Chapter Text
Paper Hearts
Chapter 1: Don’t Think I Would Just Forget About It
Thud.
“Get up.”
“Stop Seojun, he really doesn’t look good.” Jeering laughter from his right. The shuffle of a boot, a pebble skidding across the sandstone and landing mere centimeters away from his eye.
Seojun scoffed, “he’s fine. He’s like a cockroach. Nothing keeps him down for long.”
Jimin groaned as he turned, pushing into the ground to prop himself up. Bile rose in his throat, and he wheezed. Forcing his breathing to steady, he looked up at the figure of his brother standing over him. The brass buttons of his uniform gleamed, the leather of his shoes held a sheen, his hair was slicked back, and he looked every inch the prince that he was.
“Now, what did we agree on Jimin?”
“What do you mean Seojun?”
“That’s hyung to you, you imbecile!”
Jimin carefully wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and glared at his brother. “What do you mean, hyung?”
“We agreed that you were going to keep your mouth shut when the councilors called us to the Round Table.”
“I made no such promise.”
“I don’t care! When I tell you to do something, you do it! You don’t ask how; you do not question why; you just do it!”
“I didn’t know they were listening.”
“They’re always listening!” He grabbed Jimin by the nape of the neck and pulled him up to his feet. Gripping the younger prince’s jaw tightly, he hissed in his ear, “You are the spare. You don’t need to be clever. You just need to follow my direction. Because that is all you are. You are my shadow. You exist only to ensure that I flourish. That’s the whole purpose of your existence.”
“Don’t ever try to upstage me again or I’ll slit your throat.” He scoffed. “Nobody would miss a spare Beta prince.” His eyes traveled to his brother’s face. “Bloody useless.”
Shoving him down onto the gray sandstone, the elder prince of Goguryeo stalked away, fixing his cuffs, even as his friends glanced back and laughed.
Jimin stood up and dusted off his pants and his jacket. The fine whitish dust of the courtyard stuck to everything. He rolled his jaw experimentally and shrugged as he detected no lasting damage. So much for alpha strength.
His mother reckoned it was not possible to hate one’s blood no matter how strained the relationship or how complicated the silences between them. He supposed this was true, only accidentally though. He didn’t hate him. Hate was too powerful an emotion to waste on Seojun. It was too much effort to spend on his buffoon of a brother.
There was anger, frustration and deep-seated envy but no hatred. Anger for the unfairness with which Seojun treated him, frustration with the idiots he surrounded himself with and envy, for the trick of fate that made Seojun a firstborn alpha son, thus bestowing upon him the most precious gift of all.
He quickly made his way through the winding corridors to his chambers. He glanced to the side and held up his hand before his friend could get a word out.
“Jimin! What happened to your clothes? You're completely covered in dust and it’s like you don’t even care...” he would have continued had it not been for Jimin shaking his head.
“Taehyung,” he grimaced. “Not now.” He slipped behind a screen.
Taehyung sank back into the armchair he’d been lounging in before Jimin made his appearance. “Should I hazard a guess? Or will you tell me what happened?”
Jimin stepped back out, deftly unbuttoning his shirt before tossing it aside. He held a damp towel in his hand. He dabbed at his face.
Taehyung stepped up, taking the towel from him. He tilted his face up and gently wiped the blood and dust off. He frowned and caught Jimin’s eye. “You can’t keep doing this. This has to stop.”
“It will. This wouldn’t have happened if I’d been paying attention. I let my guard down. It’s on me.”
Taehyung shook his head. “No, it’s on your pigheaded brother. Are we absolutely sure he’s not really a changeling that got swapped with your actual brother?”
Jimin laughed. “How would that even work?”
The other beta shrugged. “I don’t know, maybe your father lost a bet with witches, maybe he made a deal with the fae and had to pay them with his firstborn, and they gave him Seojun as a replacement, and now he’s making all of our lives miserable. Sounds like something the fae would do.”
Jimin laughed. “Oh Taetae, what would I do without you?”
“Not much, I guarantee.” Taehyung stepped aside as an elderly gentleman stepped into the room. The valet took one look at Jimin and set about restoring him to the resplendent state he had been in before the tussle with the Crown Prince.
Jimin stood still as his valet offered him a fresh shirt. “We just need to get through this gala without drawing too much attention to ourselves. The coronation is next week___”
“And the wedding?” Taehyung asked bluntly.
Jimin faltered. He let his teeth sink into his bottom lip. “The week after.” He pulled the pristine white shirt on, doing the buttons speedily. The valet slipped on a satin cummerbund and fastened it at the back. His jacket went on next and a stiff bristled brush with inlaid pearl on the handle ran through his soft, dark hair.
Taehyung stared at him. “And you’re still attending this performance?”
Jimin stared back at him. “I made a promise. I don’t intend to break it.”
Taehyung chuckled awkwardly. “Jimin. He is betrothed to your brother. Remember him? The guy who shoves you around and gets into punching matches with you in the middle of council discussions.”
“Tae, can we not do this right now?”
“No! We cannot. I can’t watch you self-destruct like this. You have given too much of yourself to this plan for it to get derailed because of some childhood obligation.”
