind preventing Taehyung’s last threat. The vampire lord's eyes go wide showing a brief moment of fear before he finally succumbs to death. Pulling yourself from his clutches you take a deep breath and rejoice in the freedom, though the feeling doesn’t last long.

Already dizzy from the loss of blood you are in no way prepared for the surge of memories that flood back. With Taehyung dead his physical hold on you diminished, but the pain of his manipulation, the trauma and loss he has inflicted on you hits as a wave, and pulls you under.

Yoongi is there to heal the wound on your neck, he calls to you repeatedly though his voice along with your vision of him are clouded amongst your thoughts. Your heart pounds and head races as it continues to try and register the influx of everything you lost.

There’s a soft touch to your temple, as a whisper from him finally makes it through. “Be strong my love, you can conquer this too.”

You can feel yourself being lifted as the room moves around you. Clinging to his coat you utter your wish to leave, unwilling to spend another moment in this castle. Fully slipping as he draws you in closer.

...

When the haze lifts you come to find yourself in another bed. Not one of the castle’s no, it seems Yoongi had observed that request, but the location is still worrisome for it is the same room you had shared with him in Seokjin’s house. You immediately sit up, panicking over your last memory of this place, and fearful of Yoongi’s clan’s intent.

Your vampire sleeps on a chair beside you, though his head and chest are slumped over on the mattress and his hand encasing yours. Stirring the second your grip leaves his and you attempt to get from the bed. He grabs at your shoulder pushing you back down with ease, “What do you think you are doing? You are in no state to be running off.”

“Yoongi... why are we here? If Seokjin-”

“This was the only safe place I could think to bring you. You have nothing to fear here now. Seokjin will not do anything, he knows he was in the wrong to suggest such compulsion, and Namjoon has promised retribution on your behalf if he continues such behaviour.” Yoongi briefly smirks at the thought of the pair, though his expression soon darkens as his hand brushes your hair from your face as you relax back into the bed. “I thought- I was worried I lost you back there.”

“I-I couldn’t control it, there was so much that I had lost and most of it difficult to bear again...” You grimace at the pain of it, prompting Yoongi to lean in to kiss your blow and pull a small smile from you again. “I should never have returned. I should have trusted you more, I’m so sorry for putting you in danger like that.”

“It was not your fault. You had every reason to doubt me given your past and what you knew. I can’t imagine what it was like, but...” He looks down avoiding your eyes as he rubs your hands, the words that follow are just as tentative and soft. “If you should- I don’t know if- if you need me to help you discard any memories I will do so. Doesn’t have to be now or ever, but if you ever need me to... don’t feel like you have to carry the weight of it alone.”

You nod your eyes tearing up with gratitude for his offer. “Thank you, there will be some moments that I- that I will be glad to be rid of.” Yoongi’s warm smile comes with his arms to wrap around you in a tight hug. You wince as your muscles stain to return the affection, feeling as though they have seized from lack of use. “How long have I been under?”

“The longest two nights of my existence.”

“Two nights?” You exclaim pulling out of the embrace in shock. “What has happened since? Was anyone else hurt before I-I-”

“No one else, but the castle,” Yoongi sighs looking hesitant to tell you the rest. “The castle was set aflame in an act of defiance. It was sentenced to burn once the staff and resistance had cleared it of everything of value.”

“Good,” you whisper.

“There is more... Seokjin has been keeping a close eye on the situation.” Yoongi discloses. “But, when word spread that you returned only to vanish again, many believed your appearance to be that of an imposter rather than their former princess. They thought you a tool of the mysterious lord attempting to gain power.”

“And their plans to create a new form of rule?” You ask, the focus of your question leading Yoongi to tilt his head in confusion.

“Going forward without much backlash, but-”

“Then they have every right to think so. I am very different from their lost princess.” You smile to Yoongi’s surprise. “I am a threat to them now, a threat to the future governance they plan to install. Any version of me might sow the seeds of discord in progress if I was to return. If this story of me being a deceiver will help them to rebuild, then let them think it. I will make no plans to return.”

Yoongi nods in understanding, though his expression still holds regret. “I am sorry I was not able to deliver you home as promised.”

“That place was not my home for so long, not since you-”

A loud knock comes from the front door of the small home, reaching you all the way in your upstairs room. Yoongi stiffens in the seat next to you as muffled voices are soon heard too. Your vampire stands going to the door where Seokjin appears a moment later with news. “It’s Lord Hoseok. He’s here, and he wants to see you.”

“Don’t you dare let him in.” Yoongi pushes back. “Not with her here, not now.”

“I can’t exactly deny him entrance,” Seokjin scoffs. “This is his house-”

“Fine, then I will.”

Seokjin puts a hand on Yoongi’s chest and prevents him from storming off into a confrontation. “You know you can’t stop him. If he wishes to see her he will, but right now I think his main concern is you. Do not anger him if there is no reason to. See what he wants then come to a judgement.”

The same loud knock you heard below then arrives at your bedroom door, breaking off the disagreement between the two vampires.The guest you know not to require permission, but it seems that he would rather enter on your terms rather than his own.

“Yoongi?” You call to him, witnessing the dread in his face when he turns to look at you. “I should like to speak to him too.”

Yoongi’s reluctant hand turns the lever, letting his lord inside. Your own vampire stands between the two of you preventing you from getting a good look as the first words are exchanged.

“My Lord.”

“Tell me it is so, that it is true. Is Taehyung- ” The vampire lord immediately launches into the heart of the matter. The weight of his tone sends shivers to even you.

“Dead, my lord.”

“Thank you Yoongi, I am in your debt.” The tension in his voice quickly falls away.

“It was not I alone who defeated him sir. The credit also goes to the woman who you thought you would contain to your fortress.” Yoongi mutters with malice.

“I app-” His lord steps further in, allowing him to finally catch a glimpse of you. He pauses for a moment as he takes you in, his mouth hangs open and a single word falls in greeting, “Mansin?”

Though the word is foreign to you Yoongi reacts in an instant, returning to your side, he growls and his superior in defiance while positioned in your defence. “She is not-”

Lord Hoseok seems to catch himself and apologises. “A mistake Yoongi, an honest mistake, I see that she is bound to you. You must forgive me,” He whispers while giving a sad smile in penance. “Something in your expression reminded me of someone I once knew.” He politely touches upon his error, but leaves you with no reason for Yoongi’s reception. “I must give my thanks to you as well then, for you saved me the pain of having to kill my own creation.”

Alarmed by the confession you try to stand but Yoongi’s hand once again comes down to your shoulder. “Then Taehyung was yours? You created that monster?!”

“It was not my intention to have him turn out in such a way.” The vampire lord growls at the censure, causing Yoongi to grow ridged next to you. “I found him as an innocent young man dying, whispering the name of the one he loved, the one he was bound to. I took pity on him, would you not have done the same?” Hoseok raises an eyebrow as he throws his choice back at you.

You swallow and nod in response. “I suppose I would have.” The swift changes in mood of the vampire lord keep you on guard, intimidating in one moment and considerate in the next. It’s easy to see why Yoongi might be wary of him around you.

“I chose to banish him from the clan when he killed his former mate, your ancestor, for I could no longer trust him. He sought revenge on both your family and mine, and it is my fault alone. I knew that Yoongi would prefer to keep you as far away as possible, but Taehyung would likely have tracked you down sooner or later. I wanted to make up for that by offering you a safe place at my fortress but I can see that it was misconstrued.”

“Thankfully your assistance with my residence is no longer required.” You convey, hoping that he has abandoned the notion, since the threat is no longer stalking you.

“Yes... thankfully.” Lord Hoseok reiterates with a weak grin.

“If you are in our debt as you say then I would like to make a request of you.” You ask much to Yoongi’s surprise, resulting in his head snapping in your direction.

“A request?” Hoseok blinks, a grin twitching in his lips. He grabs the chair from the desk, turning it to face you before taking his seat. “What have you to ask of me?”

“My old kingdom, I want to ensure the health of the people. I ask that if your clan goes there to feed they use the tactics that Yoongi has been operating under.” Yoongi finally exhales and relaxes, as you explain your wish, a small smile crosses his lips with what looks to be pride.