“It’s not a childhood obligation.”
“Then what is it?”
“I told you. I made a promise.” Jimin took a deep breath. “I promised Jeongguk I would always be there for him. This is important to him, Tae.” He stopped at the door. “Once he’s __ once he’s married to Seojun, he won’t have the liberty to do most of what he does now. I want to be there with him, to celebrate his victories while I still can.”
“Jimin, your brother will throw a conniption fit if he finds out you’ve been there.”
“No, he won’t. Jeongguk and I are childhood friends. He knows that. Also, even if he does, I don’t really care.”
“Right. I can’t say I’m loving this new reckless version of you but okay. Just let the record show that I tried to talk you out of what is obviously the stupidest idea you've ever had and when it does come back to haunt you, I’m going to tell you ‘I told you so’.”
“Yeah, noted.”
Taehyung groaned. “I’m too sober for this.”
“Come on you big baby, they have champagne at the theater.”
***
Taehyung glanced around the theater. They were seated in a discreet box just left of the stage. The box was shielded by crystal-clear bulletproof glass. Glancing up from the gallery and stage, nobody would be able to tell it was there. The Director of the theater sat with them now, regaling Jimin with stories about the current cast, the productions they were planning and the theater’s history.
Jimin nodded along but his attention didn’t waver from the curtain. Any minute now, the curtain would rise and illuminate a piano. He reined his mind from wandering to thoughts of the man who would sit at it and play. His thoughts were like an unruly wave, soaring and crashing without pause, without limit. Should he allow his mind to drift - it would lead him to sparkling doe eyes, a smile that encompassed the sky, a mole hidden under a plush pink bottom lip and a heart so pure and full it could embrace the world and still have room to spare.
He clenched his fist, digging his nails into his palm as the chandeliers dimmed and the curtain rose. A beam of light shone down on the piano whilst the rest of the stage remained shrouded in darkness. Jeongguk sat at the piano, eyes trained upon the keys. There was a hush in the theater as the audience held a collective breath — broken once he began to play.
Jimin closed his eyes and relaxed his shoulders back into the chair. The music washed over him, taking him hostage - now it soothed his nerves, now it caused him to clench his fist as it stoked the fire in his heart, now it called out to him, entreating, pleading, enchanting him. He floated in his mind, carrying his battered heart, holding it out to Jeongguk, praying this time he would be gentle, this time perhaps, he would choose him.
He did not realize how long he sat thus, entranced by the notes, lost in the music as though he were under a spell. The thunderous applause drew him from his reverie. He opened his eyes and glanced back towards Taehyung, who looked at him with concern. He smiled, reassuring his friend.
The audience stood as one, eyes shining and hands clapping continuously.
Onstage, Jeongguk smiled and bowed.
Taehyung came to stand beside Jimin. “He’s good, I’ll give him that.”
Jimin rolled his eyes slightly. “That’s the best you could muster? He’s ‘good’?”
“What do you want me to say?”
“I will never understand why you’re so hostile towards him, Tae. You don’t even know him.”
“He broke your heart. Do I need another reason?”
“He didn’t break my heart.”
“No, he only left you miserable and struggling to function.” Taehyung bent to pick up a bouquet from where it rested on one of the seats. “Alright Jimmeo, ready to go see your Kookliet?”
Jimin sighed. He looked down at his shoes. “Tae_”
Taehyung glanced at him; eyebrows raised. “Hey, Jimin.” Taehyung curled his fingers around Jimin’s elbow, reassuring him. “I’m with you. What’s wrong?”
“I – Am I making a mistake?”
Taehyung’s eyes softened as he took in his best friend. “Yes. But it’s okay. You’re allowed to be a fool in love.” He smiled. “Come on. Let’s go.”
***
The perks of being a royal, even if one was the spare, meant that Jimin never had to wait for anything. The Director himself led them to the elevator taking them down backstage, where the artist rooms were situated. While most artists contended with tiny rooms or common spaces they shared with the rest of their crew, Jeongguk, owing to the happy accident of his birth as well as his position as the future Crown Consort had a comfortable room to himself, nestled far from everyone else in the otherwise packed backstage.
The elevator opened directly into a corridor. The Director bent slightly and held his arm out, holding the door back.
Jimin stepped out, closely followed by Taehyung. As he looked up, he was startled to find Jeongguk standing in the corridor, his large eyes widened as he spotted him.
The smile on Jeongguk’s face grew wider and wider still as he turned and with tentative steps walked until he stood before him. His arms jerked as though he would throw them around his neck. He settled for clasping his hands together. The delicate scent of bergamot bled out into the cold air of the hallway, telling of his joy. “Jimin hyung…you remembered.”
Jimin smiled, his eyes turning into crescents. “Did you think I would forget?”
Jeongguk shook his head. “No! I — just thought you—”
“Jeongguk-ah, have I ever broken a promise?” He held out the bouquet - vibrant tiger lilies interspersed with white spirea.
“No.” He whispered, taking the bouquet and holding it to his chest gently. He looked at the flowers and smiled widely. “Thank you, these are beautiful, Jimin hyung.” He glanced up, eyes shining. “It is so good to see you. I truly am so happy you're here.” The scent grew even more intense, spilling out and spreading in the corridor.
Taehyung coughed softly as the silence stretched between them. “Perhaps we should go inside? We’d be more comfortable.”
Jeongguk put his hand to his forehead. “Of course, yes! I was just looking for someone to _” He glanced at Taehyung curiously before he opened the door and stepped inside. Jimin and Taehyung followed him in and stopped short. Jimin glanced at the omega, whose scent had soured just a tinge. Jeongguk bit his lip nervously and looked around in embarrassment.
Taehyung snorted. “Well, this is certainly a sight.”
The entire room, every available surface including most of the floor was covered in vases and arrangements filled with roses - roses of every hue of the rainbow. They crowded the space, leaving barely enough room for a spindly path through to the vanity.
Jimin glared at Taehyung who couldn’t seem to keep his amusement to himself. “Tae..”
Taehyung addressed Jeongguk. “Oh, don’t mind me.” His gaze wandered to a bear made up entirely of red roses, placed upon the vanity. “Wow! Your admirers are an aggressively appreciative bunch I can tell.”
Jeongguk seemed to shrink into himself with painful embarrassment.
The Director chuckled. “My lord, these were all delivered on behest of His Highness. They arrived before the performance finished. His Highness is always so particular. Whether or not he attends the performance, his flowers always do.”
Taehyung’s cutting smile was the only answer the man received. Sensing the awkwardness in the room, the Director excused himself and bowed out.
“Jimin hyung,” Jeongguk moved a number of the arrangements to the ground, clearing the couch so that there was room to sit. “Here, please sit.”
Jimin pulled Taehyung down onto the couch beside him.
Jeongguk perched on a stool closeby, his eyes carefully watching the few inches of space between them. He flushed slightly as his eyes met Taehyung who artfully raised an eyebrow.
Wringing his hands nervously, Jeongguk spoke up, “I didn’t know you were back. I asked at the palace,” he shrugged, “well I asked Seojun-hyung’s secretary. He didn’t know.” Or didn’t deem it necessary to tell me.
“I didn’t know you’d be keeping tabs on me Jeongguk.”
The omega bit down a smile. “No, not keeping tabs hyung, just wondering when you’d be back.” He swallowed. A faint rosy flush crept across his cheeks, and he trained his eyes anywhere but, on the man, seated before him. “You left so suddenly; I didn’t know when you’d be back. Eomma told me you’d be gone for years, and you were.”
The air suddenly felt tight inside the room. Taehyung stole a glance at Jimin who stared unwaveringly at the omega. Inside his mind, he groaned, cursing Jimin’s stupidity over this man. This was a disaster. Jimin was hopeless. Forget all the planning and the sacrifices they’d made to reach this point. He’d throw it all away because he couldn’t be counted upon to keep his head on straight when faced with his childhood crush.
He stood abruptly. “I’m gonna be outside.”
Jimin looked up with a start. “Tae, you don’t have to go.”
“Actually, I do. Gonna keep an eye out, in case your darling brother decides to pay a visit.” He pulled the door open. “Will you be ready to leave in ten minutes?”
Jimin nodded slightly.
“Good. Don’t do anything I would.” The door shut behind him before Jimin could roll his eyes or form a response.
Jeongguk raised an eyebrow. “He’s nice.”
Jimin blinked. “He’s my best friend.”
“Oh.” Jeongguk pushed his bottom lip out in a delicate pout. “I thought I was your best friend hyung.”
Jimin glanced up sharply. “Yeah. You were.”
A jagged, sour scent wafted over. Jeongguk straightened his shoulders. “You just left, didn’t even say goodbye. Like I was some stranger.”
“You—-”
“You didn’t even let me explain.” Jeongguk drew a sharp breath. “You just assumed and you—”
“I assumed?” Jimin stood, eyes flashing dangerously. Had his scent been more discernible than the faint fragrance of budding neroli, the room would have been awash in it, despite his ironclad control on himself.
Jeongguk stumbled back from his perch on the stool.
“You accepted my brother’s suit!” Jimin snapped. “You knew what it was like for me growing up with him. You knew everything! Yet you still accepted him. You made me a stranger first.”
“Jimin hyung, that’s not what happened.” Jeongguk replied steadily.
“I was there, Jeongguk.”
“Jimin hyung, you have to listen to me!”
There was a sharp knock on the door. Taehyung stuck his head in. “Time to go Jiminie.” He glanced between the two occupants of the room, both staring at each other. “Everything alright here?”
“Everything is fine.” Jimin replied with a terse nod. He stepped around Jeongguk and in two strides, he was out in the hallway.
“Jimin hyung, please don’t leave like this__”
Shutting the door firmly behind him, he strode down the hallway and out a door into the street. A sleek black car stood waiting just outside. Taehyung sped past him and opened the door for him. He slid inside. Taehyung shut the door and got in beside the driver. Nodding at him, he fastened his seatbelt. The car sped away towards the palace.