“I understand your position, and would agree immediately if there were to be no recourse, but to put such limitations on my clan without any amendments or accommodations to offer in return... many would turn rogue.” Hoseok shakes his head. “No, if I ordered that, we might find ourselves in another situation like before.”

You consider what you have left to give with nothing left from your family to offer, you have only what you may have acquired through matrimonial bonds. “Tell me when a vampire dies, what happens to the ownership of their residences.”

“It will go to whomever they deemed a second who was not created by their own lineage. Yoongi was once my own. I don’t know if Taehyung- ”

“But if they had taken a wife who survived them?” You ask.

“They would be yours...” Yoongi mutters beside you in understanding.

You nod grimacing at the prospect of owning his land. “I want no part of them. But if they will help you to convince your clan to adjust their feedings and continue to help those of my former kingdom they are yours.” You offer to Hoseok. “Every fortress, waypoint and house that belonged to him will all be transferred to your own clan. ”

“Then I accept your terms,” Hoseok nods in agreement. “But where will you go?”

You look to Yoongi to give the answer. Caught off guard he pauses before responding with the simple direction of, “East, we plan to head east.”

...

...Two months later...

Yoongi stops the horse and dismounts beside an overgrown field, looking at the land with a deep contented sigh. “This is it.” He lights a lantern for you before treading into the long grass, in search of the foundation of his old home.

He was right, there is little left, but regardless of that fact you help him by clearing the roughage from any remains you can find. Pausing only when he does, while uncovering what seems to be a rotting wooden board laying on the ground. Upon further inspection you find it to shield a substantial cavern below with steps leading into the darkness.

“If that’s the cellar... Then that must mean.” Yoongi mutters, before taking a few steps away, counting his paces as he goes. Hunching down over a higher patch of ground, he tears away the long weeds, until a stone hearth reveals itself. He takes the rotting wooden board, and breaks it apart into several pieces. Building them up before he sets them alight with the fire of the lantern.

He lowers himself to sit in front of the burning wood and beckons for your hand, kissing you knuckles, raw from the cold wind of your journey as you take a seat next to him. Despite the lack of walls and roof, you are overwhelmed by Yoongi’s peace as he looks into the fire, feeling that same comfort and warmth within yourself. “I never thought I’d see this place again, but now, it feels right to return. Perhaps-” He meets your eye before expressing the rest of his tentative question. “Perhaps we could stay here for a while?”

“I would like that.” You answer with a nod, prompting him to beam back at you.

While Yoongi moves to lay on the grass relaxing in the light of the flame you pull out the new map you’ve been working on since the start of your journey east. The other still remains, not entirely forgotten, but of little use in this region. The fresh start on parchment comes as a much needed reprieve, the chance to begin again.

“You are marking this place down for me?” Yoongi asks as you draw with your quill pen.

“For us,” you correct him.

Looking down at the new point on the map now labelled with your description, he smiles at the sight of the single word you had written. “Have I fulfilled my duty to you then? Should we part ways here?” He jests pushing to rise up until you tug him back down by his long coat.

“You have,” Shaking your head at his joke, you explain your true feelings behind the word. “But if you leave, this place ceases to be so. It only exists as such when I am with you.”

“Then I must stay by your side, or risk breaking another promise?” He continues to tease you, with a twitch to the corner of his lip.

You can’t help but laugh at his attempt to conceal his eagerness. “So it would seem. How long do you think you can keep your vow?”

“For eternity.” Yoongi whispers, leaning in to kiss you over the setting ink of, ‘Home.’

...

-The End-

...

#bts smut #taehyung smut #yandere bts #yoongi smut #taehyung x reader #yoongi x reader #bts fanfiction #bts x reader #bts thriller au #bts fanfic #bts vampire au #yandere taehyung #min yoongi #kim taehyung #bts blood bounty

847 notes · View notes

bangtansocean · 3 years

Text

Letters: Part 02

Synopsis: Good things never last long, and unfortunately, his promises were a little too good to be true.

⏤𝚙𝚊𝚒𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐: taehyung x reader // slight yoongi x reader

⏤ au: [Historical Fiction, soulmates au]

⏤𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: Heavy Angst, smut, fluff

⏤𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜: mature content ahead [18+]: Sex talk, Oral sex (f), finger fucking, dirty talking, voyeurism, nude exposure, hints of praise kink, nipple play, saliva play, pregnancy talk, masturbation (f & m), self induced orgasm.

word count: 2.5K

Chapters: 01 l 02 l 03

click here to go back to master list

—————————————————————

“Oh my God, Tae,” you cry as your hands grip his soft black hair tighter. His tongue dragging long licks between your folds repeatedly. He stops right over your clit, sucking and flicking your sensitive bud with his tongue in between moans.

“Just like that princess, let me hear how good I make you feel.” He gives your clit one more kiss before he lightly blows on it, the sudden cold air sending shivers down your spine and increasing the tension in your abdomen.

You can feel your orgasm approaching as soon as Taehyung enters his fingers deep inside you. You can feel your walls clenching at the intrusion of his long and slightly bent fingers, hitting your soft spot, making you moan.

“You feel so good around me.” Taehyung says, meeting your lustful gaze with a grin, his chin wet from eating you out. The sight is so erotic it sends a new wave of arousal to your core. He places his fingers on your clit, slightly pinching it making you squeal from the pleasure it had caused, rolling your eyes and resting your head against the bed's headframe, moaning his name in a quiet, almost inaudible whisper.

“Look at you princess, so desperate for me.” He says in a sultry tone. He faintly strokes your clit with his thumb, leaving open mouth kisses on your sensitive bud every now and then as he pumps his fingers in and out of you at a slow but deep pace. He kisses the inside of your thighs and traces his tongue along your perineum, collecting your juices before they could make their way into the mattress.

“Tae, I’m so close.” you let out a squeal as the clenching of your walls increases, making Tae hum against your core.

“I want you to come in my mouth, can you do that for me, princess?” His filthy words make you moan, feeling your climax approaching.

He takes that as a sign to increase the sucking and licking on your clit as he pushes his fingers deeper into you, making sure he is reaching your sweet spot with every move, keeping a steady speed that slowly takes you to a breathtaking orgasm.

You come undone around his tongue, he humfs satisfied with your orgasm, as he keeps providing long licks on your folds, making sure he collects every single drop of your wetness. You flinch every time his tongue comes in contact with your oversensitive bud which makes him giggle every now and then. Once he is done, he plants a few kisses on your thighs before slowly making his way up to your chest, kissing your breasts, taking one into his mouth and releases it with a loud pop that makes you laugh.

“Tae, aren’t you going to be late to your meeting?” you ask him as he places his face on the crook of your neck, leaving butterfly kisses while his hands wander on your body, squeezing the side of your thighs every now and then. “Tae...” you bring your hands to his cheeks, moving his lips away from your skin, forcing him to face you. His eyes are still full of lust, but they become softer when they meet yours. He smiles at your frowned expression.

“You are going to be late.” You scold him.He ignores your scolding as he leaves a sweet peck over your pouty lips and moves back to your neck, where he sucks on a sensitive spot, making you moan his name in a low voice, barely hearable for him. “Taehyung” you call him again, this time with a stern tone.

“Mmhm...” he hums against your neck.

“You are going to be late to your meeting with the king.” You tell him again, this time with worry in your voice. “I don’t want you to get in trouble.” He hums against your skin again, moving forward to kiss you on the lips.

“The king can wait” he says in between kisses, smiling as he plants little short kisses on your lips, lost in the thought and feeling of you.

“Actually,” The stern voice of a man interrupts the moment, well there goes our romantic evening, Tae thinks as he can recognise the voice of the intruder. You both turn around quickly to see Yoongi staring at you with a blank expression on his face.“He can’t wait.”

You can hear the envy in his tone as he walks closer to the bed where you and Taehyung are, not even flinching at the scene in front of him. Taehyung’s body is the only thing covering you and his clothes are what keeps you both from showing Yoongi a very pornographic scene. Yoongi crosses his hands over his chest, leaning against the wall. “I advise you to leave now if you want to make it on time, you know my father hates it when people are late.”

The presence of Yoongi makes you shift uncomfortably in your place. You close your eyes and let your head fall backwards against the headboard as Taehyung sighs and starts shifting his weight from above you. He looks at Yoongi with questioning eyes, hoping he would understand and leave the room so he can get off you without exposing your naked body to the prince. However, Yoongi doesn’t even blink at Taehyung's threatening eyes, letting him know that he wasn’t moving, and as much as Taehyung wants to send him off, he knows he can’t be impolite to the prince.

Taehyung sighs defeated as he kisses your cheek one more time before he lifts himself from you, leaving your body exposed to the men in the room, both of them staring at you with fascination. Taehyung fixes his clothes as he walks towards the prince, standing right infront of him in an attempt to block your naked body from his vision.

Truth is, Yoongi has seen it all. He walked in long before he made his presence known. He had watched you in your most vulnerable and intimate moments with Taehyung between your legs, while you begged him for your release. He saw how your face contorted with pleasure, and how your perky chest kept being abused by your wandering hands as you were trying to fight your orgasm that threatened to come too early for your liking. He knew he shouldn’t have stayed silent and watched such an intimate moment between the two, but he didn’t find it in him to stop Taehyung before you could reach your orgasm. Just like he didn’t have the will to turn around and come back later, knowing that if he did either of those, Yoongi wouldn’t have been invited to finish the job, nor have had the joy to see you crumble apart as you reached your high.

You quickly cover your body with the sheets as you walk behind the changer, quickly dressing yourself again. You can hear them exchanging a few muffled words before Taehyung calls out your name, causing you to peek from behind the curtain to find both males staring at you with questioning eyes. You see Taehyung opening his mouth ready to talk, but gets interrupted by the prince before he could get a word out.

“Miss y/n, I’m sorry if I have overstepped, but... I heard you speaking with the cleaning ladies this morning about wanting to try horseback riding.” He clears his throat before he speaks again, taking a step forward, completely ignoring Taehyung’s presence in the room. “I came to your chambers to ask if you would be interested in…” he hesitates, biting his lip nervously. “ If you’d like me to teach you? I understand if you can’t right now, or if you decide to turn down my offer, I-”

“It would be my honor, your majesty.” you say quickly, easing his nerves and smiling kindly at him.

“I told you to call me Yoongi, y/n, we are not strangers.” he assures you with a smile. You nod and divert your eyes to Taehyung, who is watching the scene unfold with uneasy eyes: The prince was deliberately flirting with his girl right in front of him, again. Almost like he didn’t care that Taehyung’s face was between your legs just a second ago. Taehyung clears his throat as he shifts uncomfortably in his place, knowing there is nothing he can do or say.

“I’m going to head to the meeting now.” he points at the door, looking at you with glossy eyes.

“Okay” you reply quietly, your heart clenching at the sight of Tae looking like a sad puppy that just got scolded.

You and Taehyung are aware that the prince has been crushing on you since you started working at the castle; realising it right after Yoongi interrupted your make out by the lake a few days after you arrived, almost a year ago. This was the same night his friendship with Taehyung changed for the worse. Not because they hate each other, but because they are both in love with the same girl, and envy what the other can do for you that they can’t do themselves. Even though they are no longer close friends, the King, Yoongi’s father, still treats Taehyung like one of his own, creating a never ending rivalry between the two. Tahyung has managed to become the King’s right hand, and has gained a lot of respect in court as one of the best knights in the entire kingdom. However, that doesn’t stop Yoongi from disliking him and wanting to be as far from him as he could be, which is almost impossible since he is always with the king, or with you.

Yoongi recognises he’s been head over heels for you since day one, and after a whole year, he is certain his feelings for you are strong, and very much real. He has been nothing but kind to you, always respecting you and your boundaries, becoming fairly close to you and even offering you a job as Second Head Chef. Even if this was a great opportunity for you, you kindly declined the offer, knowing the rest of staff would not have been very happy to have such a newbie controlling the kitchen along with Chef God, Kim Seokjin.

Yoongi is also aware that your relationship with Taehyung was breaking multiple rules, and has caught you sneaking around way too often, yet he couldn’t bring himself to rat you out to his father. In fact, Yoongi never even dared to ask you about your relationship with Taehyung, and much less to confess his feelings to you. One thing he is certain of, however, is that Taehyung is your main source of your happiness, and as much as he wants to be selfish and have you all for himself, he knows you will never be happy with him as long as you have Taehyung. It kills him inside to know he is in love with someone who’s heart is already taken, but he promised himself he wouldn’t give up on you, and will continue to be by your side as a friend until you gave him a chance. As long as you were happy, he was happy too, even if he wasn’t the reason for it.

“Goodbye Tae, I’ll see you later.” You tell him once he is by the door, making him freeze on the spot.

“Goodbye, y/n” he turns around to face you and Yoongi, who now stares at Tae with pitiful eyes. “Your Majesty” Taehyung bows to the prince. “I hope you have a lovely time horseback riding.” He says before he closes the chamber’s doors with shaky hands.

He hates the idea of you being alone with Yoongi, knowing he was capable of stealing your heart with his charms and good looks. Taehyung is well aware that Yoongi is a nice guy, but if he wanted to, he could fire Tae in a heartbeat and move you into the royal chambers and give you a title in court. He knows Yoongi isn’t a bad guy at all, in fact, he still looks up to him, and has a deep appreciation for Yoongi and all of the things he has done to help him, and you. What truly kills him, however, is the fact that Yoongi can give you the life Taehyung always promised, and he hates him solemnly because of that.

—————————————————————

A loud knock on your door startles you, your tiredness disappearing at the sudden visit. Opening your eyes, you shift on the bed trying to find the closest candle, lighting it up successfully after struggling long enough for the person behind your door to knock again.

You slowly get out of bed and quietly walk to the window, who could be knocking like that at this hour? You move the curtains slightly to the right, surprised to see a teary-eyed Taehyung anxiously waiting for you to open the door.

You hurry to unlock the door with shaky hands, opening the door to be startled by Taehyung's tall figure latching over you, his left hand travelling to your back, and his right hand reaching for your head, where he caresses your hair delicately.

“Hey” you whispered against his chest, hugging him by the waist. “Is everything okay, Tae?” you ask him softly, waiting a few seconds before his voice breaks the silence.

“I’ve been selected by the king as the next commander to lead the troops to the border” he spills rapidly, the anguish and fear in his voice being obvious as he delivers the news to you. You push your hands against his chest to be able to see him in the eye.

“Tae, that’s amazing news! I knew the king was going to reward your hard work soon enough!” you whisper excitedly, not understanding why Taehyung seemed so petrified by the idea. Wasn’t this his dream all along? You look for his eyes again, noticing he is holding back his tears. “Taehyung I don’t understand, I thou-”

“We’re leaving at sunrise” he blurs out quickly, his voice cracking mid sentence. “I came to say goodbye, y/n.”

“What?” you answer, the information hitting you like a bucket of cold water. “Sunrise as in...tonight?” Taehyung is now crying against your hair, hugging you tighter as he tries to muffle the sobs that come out of his lips. Your hands leave taehyung's chest and find taehyung’s face, trying to dry his never ending tears with your shaky hands and before you know it, you’re crying too.

“I’m so sorry y/n, I love you, please forgive me, I’m so sorry.” The pain on his chest can be heard as he speaks, breaking your heart into a million pieces. You lean closer, ghosting your lips over his, silently asking him for permission to kiss him. He leaves a soft peck against your lips as he moves away ready to apologise again, but before he can formulate a word, you cut the distance between your lips again, catching him off guard as he sobs against your kiss; it takes a moment before he finally kisses you back, this time with passion and hunger for you.

He licks your bottom lip, waiting for you to give him more access. You comply by opening your mouth slightly, inviting his tongue to play with yours, deepening the kiss. His hands have now found your waist as he moves you forward, forcing you to take a step back which allows him to fully enter your chamber as he closes the door behind him with his foot. Scared of losing your balance, you hold tightly onto his neck, sighing in between kisses when he bites your lower lip sensually. Taehyung breaks the kiss just so he can bend slightly to grab your thighs, inviting you to jump into his arms. Without hesitation, you wrap your legs around his hips as he connects your lips again, kissing you with such care and love that it feels overwhelmingly intimate.