Jimin leaned back. His head rested on the seat. His fingers loosened the elegant knot on his tie, and he closed his eyes, but Jeongguk’s face did not fade from behind his eyelids.
***
The gala was in full swing by the time Jimin walked in, accompanied by Taehyung.
“You’re gonna be okay Jimin?” Taehyung said.
Jimin had been quiet the entire ride back from the theater. He didn’t know what happened after he’d left him alone with Jeongguk but judging from the stern bent of his lips, it probably didn’t go well. His job was to keep Jimin focussed tonight and so far, Jeongguk had already put a spanner in the works. Was he being harsh? Perhaps, but he had watched Jimin fall to pieces over the slow course of a year before he finally started to mend himself. Jimin might still have a soft corner in his heart for Jeongguk but he just wasn’t good for him.
“I’m fine, Tae.”
“Okay, well I’m going to find Jin hyung. Meet up in a bit?” He waited for Jimin to nod in agreement before he set off in search of his employer. He worked as principal aide to the head of the king's council.
Always the consummate gentleman, Jimin made his rounds of the ballroom, greeting the councilors first upon his arrival. He mingled graciously, took a turn and two around dancing, before lifting a flute of champagne and making his way towards his quarry for the night.
Kim Seokjin sipped his champagne, his eyes sweeping over the press of nobility present in the room. As head of the King’s Council and ruler of the most powerful duchy in Goguryeo, he was one of the more significant and influential noblemen at court. Beside him stood Jung Hoseok, the commander of Goguryeo’s armies, a man whose blinding smile was at constant odds with his steely persona.
Taehyung stood close as well, as Seokjin’s aide, there was little going on he didn’t know about.
As Jimin drew near, Seokjin and Hoseok turned to him as one. “You’re late.”
“Ah hyung,” Jimin chuckled. “I’ve arrived precisely when I intended.” Jimin drained the champagne and deposited the flute on the windowsill. He glanced at Taehyung and winked.
“Sooner than your brother at least. I suppose I can’t complain.”
“Seojun will be here soon enough. He always liked parties.”
“Lived for them, you mean?” The commander chuckled. “Your brother wouldn’t call this a party though. He’s been trying to get me to attend his debauched revels for years now.”
Jimin grinned. “And he hasn’t succeeded? I would have thought debauched revels were your weakness.”
Hoseok rolled his eyes, but the curve of his lips said he wasn’t offended. He looked over Jimin's shoulder and carefully conducted a head count of their allies. Should they be found out before it was time, their stratagems would be considered treason. Although the Crown Prince had not yet ascended the throne, the day of coronation drew closer, and they were still waiting on the support of two more dukes to give them control of the Council.
Tradition decreed that an Alpha King alone was strong and capable enough to lead the kingdom. Seokjin and Hoseok had learnt early in their careers that this was an overestimation at best and a blatant falsehood at worst. The two princes could not be more different from each other.
Seojun was a product of his upbringing. All his thoughts, all his reasoning rested upon his conviction as an Alpha. He was an Alpha therefore mandated to lead, and to rule. His mind worked like a sledgehammer. His first solution to any problem was to intimidate and demand the outcome he wanted. The second solution was to intensify the attack. He never bothered to learn any other way. As the Alpha prince of Goguryeo, his will was done without question. People would bow to him, or they would suffer. He had never been taught to accept defeat or how to conduct himself when faced with it.
The balance of power between the brothers was stacked against Jimin. He was the Spare and he was reminded of this fact every day, if not by the silence of his father in the face of Seojun’s flagrant disrespect and open hostility, then by his brother's words - a daily attempt to drill a sense of inferiority into him. Seojun had worked very hard to show Jimin he deserved the treatment meted out to him because of his beta status. He would not have dared had Jimin been an Alpha.
Jimin’s coup de grace in this entire saga was that he had convinced Seojun that he was no threat. A second-born Beta prince could not possibly have the nerve to plot against him.
His invisibility became his greatest strength.
Seojun was so busy resting on his laurels as heir apparent that he forgot an impenetrable fortress could be breached and decimated when the attack came from within.
Jimin had spent the last four years of his exile from the capital building support to challenge his Alpha brother’s claim to the throne. They were so close now.
Taehyung cleared his throat, attracting their attention. He lifted his chin. “Jimin, she’s here.”
Jimin straightened his shoulders even tighter, before plastering a neutral smile on his face and turning to find the Archduke of Jin, Areum walking past, headed towards the royal dais where his father sat.
The Archduke was followed by her six ladies in waiting. The ladies wore heavy face paint, identical scarlet smiles and blackened brows, their cheeks lifted and smudged with rouge. Their beauty was immaculate yet could not hold a candle to the captivating lady they served. When she was younger, the Archduke had been vigorously pursued by Jimin’s father. He had spared no effort in his attempts to woo the elusive Omega but was thwarted when she had not been moved. His fury at the rejection had unleashed a storm of imperial decrees upon her lands. The intent was to decimate Jin and bring its ruler to her knees.
Only the intervention of the council, after those initial years of misery, had turned the tide, ensuring the survival of the duchy. The seeds of discontent and anger against the crown had however been sown. The Archduke had never returned to the capitol, choosing to remain in her home, surrounding herself by six attendants without whom she did not take a single step. The attendants were betas or omegas, never alphas. The brutal aftermath of her rejection of the king ensured she never allowed another alpha in her vicinity.
And now, she is back. People craned their necks to catch a glimpse. Age had not dimmed her beauty. She carried herself with all the regality of her station. As she reached the dais, Jimin watched his father closely.
The Archduke lowered herself into a graceful courtesy, her hanbok settling in a perfect circle around her frame. To the untrained eye, it would seem the king acknowledged the gesture as he would from any other noble. But Jimin knew better.
His lip curled into a smirk as he spied the tense hold of his shoulders, the stiff nod and the sullen glare of his eyes. His father had not forgotten the insult but neither had the Archduke it seemed. She rose to her feet and moved away from the dais.
Jimin turned to Hoseok, who tilted his head and touched Jimin’s elbow. “Remember, play to your strength and don’t get cocky.”
“You don’t need to tell me that.”
“Yet I chose to say it to you. What does that tell you? You don't have to be an alpha to be cocky. The Archduke despises smugness, and you have it in spades.”
“Hyung, you’re hurting my feelings.” Jimin put a hand to his chest even as Hoseok rolled his eyes again.
“Go now, while everyone else is still catching their breath.” Seokjin chimed in.
Jimin adjusted his tie minutely and turned away, heading towards the opposite end of the ballroom where he had seen the Archduke take her seat. It was no mistake she had been placed as far from the dais as possible. For any other noble, it would have signaled a descent to obscurity but on the Archduke, it seemed suitably appropriate.
Jimin was aware he would be watched. The king had taken to keeping an eye on him since his return a week ago. Even though he’d been called back for Seojun’s coronation, he knew he was not welcome unless he was actively strengthening his brother’s future reign. The king had made it clear that Jimin would be expected to watch over his brother from the shadows, to ‘ensure that Seojun’s vigor did not lead him to make rash decisions’. He scoffed internally. He had not expected much from the king but the prospect of playing babysitter to his elder brother had also not crossed his mind.
Combined with Seojun’s violent reaction to his presence, Jimin could surmise the next few days would be difficult, even without taking into account his intention with Jeongguk. He had not meant to dig up their past so soon. That was a conversation he had hoped to have after he had solidified his position with the council.
But Jeongguk had taken him by surprise. He had not expected him to dive straight to the crux of their problems. He wasn’t prepared to relive the day he’d lost everything.
Jimin glanced behind him. His “tail” had fallen behind. He didn’t have much time and had to make his encounter with the Archduke count. He had to make sure she would be curious enough to seek him out.
The Archduke leaned back in her chair. Around her, her attendants sat in a semi-circle, flanking both her sides. Jimin bowed formally. “Your Grace, it is a pleasure to welcome you back to the capital.”
The Archduke stared at him. She blinked. “You’re one of Daehyun’s, aren’t you?”
“The younger one, yes.”
“Not the Alpha.”
Jimin smiled. “No.” He acknowledged each of the attendants before bowing once again. He spoke in a low voice, “I’ll look forward to speaking with you soon, Your Grace.”
Checking for the shadows placed upon him by his father, he made a hasty retreat back to where Seokjin was now regaling a small group of admirers with an airy story from his childhood. They relied heavily upon Seokjin to muster support and he had delivered. The shift and murmurs of discontent - albeit still hidden from the king - had been fanned relentlessly by Seokjin, who questioned Seojun’s worthiness to lead.
Seokjin had sought him out during his exile. Although Jimin had initially blocked his attempts to meet - he was still reeling from the shock of Jeongguk’s engagement to his brother - Seokjin persisted. He did not want to suffer under the reality of Seojun as his king.
Jimin had been sent to Jeju, an idyllic paradise, far removed from the power tussles of Goguryeo’s royal court. The king did not want to risk any spat between his sons over ascension to the throne. He had ordered Jimin to leave immediately, cutting him off from friends, family and the only life he had known. He was not blind to Jimin’s popularity amongst his court. If he had allowed Jimin to remain in the capital as Seojun was prepared to be king, the discontent against his alpha son would continue to fester and grow.
However, Seokjin had followed him to Jeju. “It’s very simple. I’m a man who likes peace. Your brother on the throne will give me no peace.”
“So, what are you saying? You just want to swap my brother out for me? What makes you think I’ll give you any peace?”
Seokjin smiled. “Contrary to my reputation, I do listen, and I pay attention.” The smile dropped. “Seojun will ruin us. You know it as well as I do.”
“And what do you expect me to do about it, Your Grace?” Jimin stared back at him. “Look around. We’re sitting in a hotel where people like you come to waste time. This is where I’ve been tossed while my brother gets prepared to take the throne in a few years.”
“Who says you have to waste your time?” Seokjin held a hand up as Jimin bristled. “Agreed, you were put here to keep you out of trouble and to make you harmless. But Jimin, trouble has followed you here.” He smiled widely.
Jimin narrowed his eyes. “I don’t understand…”
Seokjin nodded. “You think you’ve been abandoned. I am here to tell you that people will follow you and support your claim to the throne.”