“I love you” his confession is short, but it manages to trigger your tears; kissing him between sobs once again.

Taehyung carries you all the way to the bed where he lays you down gently as he climbs on top of you. He makes sure to admire your figure as his gaze reaches your face again, staring at your candle lit face lovingly, watching the tears that decorate your glossy eyes leave a salty trace all the way down to your now rosy cheeks. He kisses the salty residue and slowly deposits soft kisses all over your face, placing the one last kiss on your jaw before moving to your neck where he sucks gently, leaving open mouth kisses everywhere. In between ‘I love you’s’ and ‘I’m sorry’s’, he makes sure not a single inch of your face remains unkissed, taking his time kissing you until you finally stop crying.

“Can I hold you tonight?” Taehyung asks in a whisper, scared you would reject him and cut your time together short. You open your eyes to Taehyung staring at you from above with puppy eyes. He caresses your hair while he waits for your answer.

“Tae, you are already holding me.” you smile at him as he lets out a vibrant laugh that makes your heart skip a beat, his smile growing big from your teasing.

He leaves a tender kiss on your lips before he manages to move away from your body, laying down next to you as he opens his arm, welcoming you into a cuddle. You giggle as you lay your head and hands on his chest.

Emotionally drained, you let out a loud sigh and begin to trace random figures onto his chest with your finger while he hums a lovely melody that you could barely hear, letting his quiet voice and the outside crickets fill the room with their calming sounds. Your eyes start to feel drowsy, and without realising it, you fall asleep in Taehyung’s arms.

—————————————————————

You wake up to Taehyung’s lips against your shoulder. His arms hold you tight as you cuddle closer to him, your back pressing against his chest. His lips reach for your neck as he let’s go of your body, moving you so you are now facing up as he moves around to straddle you between his legs. He proceeds to kiss your collarbones, placing slow kisses all over your chest and neck until you’re awake enough to speak.

“Taehyung? is-” he places a finger over your lips as he shushes you. He kisses your cheeks, your nose and your forehead gently, making sure to ghost his lips over yours every time he changes sections. He finally leaves a sweet kiss on your lips before you are able to speak again.

“Tae, baby, what’s wrong?” you say now, fully awake. He kisses your lips one last time before he moves away from your face, staring at you with glistening eyes full of love and care.

“Let me treat you right one last time.” He says in a whisper, sending shivers down your spine. Your eyes get watery, and before you can speak, he kisses you again. “No, don’t speak, don’t cry. Just relax, let me make you feel good.”

He connects your lips with yours in a slow, passionate kiss as he moves his hands to your head where he starts massaging your scalp, making you purr against his lips. A few minutes into the session, you’re suddenly overwhelmed by all the attention you are receiving from Taehyung.

He is everywhere, kissing you, touching you. His hands massage your muscles, easing the tension that had built up a few hours ago when he arrived at your chambers. You feel your entire body surrender to his touch, letting out a loud sigh as he keeps massaging your body, slowly moving his hands towards your chest, where he squeezes your breasts over your pajamas. You let out a low moan, enjoying the sensation as your back arches, asking for more. Taehyung takes your moans as invitations to undress you, taking the hem of your nightgown between his fingers and slowly lifting it up, taking it off and leaving you with nothing but your underwear on. Your nipples immediately perk up by the cold air in the room, anticipating Taehyung’s touch.

He directs his lips to one of your nipples, twirling his tongue over it multiple times before he blows some air on the hard bud, your underwear starting to stick to your core from the arousal. He places his thumb against your lips, pushing it into your mouth slowly. You take his thumb between your lips, sucking on it sensually, making sure to coat it with enough saliva before drags it out and directs it close to his face. He let’s go of your nipple with a loud pop and replaces his mouth with his wet thumb as he takes your other nipple to his mouth,causing you to arch your back once again, the feeling of his tongue and thumb mixing with the cold air against your wet nipples making you extremely aroused.

He licks your nipple one last time before searching for your lips, kissing you passionately as he stimulates your sensitive buds with both of his thumbs, squeezing both breasts with his big soft hands, massaging them as he strokes small circles on your nipples. His pace is slow but steady, and it is driving you insane. You moan his name multiple times, begging for more, but he remains the same, slowly dragging his thumbs in circular motion over your nipples, one on each hand as he now kisses the area between your breasts, leaving some faint bruises there.

Taehyung can feel you’re close, noticing the pool of wetness surfacing from your panties. He notices how you rub your thighs together desperately looking for some friction as you moan his name repeatedly. He slithers one of his hands down to your core, placing his palm over your panties. He massages the area with just enough pressure for you to flinch every time his palm brushes against your swollen clit.

“Tae,” Still somewhat sleepy you moan his name again, finding it hard to formulate a single word by the overwhelming sensation. “Too much.” You whine, as he hovers his lips over your right nipple. You feel embarrassed at how fast you’re coming undone by him playing with your breasts, but you can’t help it as you arch your back and pull his hair closer to your chest, already crumbling apart. Your orgasm hits you slowly, but intensely, making you moan his name repeatedly .

“That’s it baby, let me hear you.” He says as he kisses your lips. “Such a good girl.” You kiss him back weakly, trying to come back from your high as he leaves one last kiss on your chest before lowering himself and kissing your belly button. He massages your waist and hips as he leaves a trail of kisses all over your belly, both of you humming with enjoyment.

“I can't wait to have a family with you.” you freeze at his words. You are unable to speak as you look down at him, where he continues to plant kisses on your belly and caressing your hips lovingly. “You are going to look so beautiful pregnant.”

“Taehyung...” you feel your tears threatening to fall on the corner of your eyes. You always dreamed about having a family together, getting married, moving in together… you guys have your entire lives planned. You always knew you would eventually have to be away from each other before all of that could happen, but you never expected it to happen so soon.

You feel your tears stream down your face when the thought of Taehyung never coming back invades your mind. You can’t imagine life without Taehyung, it seems like a terrible life to live, and yet, deep in your heart you knew there was a chance he could never return to you, and that’s what was hurting you the most.

“This baby is going to be so loved, I already see him having your smile.” He looks up to meet your gaze, and to your surprise, he too, is now crying. However, he has a smile plastered on his lips, feeling over the moon at the thought of you carrying his child.

“Him?” you ask while lifting an eyebrow, questioning his last sentence. You always talked about having a kid together, but Taehyung always said he wanted to have a little girl; He wanted to have a boy now?

“Yeah, little Taehyung” he smiles as he cups your belly with his hands, making you laugh at the adorable image of Taehyung holding a little him in his arms.

You smile with adoration, his statement warming your heart. “Okay then, little Taehyung it is.” He now laughs with you as he quickly moves back up, connecting your lips together as he slides his hands against your core. He plays with the hem of your underwear and drags one finger over your covered folds, feeling the damp fabric under his touch.

“You’re so wet for me,” he brushes his fingertips over your clit, making you moan, desperate to feel him against your skin.

“Can I take these off?” He looks at you with impatient eyes. You nod as he quickly takes your underwear off, feeling the cold air against your exposed arousal. He crawls to the end of the bed as you whine at the lack of touch, missing his body’s warmth. You lift your head up to find him staring at you as he sits on his heels at the end of the bed where he places a hand on your ankles, pushing it to the side, making your legs move further away from each other, exposing you to him.

“Let me see you.” he says in a whisper. His eyes are now darker, filled with lust as he licks his lips, eyes stuck between your legs.

You sit up on the bed as you spread your legs wider apart, making Taehyung sigh as he bites his lower lip, unable to move his eyes away from you. Liking his reaction, you grow bold and drag your hand towards core, parting the lips with your fingers, giving Taehyung a better view of your sex.

Taehyung’s breathing becomes louder, his chest rising and falling at a quicker pace as he looks at your fingers wandering against your glistening core. He reaches for the hem of his shirt to take it off quickly. Dropping the shirt on the floor, and guiding his hands to his covered dick as he starts to palm himself over the pants, his bulge rapidly hardening.

“Touch yourself for me.” He says in a low and demanding tone, sending another wave of pleasure to your core.

Your cheeks blush by his statement, that has caught you off guard. “Tae…” you whine quietly, dragging a finger over your needy clit.

“What? I don't know how long I'm going to be without your pretty pussy” he says as he takes his remaining clothes off with a laugh. “I need a good visual of you touching yourself, so I can take care of myself later, a man has his needs.”

He says half jokingly, as he steps out of his pants. He walks next to you quickly, his erection fully hardened as he stands right next to you. He leans down to kiss you before he akes two of your fingers over his lips and into his mouth. He coats them with a thick layer of saliva as he makes eye contact with you, his tongue twirling around your fingers before letting them go with a loud pop. He then extends his palm in front of you. You look up to meet his gaze, confused on what he wants.

“Spit on my hand.” he tells you as he moves his hand closer to your lips. You happily comply, too horny to even think straight or fully understand his actions as you spit on his hand.

“Now, be a good girl for me and spread my saliva all over your pussy, legs open wide so I can watch you.” He leaves your side and sits at the end of the bed again, eagerly watching you as he uses your saliva to lubricate his length, mixing it with his pre-cum.

The sight of Taehyung touching himself while staring at your exposed body sends another wave of arousal to your core, moving the fingers Tae coated with his saliva over your clit and around your entrance. He nods at you when he realises you are waiting for his permission to touch yourself, entering two fingers inside you as your thumb draws circles over your clit.It doest take long before you are crumbling apart by your own administrations to your now overly sensitive bud.

“Tae…” you moan loudly, knowing you were going to cum way too soon if you kept going.

“Don’t stop” he hisses as he starts moving his hand faster over his length, applying more pressure to every stroke. “I want you to cum on your fingers, let me see how you fall apart for me.”

His dark, low voice is all it takes for you to feel your arousal dripping from your entrance, wetting the sheets as you come undone. Your back arches and you let out a loud moan, toes curling as you let your head rest on the bed headframe. With your eyes closed, you try to recover from your high as your chest violently rises with heavy breaths.

You feel Taehyung’s body hovering over yours, kissing your lips hungrily, desperately. It takes you a second to kiss him back, the effects of your orgasm still lingering all over your body.

“That was so fucking hot.” he says between kisses, his length resting against your belly, making your judgement clouded. “You are so fucking hot.” he compliments you as he kisses your neck, slowly grinding his dick against your tummy, making both of you moan.

“Taehyung” you drag your hands to his shoulders slightly digging your nails on his skin, making him moan again. “please fuck me.” you beg as he sucks on your neck, leaving a bruise. He smiles against your neck, moving back to see you eye to eye. He kisses you one last time before he moves to nibble your ear.

“No” he whispers, “I’m going to make love to you.”

#kim taehyung fanfic #taehyung x y/n #taehyung fluff #taehyung smut #taehyung x you #taehyung fanfic #taehyung x reader #bts x y/n #bts x you #bts angst #bts smut #bts fluff #bts fanfic #bts v fanfiction #bts v smut

96 notes · View notes

tomurasprincess · 4 years

Text

A Caged Dove Part 4 (Shouto Todoroki x Reader)

Summary: You are a princess from a smaller territory within the kingdom, summoned to the castle to meet with the heir of the throne in the absence of your parents. You think it will simply be a routine trip, until you realize that Prince Shouto has his own plans for you. Whether you agree with them or not.

Pairing: Prince Shouto Todoroki x Reader Rating: E+ Word Count: 6.5k Chapter Warnings: Dubcon, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, breeding, praise kink, obsession, yandere Series Warnings: Noncon, dubcon, breeding, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, stalking, yandere Note: Fairy Tale AU. (Still more Grimm than Disney). This took longer than I expected because it expanded beyond my expectations and I got a bit stuck. But I’m rather proud of how this chapter turned out. After this part, there will only be one more part and then this series will be finished! Hope you guys enjoy this chapter and find that it was worth the wait.

One || Two || Three || Four || Five (Finale)

It doesn't seem real as the palace erupts into a whirlwind of activity, the entire castle preparing for a royal wedding. In fact, it is the first royal wedding in years, as all of Prince Shouto's siblings have yet to marry.

It doesn't seem real that you have a wedding planner taking you through all aspects of the wedding, through the gown fitting, for the decorations, for the reception. So many choices in such little time that it has left your head spinning.

It doesn't seem real that you don't know how your parents are doing, don't know if they're even still alive and if you're doing this all for nothing. That he won't take you to see them, that he shrugs off the question every time you ask him, under the guise of not wanting to stress you before your big day.

And it certainly doesn't seem real as you're waiting to walk down the aisle, wedding music playing in the background and a smiling Prince Shouto Todoroki standing at the end.

His smile looks genuine, beaming and radiant as if this is simply a traditional wedding with a normal husband and wife. But you know full well the darkness that lay behind that smile, know how utterly wrong this whole thing is.

You pause for a second before you begin to walk down the aisle, mind running through all the scenarios that could get you out of this situation. But you know there is nothing left, nothing to stop this from happening. You pause for another second as you internally weep at the lost opportunities. At the thought that your father is still in a dungeon somewhere, unable to walk you down the aisle or watch his only daughter get married. At the thought that the one you truly wanted was murdered by the very man you're about to marry.

You take a deep breath as the wedding march begins to play and you start to walk down the aisle. All eyes are on you, smiling at the chance to watch such a historic event. You want to scream at them, to claw at their eyes until they're forced to acknowledge that something is very wrong here. But you don't. You simply plaster on a fake smile as you glance at each of them, noticing that nobody from your lands is in attendance at this event, no familiar faces to cling to.

You don't know why you would have expected any differently. Prince Shouto is determined to isolate you, take away everyone in your life that you could cling to for support or comfort, leaving only him for you to rely on.

You make it to the end of the aisle far too quickly and take up your place beside Prince Shouto. His gaze, to an outsider's perspective, may look loving. And perhaps it is. But it's also stark possession and obsession, with just a hint of triumph that he is about to get everything that he wanted.

"Now face each other and hold hands," the priest smiles gently. Prince Shouto instantly listens, turning to you and grabbing your hands as he pulls you just a bit closer. His grip is just a shade too hard, as if he's worried you'll run at the last minute. He has nothing to worry about. You know that there's no escape.

You glance over at the priest and wonder if he knows the truth of this sham of a wedding, if he would help you if he did know the truth. But you suspect that he genuinely does not. His happiness at being called to lead this occasion radiates out from him. But you know you've been fooled before. Nobody is to be trusted in this court.

"Prince Shouto Todoroki and Princess, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?"

"I have come freely and without reservation," the Prince says with no hesitation. As he finishes the sentence and it becomes your turn, you feel your hands being gripped even tighter, this time to the point of pain. You're barely able to conceal your wince, to prevent everyone staring at the happy couple from seeing. The grip is a warning, telling you that you need to continue playing your part or there will be consequences.

"I have come freely and without reservation," you reply, a fake smile plastered on your face with your tone as happy as you can manage. Internally, you're screaming.

"Will you honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives?"

As before, the Prince instantly agrees, and it becomes your turn. This time the agreement comes more naturally to you. "I will."

"Will you accept children lovingly and bring them up according to the law of the Todoroki Court?"

A bolt of panic runs through you, freezes your veins as your thoughts scatter away into nothing. How stupid to forget this part of the vow, to be surprised in front of such a large crowd. Your family's lives depend on you making it through this ceremony, of pretending you are happy to be getting married.

Prince Shouto is not taken aback at all by this question. Of course he wouldn't be, he had to have expected it. You wonder if you imagine the dark laughter in his voice as he agrees. But when the priest's eyes turn to you for your agreement, you see him smirk out of the corner of your eye and realize one thing. He's amused by this. Amused at your discomfort, at seeing you be forced to surrender to him.

"I will," you barely grit out between clenched teeth. The audience doesn't seem to notice your hesitance, or they least attribute it to nervousness from being married in front of such a large crowd. The priest doesn't notice either, smiling at you as he begins to instruct on the words for the next part of the ceremony.