Jimin laughed in scorn. “What people? Who will support the claim of a beta over an alpha”
“I will.” Seokjin leaned closer. “Jimin, I can build support for you. Those of us who want peace and stability. People want to live secure, happy lives. They don’t want to pay the penalty for a ruler’s ego. They just want to have a good home and a future they can envision. You can give them that.”
“You and me?” Jimin shook his head before speaking again. “You must forgive me, but I do not think the two of us can do much against the council and the king. He’s already made his choice.”
“There are more of us than you know. We will persuade the others.”
“You’re going to get me imprisoned for treason.”
“Perhaps. There’s no guarantee we’ll succeed. There’s a high chance we may get caught but if we do, at least, we’ll go for a noble cause. What are you doing right now with your life that’s so important?”
“I don’t know.”
“Think Jimin, you could bring real change. It can’t have been easy growing up with Seojun. Imagine if you could change all that.”
Jimin froze. Jeongguk’s face flashed in his mind. He closed his eyes. Looking up at Seokjin, he said, “I assume you have a plan. You wouldn’t have come out all the way here if you didn’t.”
Seokjin leaned back in his chair. A satisfied smile curled on his lips, and he said, “Yes, I have a plan.”
That had been four years ago, and Seokjin had kept his word. He had pulled his closest circle in first. Next, he started collecting information and probing other nobles to discern where their loyalties lie. Under the guise of learning expeditions, he had sent Jimin all over the country to meet with allies and coax them to their side. He taught him how to influence and win over every one of the dukes that now supported them.
Four years later, they held sway over half the council, needing only two more to topple the king’s decision and complete the transfer of power from Seojun to Jimin.
***
Jeongguk looked out the window of the car while Seojun finished a conversation on the phone. His senses were dulled as the streetlights raced past. He took note of his surroundings in a clinical way - the car’s engine purred, the press of the leather against his hand felt smooth, the scent steadily filling the car tickled his nose and he frowned.
“Jeongguk.”
He blinked and turned to look at his fiancé. “Yes hyung?”
Seojun ran his eyes over his frame in a slow, deliberate way. “You look beautiful.”
Jeongguk smiled politely. “Thank you”
“Did you like the flowers?”
“Um—yes, they were lovely. Thank you.”
“I'm sorry I couldn’t make it to the performance. There’s just so much to handle right now, I would have been distracted even if I’d attended. You didn’t mind, did you darling?”
“Hyung, you don’t need to worry. I knew you were busy. I didn’t mind.”
“Hm, you know,” Seojun leaned closer, stretching his arm on the seat behind Jeongguk. “I would love a private performance. I feel like I’d really be able to appreciate it more if it was just for me.” He ran his knuckles in a slow circle just under Jeongguk’s ear.
Jeongguk tensed. The moment stretched out uncomfortably. From the corner of his eye, he could see Seojun watching him carefully.
“Would you like that, Omega?”
It took everything he had to not scoff in that moment. Omega? Sure, they were betrothed, but Seojun hadn’t earned the right to call him that. Nobody had earned…. well. The only person who could say it to him was angry with him. “Hyung, I_”
“Alpha.” Seojun almost cooed, enjoying Jeongguk’s obvious discomfort. “I want you to call me Alpha, from now on.”
“Hyung, that’s a bit__”
“Ah-ah,” he shook his head. “Try again, sweetheart.”
Jeongguk’s breath shuddered as he exhaled. He clenched his fingers against the firm leather of the seat. Minutes passed painfully slowly. He was playing with fire.
Seojun’s scent turned bitter, and he moved closer. “I asked you to do something Jeongguk. I don’t like disobedience, especially not from my omega.” His voice lowered to a hiss, sending a chill through Jeongguk’s body.
He turned to look at him. Seojun’s eyes were icy and unforgiving. Jeongguk drew a breath and pushed down the feeling of wrongness and disgust as he replied with a flat tone, “Alpha.”
And just like that, the intense pressure surrounding them dissipated into nothingness. Seojun smiled.
“Good boy.”
***
Jimin suppressed a yawn behind his hand. They’d been at the gala for close to two hours and he was tired.
“Are you tired Jiminie?” Taehyung reached up and gently rubbed the back of his neck.
“I feel like I’ve been awake for a hundred years.”
“Well, we don’t have much longer to wait. Your brother’s arrived. They’re just taking him through the protocol to enter the ballroom.” Taehyung hesitated before he said, “he has to make an entrance with his consort apparently.”
Jimin nodded. “Of course, he does.” Seojun wouldn’t let any opportunity to show Jeongguk off go to waste.
“Will you be alright?” Taehyung asked.
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” He shrugged. “I mean, I don’t care. It doesn’t matter to me.”
“Yeah.” Taehyung looked at him skeptically. He heaved a sigh. “Look, there’s obviously something still there. You wouldn’t be acting like this otherwise. I just need you to be focussed right now, okay?”
“Okay,” Jimin said.
“He’s probably going to do something..." Taehyung grimaced as he searched for the words, "unnecessary and over-the-top, on purpose. I don’t know what. But you can’t let it get to you, okay?”