"I, Prince Todoroki, take you to be my wife for all of time. I swear to be true to you and only you, to have and to hold, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep you only onto me. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life. Forever and ever."

Your heart sinks into your chest at hearing those wedding vows. You know they are not traditional to the royal family, having learned about them as part of your nobility and etiquette lessons. Surely someone must notice that something is wrong. But as you scan around the church, you see everyone gazing at you with looks of adoration. Some even coo at each other in soft whispers about how sweet this is, how clearly you're in love with each other.

You're brought back to reality as Prince Shouto digs his nails into the underside of your hand, warning you to pay attention. To recite the final words that will leave you bound to him, with no hope of ever breaking up the marriage. Royals divorcing or separating from each other simply does not happen.

"I, Princess Todoroki, give myself to Prince Shouto, to be my husband, to be yours for all of time. I swear to be true to you and only you, to have and to hold, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep you only onto me. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life. Forever and ever."

You are not even surprised at this point to find that nobody notices the difference in your vows. Even the priest doesn't seem to find it strange, as he claps his hands together in joy and says the words you've been dreading to hear.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride."

Shouto wastes no time crossing the distance, wrapping an arm around you and dipping you as he claims your lips in a dominant and possessive kiss. It is far past the etiquette of court and downright immodest for a royal wedding. But everyone simply chuckles, commenting that Prince Shouto is so in love with his bride that he couldn't help but get carried away.

He lifts you up and pulls you into his arms, leaning down to whisper something that causes your whole body to shiver. "Now, you're mine forever, Princess," he chuckles darkly. "I told you I always get what I want."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

Everything becomes a blur of motion and activity after that. You're ushered away from the wedding chapel and into a separate room as you're freshened up by more servants than you know what to do with. They touch up your makeup, fix any hairs that have fallen from your elaborate hairstyle, and put the train of your wedding dress up into a bustle to dance freely at the reception. As they finish, a beautiful woman with silver hair and a kind smile on her face enters the room. She dismisses the servants with a wave of her hand before turning to face you.

"You're Queen Rei Todoroki." You instantly move to get off the platform where they had you as your dress was being worked on so that you can curtsy, but the woman shakes her head.

"That's not necessary." She examines you closely, walking around to admire your wedding dress. You don't say a thing, too intimidated at making a wrong move or giving away the reality of the situation.

"I know what you're going through," she says calmly. "I know this wedding is against your will."

Your eyes widen as you stare at her, wondering if this is some horrible trap. You keep your mouth shut in fear of saying the wrong thing.

"The same thing happened to me, you know. Enji forced me to marry him as well. The whole of the royal family knows what's happening."

"Then why is Shouto doing the same to me," you blurt out, "and why are you all letting this happen?" Fear slices through you as you slam your hand over your mouth, as if to keep more words from slipping out. What you just said, the tone you used could mean severe consequences when used against the Queen of the Todoroki empire.

"You don't have to fear me," she sighs as she takes in your panicked look. "And as for why we're allowing this, well. The answer is that no one here has any real power beyond Enji. And Shouto also has a bit more power than the rest of us as heir to the throne. And as for why, well, that one should be obvious."

"Obvious how? It's not obvious to me," you say in shock. "I never expected any of this."

"It's obvious because Shouto has been pressured into taking a wife for several years now, and he refused every single time."

"Then why now, and why me?"

"It's because of you that he refused, Princess."

At your confused expression, Queen Rei lets out a sigh. "He refused because the King was trying to match him with other princesses. One more beneficial to the country. But he only has eyes on you. It's always been you for him."

Your mind reels at the implications of this statement. "I wondered," you murmur quietly, "why Shouto chose me, from a smaller territory with little to offer, instead of someone more useful to the kingdom."

She gives a quick nod. "You're a smart woman. That is exactly why. And recently, Enji ruled that Shouto had to take a bride or lose his right to inherit the throne."

You let out a small gasp at that. "Prince Touya abdicated, so that would mean Prince Natsuo, wouldn't it?"

"Yes, and Shouto was not about to let that happen. He wants to rule this kingdom, to be the most important of the country. But your parents kept refusing offers of marriage. So he had to take desperate methods."

You cross your arms over your chest as you glare at her, anger at her building. "It still doesn't excuse any of this."

"No, of course not. But I wanted you to know the truth before you get thrown headfirst into the lion's den of court life."

Your anger deflates just as quickly as it came. There is no use in getting angry at someone who has no control over this situation and is at least trying to be honest with you. You don't thank the Queen, but you do give her a quick nod to show your appreciation.

"Good. I'll have the servants escort you to the reception hall." -------

As the servants lead you through multiple twisting hallways, you have the first opportunity of the day to take a breather and think about what's happened. You're married now. Officially. You have become Princess Todoroki, wife of the heir to the throne and future Queen. Like Queen Rei, however, you doubt that you'll have real power even when Shouto ascends to the throne.

You finally make it to the reception hall, where Shouto is waiting so that you can be officially announced as a married couple and walk in together. He smiles at you as he pulls you closer. "You're going to behave at the reception, aren't you?"

"Of course I am. There's nothing to be done anyway. Not anymore. You made sure of that."

He gives a deep chuckle. "Glad you finally came to accept it. Now let's go, the announcement is about to happen."

You walk through the ornate double doors of the reception hall to face a massive crowd of royalty and nobility, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to greet you both.

"Everyone, please welcome the happy couple, Prince and Princess Todoroki, future heirs to the throne of the Todoroki Empire!"

As you walk arm in arm with your new husband, you feel a level of despair you never knew you could reach. All of the noblewomen have smiles on their faces, but behind those smiles hide pure envy, even hatred. Envy that you were the one married to Prince Shouto and the one that will be Queen alongside him. Hatred that such a lowly noble as you has received the honor instead of them with their more blue blood backgrounds. If only they knew, you think bitterly.

On the other hand, the men also look on with envy. But it's envy directed at Prince Shouto, the man that they consider as having it all. The most handsome in the kingdom, heir to the throne, and now married to someone as beautiful as you. But you notice that they refuse to look you in the eyes, as if they're scared. You sneak a glance at your husband and see that his gaze turns cold whenever he feels someone has stared for just a hair too long. His gaze turns even colder as he turns and sees something.

"Well well well, you're the princess who caused my little brother to lose all sense," a profoundly sarcastic voice says from behind you. He has dark hair and glittering turquoise eyes, along with facial and hand burns that appear to go up under his clothes beyond the parts you can see.

He circles you like a shark circling prey, blatantly ogling you from head to toe before turning to Prince Shouto and smirking. "Gotta admit, I can see why. She's hot enough to be worth pissing the old man off."

"Your comments are unnecessary, Touya," Shouto grits out between clenched teeth. "I didn't marry her to piss him off."

With that name, you can now place the man in front of you: Prince Touya, the oldest of the Todoroki family, who should be heir to the throne. But the black sheep of the family never wanted responsibility and had deliberately ruined his chance years ago. The incident that caused his abdication from the throne has been hotly debated and believed to be what caused his burn scars.

"But it was a nice side benefit, wasn't it?" Prince Touya simply shrugs before leering at you. "And I wouldn't mind getting a piece of that -"

"Seriously Touya, do you always have to be so crude?" A larger, muscular silver-haired man sighs in exasperation as he appears behind Prince Touya. "I apologize for my brother, Princess. Although he is right on one thing, pissing off our dear old dad is always a nice side benefit."

"Something that all three of us can agree on, Natsou," Shouto remarks as he pulls you slightly closer into him, as if trying to stake his claim on you in front of his two brothers.

"All three of you need to behave and act like an actual family in front of the public," a feminine voice scolds. A small woman with silver hair streaked with red gives you a kind smile. "I don't think we've gotten to meet yet. I'm Princess Fuyumi, the only daughter in the family." She gives you a deep curtsy. "That makes us sisters now."

"We'll never be sisters," the words spill out before you can even think to stop them. Your eyes widen as you glance over at your husband to see his reaction. He does not look as furious as you thought he would be, choosing instead to glare at his oldest brother, who is snickering at your response.

"I know your circumstances for joining this family are unique, but that doesn't mean you have to be rude. I promise you'll get used to all of this and learn to love Shouto and the rest of the family."

You hear Prince Touya snicker again at the comment, while Prince Natsuo simply scoffs. Shouto says nothing, merely looking at you to gauge your reaction.

"Unique circumstances are putting it lightly," you say with a certain amount of caution. "But I'm not sure I'll ever get used to it." You leave out the part where you don't think you'll ever love any of them. It won't do you any favors to mention that.

"Don't be silly, of course you will. Mom did, and now she's very happy," Princess Fuyumi reassures you. Having met Queen Rei for all of 10 minutes, you strongly doubt this statement but choose not to push your luck in refuting it.

"Still living in a fairy tale where everything is just fine with this family, are you," Prince Natsuo's voice comes out bitter.

Prince Touya gives a deep chuckle. "Hey, if she wants to live in a world where the royal family isn't fucked up, then let her be naive. We still know how rotten royalty really is."

"Enough, all of you," a deep, booming voice rings out. "You are all still of the Todoroki bloodline, and you will act like it in public."

You instantly know who that voice is without looking. You had always heard that King Enji was a large man, but you were not prepared for the reality. This man is enormous, tall and bulky, with flames decorating his face and body. There does not seem to be an ounce of fat on him, his frame looking like pure muscle. A scowl decorates his face, and you are thankful that it is not yet directed at you and hope that it will stay that way.

But nothing in your life has been lucky so far, and so you freeze when the man turns his scowl on you. You think his expression softens for just a second as he glances between you and your husband, but you can't be sure that you don't imagine it as it vanishes before you can put words to what you saw.

"So, you're my new daughter-in-law." He studies you carefully, as if to figure out what Shouto sees in you. "As my son, Shouto is above his peers and could have had any woman in the kingdom. What made him choose you?"

After a moment's pause, you realize this question is directed at you, and he expects you to answer it. "I beg your pardon, King Enji, but even I am unsure. There must have been better options than me." You know that it's useless at this point to try and get out of this marriage, but you figure that it can't hurt to be on your father-in-law's good side. As the King of the realm, he could make your existence more of a living nightmare than it is already.

"Well, at least you know your place," he gives a sardonic chuckle at your diplomatic response. "You're attractive enough, and your quirk isn't so bad that your children couldn't have a strong combination from the two of you. He could have done worse, I suppose."

The reminder of children leaves you feeling shaky and nervous, and you barely stop yourself from taking a step back from the overwhelming scrutiny of King Enji's gaze. His presence is so strong, so intimidating, that it almost feels like a physical weight against your skin. You only feel able to breathe again when Enji turns to walk away.

"Now, I must attend to my wife and play nice with the commoners for a bit longer. You don't have to, though." He gives a meaningful glance at his son. Prince Shouto's lips curve up into a devious smirk as he nods at his father.

As he finally leaves, you finally relax a bit. You realize that at some point during that conversation, you tucked yourself even closer against Prince Shouto, as if you trusted him to protect you from his very own father. You quickly glance up at his face, hoping that he didn't notice, but when you see his satisfied grin, you know that he did.

Prince Touya sees the exchange between his father and brother and can't stop a laugh from bubbling up. "Yes, Shouto, why are you even still here? Shouldn't you be attending to your new wife now?" The emphasis on attending leaves little doubt on what he means. "Maybe you need some help? I'd be glad to -"

There's a grunt of pain from Prince Touya as Prince Natsuo gives you an apologetic smile before pulling his brother away from the two of you. Princess Fuyumi smiles politely at the two of you, waving her goodbye as she moves to follow her brothers. Prince Shouto ignores them completely as he turns to you.

"My beautiful wife," Shouto murmurs in your ear, "don't you think it's time to retire to the bed chamber?" Your blood runs cold at his words. You did not consider yourself foolish, as you knew this would be coming. But you did not expect it to be quite so soon. Maybe you really are, you muse to yourself, if you genuinely believed that he would wait for you a moment longer than he had to.

"But what about the reception?" You try to pull him towards the crowd of people again in hopes that he will be distracted, but he does not budge. "Don't you want to mingle a bit more? I'm sure more people want to meet with us" He simply smirks at you as he interlocks his arm with yours and pulls you even further away from the party-goers. "You heard my father. He all but dismissed me. And even if he hadn't - I don't care," he shrugs.

"All I want is you right now." You give up trying to pull away, realizing there is no use when he is so determined, and simply let yourself be guided away from the Grand Hall and down multiple winding hallways. He walks so confidently through them, knowing them like the back of his hand, and you soon find yourself standing outside of a massive, ornate red and white door inlaid with gold trim.

Prince Shouto's quarters. And now your quarter as well.

He pushes open the door smoothly before ushering you inside, locking the door behind him and wasting no time pulling you in for a heated kiss. He's possessive and dominating, devouring your mouth and massaging your tongue with his own. He reaches around to grab your ass, pulling you even closer into him and grinding his hips against your own.

"You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment, my wife," he sighs wistfully. "I have wanted you for so long, and now you're all mine."

He kisses down your jawline, licking and biting at the skin and sucking hard on your pulse point, hard enough that you know it'll leave a bruise. Your heartbeat is frantic as he continues to lick at your skin, trailing his tongue down the column of your neck.

He reluctantly pulls away from you, leading you further into the bed chambers and twirling you around so that he can begin unhooking your wedding dress. He struggles briefly with the complicated fastenings and buttons that make up the dress, and you can't stop a soft laugh.

"Do you need to call someone in and help with that?" You snark at him. "I was told it was rather difficult to get me into it."

Shouto lets out a small growl as you feel a flash of heat against your back, and a ripping sound as he pulls apart the now burnt ribbons and begins to slide your dress down.

"Do you know how expensive that thing was," you say in a shocked tone. From what you could tell, that dress was worth several years of salary from your whole kingdom, let alone your family.

"I'll buy you another dress, hell I'll buy you ten more dresses. But right now, I need to see you." He trails his hot fingertips down your now bare back, causing you to shiver and goosebumps to rise as he follows them up with cold. "I need to be inside of you, wife," he whispers seductively into your ear, and you can't stop the bolt of lust that runs through you.

He chuckles as he feels you tremble, pulling your dress down to the floor and coaxes you into stepping out of it. You stand in only your wedding lingerie, a fancy white ensemble that does nothing to cover your assets. He bites his lip and lets out a low groan as he takes in your appearance before lifting you up and gently placing you on the bed.

"God, you're even more beautiful than I imagined," he murmurs as he runs his hands up your sides. He steals another kiss before making his way down your body, kissing every inch of your heated skin until he makes his way to your breasts. He unhooks your bra with relative ease compared to the dress and wastes no time kneading the soft flesh there. He presses a nipple between two fingers, causing you to let out a soft gasp as he takes the other nipple into his mouth. He applies just the right amount of suction as he laps at you and works them into hardness.

You feel your panties begin to get wet, your skin feeling like it's on fire as he works your body like he already knows it. A finger slips underneath your panties as he traces a cold finger across your folds, causing you to buck away from the sudden sensation. He laughs as he slides down you, ripping your panties apart as if he can't even be bothered to waste time removing them.

"I'm going to make you feel so good, princess." He pushes your thighs apart as he examines you, causing you to burn with embarrassment and try to close your legs. He grips your thighs just a shade too roughly, nails digging into your skin as he snarls. "Don't ever hide yourself from me."

You give a quick nod as you slowly reopen your legs, and he slots himself in between them as he teases your folds with two fingers. "Fuck, you taste so good," he groans when he leans in to lick a wet stripe up them, beginning to devour your juices like a man starved.

You instinctively try to squirm away, the feeling so utterly foreign to you. But Shouto simply tightens his grip on your thighs again, hard enough to bruise as he growls at you. "Stay put, princess. You don't want me to have to tie you down, now do you?"

"N-n-no," you stutter, although whether it's in embarrassment or excitement, even you can't tell. "I'll be good."

He grins at your submissive reply before diving back in between your legs, lapping at your folds before spreading them open with one hand. He attaches himself to your clit, and you throw your head back at the intense sensations running through your body. You have never felt this good, never had anyone touch you so intimately. You reach down to tangle your fingers into his hair, bucking your hips up towards his hungry mouth.