“Yeah, okay.” Jimin repeated back.
Taehyung stared back at him before swallowing. “Okay.”
There was a sudden hush in the ballroom as the herald announced the Crown Prince and his Consort. Jimin turned away. He stared out the window even as the reflection on the glass showed him what was happening.
The Crown Prince and his future Consort stood poised at the entrance to the ballroom. Everyone in the ballroom took a knee to welcome them. Seojun led Jeongguk to the dais to greet the king before taking a turn around the ballroom for their first dance. As the music winded down to a close and a waltz began, Jeongguk excused himself and slipped away, his aide following him closely.
Jimin watched closely. His feet moved before he realized what he was doing. A sudden grip on his elbow brought him back. He looked down and saw Tae’s fingers curled around his arm like a vice.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
Jimin shrugged. “Nowhere.”
“Mmhmm. Does ‘nowhere’ have a name and is it Jeongguk?”
“This is ridiculous.” Jimin turned to face him. “No. I’m not going there. I was just_”
“Yeah?”
“I was going to_”
“Your lying sucks. I don’t even know why you try. And to me? Of all people?”
“You’re making an issue out of nothing. I wasn’t going to do anything. I just wanted to talk to him.”
“About what?” Taehyung’s eyes grew wide. “Can’t it wait? Does it have to be while your brother is right there? Do you have any idea what it’ll look like, if someone finds out?”
“I thought you were here to watch my back.” Jimin glared back at him.
Taehyung shook his head. “To be honest, I’m mostly here to make sure you don’t do anything stupid.”
“It would only be stupid if I got caught.” Jimin pressed his fingers against Taehyung’s chest. “But you’re not gonna let that happen, are you?”
Taehyung gawked at him before pinching the bridge of his nose. “You’re so devious.”
“Thank you.” Jimin preened.
“And shameless. This is not a compliment. I am not happy with you right now.”
“I love you too.” Jimin backed away. “Just, give me five minutes. I just need to see him again.”
“Okay. Five minutes only and I better not come in there and find you two in various stages of undress.”
Jimin rolled his eyes and slipped away. He followed the path Jeongguk had taken just minutes before as he deftly wove through the throng of mostly intoxicated nobility to enter a suite of chambers just beyond the ballroom. He saw Yoongi, a former upperclassman, and now presumably Jeongguk’s aide, knock on the door and enter the room. The corridor was empty again. He glanced around and slipped inside.
He blinked. A heavy velvet curtain cut his view of the interior. He looked up to find dark cherry wood paneling on the walls, wall to wall bookshelves and discreet lighting. This must be one of the offices repurposed as a dressing room for the duration of the gala.
He could hear the soft murmur of voices just beyond it. Just as he was about to push the curtains aside, there was another knock on the door. Jimin ducked out of sight.
“Yes?” Yoongi called out.
“His Highness would like Mr Jeon to accompany him to dinner. It is time.”
“We will be there presently.”
Scarcely had the sound of footsteps moved away from the door when there was another knock. Jimin rolled his eyes and remained still behind the curtain. Someone, he presumed Yoongi, opened the door and stepped back, “Lord Jeon, Lady Leon.”
“Is he ready Yoongi?” Lady Jeon asked.
“Yes, just about.”
Jimin felt uneasy. He shouldn’t be here. He should have listened to Taehyung. Now he was stuck behind a curtain and might be discovered any minute now. He would never live this down, if he was found.
“Darling,” Lady Jeon said, “Everything is arranged so beautifully. You looked so beautiful dancing with the prince. The perfect match!”
“There’s no such thing as a perfect match Mother.” Jeongguk replied.
“Oh Ggukie, please don’t sulk now. We met the prince on our way in. He was waiting for you eagerly.”
“Was he?”
Jimin bit down a smile. Apparently, Jeongguk hadn’t lost his habit of pouting when things didn’t go his way.
“He loves you so much. He spoils you rotten. I’ve never seen nor heard of such magnificent courting gifts. What was it last week?” She glanced at Yoongi for help remembering. “Yes! That handmade mechanical clock? The cogs were even made of gold!”
Jeongguk chuckled. “Gold is a soft metal. It’s not suitable for making clock parts. Brass or copper would have been better.”
“Really Jeongguk, you shouldn't be so high handed. He is your Alpha. You must show him the respect he deserves.”
“But Mother, I am showing the respect he deserves.”
“Always mouthing off.” The gruff tone of Lord Jeon’s voice caused an uneasy silence in the room. “You keep forgetting your place. His amusement for your antics won't last forever. Are you trying to fall out of favor with him? Do you know what happens if he turns away? All the creditors that have been silent so far will come crawling out of the woodwork.”
“They’re your creditors. They have nothing to do with me.”
Lord Jeon laughed. It was not a pleasant sound, however. “Do you think that when I pass, my debt will miraculously disappear? No, boy. It will remain and you will be saddled with it.”
“Really dear, must we talk about this now? My nerves can’t stand it.” Lady Jeon said.
“I’m merely demonstrating for Jeongguk’s benefit, what a fact is.”