He chuckles at your eagerness, the vibration of it only adding to your pleasure as you feel something building up inside of you. "Shouto, please," you groan, "don't stop, it feels so good."

He slips a finger inside your tight heat at your words, curling it upwards to press against your wet insides. You can't contain your gasps of pleasure, hand tightening against his hair even harder as you try to ground yourself.

Shouto doesn't seem to mind, choosing to suckle even harder on your clit while adding another finger and scissoring you apart at the same time. You realize with a flash of arousal that goes straight to your pussy that he's practically humping the bed as he eats you out, groaning at the friction against his rock hard cock.

The sight of it causes the pressure inside you to finally snap, tearing a moan of pleasure from your throat as you clench down around his fingers. He doesn't stop at your orgasm, continuing to thrust his fingers inside of you as he finds a spot that has you screaming out your pleasure to the room. You're overwhelmed by how good it feels, your first orgasm quickly followed up by your second as your body quivers. Your pussy gushes around Shouto's ruthless fingers, but you can't bring yourself to feel ashamed when he simply continues to lap up your juices as they squirt out of you.

You collapse fully back against the bed, unable to stop the shaking from the aftershocks of your orgasm. Shouto finally removes his fingers, pulling away to smirk down at your blissed out look as he licks his fingers clean. You briefly wonder if he expects you to return the favor, and you find yourself asking the question before you can stop yourself. "Do you - I mean, do I need -"

Even though you can't bring yourself to finish the question, he understands your meaning anyway. "As much as I'd love your mouth on my cock, I'd much rather be inside of you already."

He quickly begins to undress, tearing clothes off when he can't remove them fast enough. His urgency has your pussy clenching, and you do nothing but watch until he stands in front of you completely naked. You can barely stop drooling as you take in his form. He is more muscular than you expected under his clothes, with very little body hair covering his chest. You trail your eyes lower until you see his cock, long, girthy, and already fully erect. "Like what you see, princess?" He laughs as he takes his cock into his hand, smearing the bead of precum at the head and using it to pump his length. He crawls up your body until he's straddling you, grabbing your neck lightly and using it to pull you up into another kiss. You can taste yourself on his tongue, and it only fans your desire even more.

You feel his cockhead prod at your entrance, and your eyes widen as you feel how thick he truly is and realize that's about to be inside of you. "Wait," you stammer, "please go easy."

"I know it's your first time, so I'll go gentle," he smiles down at you, looking softer than you would expect. But then his smile turns up into a smirk. "At first, anyway."

At that, he begins to press slowly into you, inch by agonizing inch. Even though your pussy is soaking wet and he prepped you, the stretch still burns as he slides past the tight outer ring of your muscles. You whimper in pain, a tear running down your face that he kisses away as he shushes you. "It'll only hurt at first, I promise," he comforts you, reaching down in between your bodies to rub his thumb on your clit to distract you from the pain.

Finally, he's sheathed fully inside of you, balls pressing against your backside as he stills to let you adjust to his size. Your walls feel so tight around his cock, and he's barely able to contain himself from instantly pounding into you. But he wants this to feel good for you too, so he continues to rub tight circles on your clit, causing you to pant and clench down around him.

The stretch of your walls around his thickness no longer burns quite as severely, and you already want more. "I think, ahh, I think I'm ready," you manage to gasp out.

He doesn't question you further, choosing to take you at your word as he begins to finally move. His length drags against your sensitive walls, allowing you to feel every vein and ridge on his cock. It only increases your pleasure as he sets a slow but hard pace, pulling almost entirely out of you before thrusting all the way back inside.

"Finally," he moans, "finally you're truly mine." He grabs your legs and traps them against his body, lifting your hips so that he can fuck down into you. Your ankles are resting against his shoulders as he pins you down with his body. "I'm going to fill this pussy up with my cum."

You don't consider the implication of his words immediately, too distracted by how deep he is inside your aching pussy in this new position. But that quickly changes as words begin to spill from his mouth as his pace increases.

"God, I can't wait to see how big and swollen you look when you're pregnant with our baby. You're going to look radiant." His moans get louder and his thrusts get quicker inside of you. "I'll pump you so full of cum, every single night until you're finally knocked up."

Your eyes widen in fear as the impact of his words hit you. You are not ignorant. You knew that there would have to be the eventual talk of children. But you were naive in thinking there would be a discussion, maybe even a way out of it. You had no idea that he already intended for you to be pregnant.

"Wait, wait," you fumble with the right words, "not yet, we don't have to do this yet." You try to reason with him, but when he adjusts his angle to thrust against a spot inside you that has you seeing stars, you find yourself unable to think of anything at all. The thickest vein running down his length presses against that spot, grinding against it as he pounds into your pussy so hard that your breasts bounce.

"Going to be so full of cum that it spills out of your pretty little pussy, ahh, fuck you feel so good," his grunts are bordering on primal now. You try to move, plant your legs into the mattress, and get away enough so that he doesn't cum inside you, but he simply presses down even harder on your body. The weight of him against you has you gasping for air, the lightheadedness as you try to suck in air only increasing the intensity of your pleasure.

His rhythm becomes erratic as he nears his end, thumb grinding down hard onto your throbbing bead as he seeks to make you cum alongside him. "Ahh, Shouto, please," you whimper as you throw your head from side to side, toes beginning to curl as the pressure inside you continues to build up.

Finally, he thrusts himself as deeply as he can, pressing hard against your cervix as you feel thick ropes of cum shooting inside of you. He groans into your ear as you feel his cock pulsing inside of you. You can't stop your orgasm, pussy clenching hard against his cock. Your fluttering walls seem to suck his cum even deeper inside of you, and the position you're pinned in lets not a single drop slide out of you.

Shouto smiles down at you as you come down from your orgasmic high, both of you panting and sweaty. "Shh, you were so good for me, princess," he coos gentle words at you as he kisses away tears that you didn't even realize were there. He uses his cold hand to trail along your skin that still feels like it's on fire, cooling you down as he holds you tightly against his body.

You squirm to get out from under him, but he instantly stops you. "No, we're going to stay just a bit longer like this. Can't have any of my cum slipping out."

You can't seem to stop shaking, the reality of your situation finally hitting you hard. "Shouto," you whisper, "can I ask you something? And get an honest answer?"

"Anything, my wife," he murmurs as he plays with your hair and continues to cool you down with his hand. "I will never lie to you."

You're afraid to know the answer to this question, not even sure if you want a yes or a no. But you have to ask it anyway. "Do you - "you swallow hard, "do you actually love me? Or did you simply want a wife and children, and it didn't necessarily matter who with?"

You feel a moment of satisfaction as you see him look surprised for the first time. But that satisfaction is quickly squashed when you see his face fall, looking desperately crushed at your question. "Of course I love you," he whispers in a pained voice, "and I have always loved you. This was never just about a wife and children. This was about having you as my wife, and having children with you." He pauses for a second before adding, "You're going to be such a great mother, you know. And a great queen to stand by my side."

You close your eyes as you begin to tremble at his response, unsure if the emotion overcoming you is relief or not. Unsure if you'll ever be able to reciprocate his feelings, or if you already do and just won't admit it even to yourself. Unsure if you're ready to become a mother, to become Queen, to become Shouto's one and only.

But you are sure of one thing.

To a caged dove, none of that matters.

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

Tags: @burnedbyshoto, @thewheezingwyvern, @animewh0re, @ttamaki, @lildreamer93, @yaoyorozuwrites, @redbeanteax, @kittygonyan, @bat-eclecticwolfbouquet-love, @daedaep69, @heyybrittannia, @groovydreamertrash, @hisoknen, @chou-maitresse, @shoutogepi, @togasknifes, @kingtamakimurder, @1-800-callmekatsuki, @league-of-thots, @bakugotrashpanda, @engel-hageshii, @hoefortodo, @mhafanfics19, @daringbanshee, @otaku-explosion, @hellomary16, @vanillaicebaby, @theravencawsatmidnight, @universaltys, @simixchan, @crackhead1-800, @acehyacinth, @ererokii, @la-lay, @hadesnewpersephone

2K notes · View notes