“Jeongguk, the prince is enamored of you and the wedding is less than a fortnight away. What has gotten into you?”
“I didn’t want this!” Strains of sour citrus seeped through the room.
“We asked you,” Lord Jeon replied. “And you said yes. Happily, too! We didn’t force you. This is how betrothals work.”
“I __”
“We really should get going. It’s not a good idea to make the prince wait.” Yoongi said firmly.
There was silence in the room. Jeongguk’s parents left first; his mother tugging on Yoongi’s sleeve and whispering instructions to him.
“Jeongguk.” Yoongi said softly. “We should go.”
“I don’t know how long I can keep this up, hyung.” There was the sound of someone pacing. Heeled boots clicking on the marble floors.
“Let’s just get through this dinner first, okay?”
Jimin waited until he was certain he was alone. He slipped out of the room and made his way back to the ballroom. There was a lot to think about. What he’d heard in the room between Jeongguk and his parents had given him a renewed hope. It scared him because it made him want to believe that perhaps there had been more to Jeongguk’s decision. He shook his head as though he wanted to banish these thoughts from his mind as well. This was not new to him. In the last four years, thoughts where he wanted to believe this was all just a misunderstanding had run grooves in his mind. He wanted so badly to believe there was more to the story that he was willing to ignore what was in front of him, ignore what had actually happened and instead he wanted to believe the fantasy spun by his heart.
But fantasies seldom survived the light of day. And try as he might, he couldn’t deny that Seojun had proposed to Jeongguk and he had accepted.
Taehyung was frantic by the time he returned to his side. “Where have you been? Is this what you call five minutes?”
“I’m back now. Did I miss anything?”
“The king wants your presence at dinner.”
Jimin nodded. “What about Jin-hyung and Hoseok-hyung?”
“They’re summoned as well. Aides are to attend the feast with the rest of the guests.”
“I’ll see you after then.”
***
Ten minutes later, Jimin was seated three seats down from his father. The king sat at the head of the table, with Seojun and Seokjin seated beside him. Jeongguk took the seat beside Seojun. Hoseok sat next to him and directly opposite Jimin.
Jimin looked further down the table. All the members of the king’s council were present. Even the Archduke. She sat at the bottom of the table. The prosperity of her duchy was not enough to soothe the grievances of the past. Jimin made sure to meet her eyes and smile. He turned his attention back to his side of the table. By the look on Hoseok’s face, he wasn’t enjoying what was being said.
“Extended diplomacy is a waste of time in my opinion. It’s an excuse to avoid any real action. We know what the problem is, and we should be able to solve it quickly.” Seojun said. He was looking at Seokjin, obviously in response to something the councillor had said.
Seokjin laughed, his eyes dancing with mirth. “Seojun-ah, you would just walk in and demand every point of contention be solved in real time.”
“As King, I can do it, it’s not difficult.” Seojun smirked. “The council deliberates for weeks on the simplest of decisions. It’s as though you don’t actually want to resolve anything.”
Seokjin smiled back. “We deliberate so we do not disadvantage one at the expense of the other, a hasty decision on the spot doesn’t allow for that.”
“But the people will love it. A king who is decisive and wants matters taken care of quickly.”
They continued to bandy words back and forth, the King watching with an infinitesimal smile on his lips. Seokjin’s humor did not let the conversation turn into a debate and Seojun’s need to have the final word did not allow him to break the stalemate and engage anyone else in conversation, which left Jimin to soak up the sight of Jeongguk sitting in front of him. All he had to do was lift his head and their eyes would meet.
It was strange to see a different side to someone whom you have known all your life. His memories of Jeongguk clash with the person sitting before him. He is the same yet so very different. He was always beautiful so his beauty is not the revelation it should be. This Jeongguk scares him. He does not know him.
Their eyes met.
Jimin froze. He would like to say time stopped because that’s what poets write about in their scrappy notebooks. But time didn’t stop for him. It kept moving. He was aware of the wine being poured into glasses, dishes expertly rotated by the butlers, the conversations continuing around him that he was not privy to. He watched Jeongguk blink once, twice, three times before he swallowed and cast a discreet glance to the other occupants of the table.
Jeongguk looked down at his plate. Jimin turned to the councilor beside him and pretended to listen, smiling widely. He allowed a long moment to pass before looking back towards Jeongguk, only to find his eyes glued to him already.
They continued this delicate dance, eyes meeting, looking away. Smiles gently tugging on lips, a smirk at being caught.
Jeongguk was pulled into talking by Seokjin. Little by little, the glassy exterior dropped and finally after four long years of silence, Jimin started as he heard the sound of his laughter again. Jeongguk’s uncontrollable giggles spilled over, and his eyes sparkled.
Jimin felt a tug in his chest.
The clinking of a glass drew him out of his thoughts and back to the moment. The king was speaking, a glass flute held aloft in his hand as he beamed at Seojun and Jeongguk.
Gears slowly shifted into place and Jimin realized with horror that he was toasting their health, wishing them joy in their union.
His thoughts skidded to a halt, the scream in his mind like the taste of metal against asphalt.
***
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