Chapter 51 || BOUND AND TORN BY PROPHECIES

 

Strained Bonds

 

The morning began with a sense of formality that settled over the palace like the rising sun. The atmosphere buzzed with quiet urgency as preparations for the upcoming royal event took precedence. Queen Luria, poised and regal as ever, called for Jungkook and Taehyung to meet her in the royal council chamber. The summons itself carried weight, ensuring neither could ignore the task ahead.

When Jungkook entered the chamber, Taehyung was already there. He stood with his arms crossed, his piercing crystal-blue eyes fixed on the queen with an expression of unrelenting focus. His demeanour was as icy as his dragon form, a reflection of the unresolved tension between them. Jungkook squared his shoulders, determined not to let his presence unsettle him, as he stood before the queen and waited for her instructions.

“This upcoming event is crucial,” Queen Luria began, her tone steady but laced with quiet authority. “Our guests will include esteemed dignitaries and dragon guardians from neighbouring kingdoms. It is imperative that Drakoria’s dragons reflect the strength and unity of our realm.”

Her gaze shifted to Jungkook and Taehyung, her regal air leaving no room for protest. “The two of you will oversee the preparations. Ensure that the dragons are ready, both in appearance and demonstration.”

Jungkook blinked, the weight of the task settling on his shoulders. He glanced at Taehyung, whose expression betrayed no reaction. He simply nodded curtly, his jaw tightening as he glanced in his direction briefly.

“I trust you both understand the importance of this responsibility,” Queen Luria added, her piercing gaze demanding nothing less than perfection. “I expect cooperation and diligence.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Jungkook said quickly, his voice steady despite the flicker of hesitation in his chest.

Taehyung echoed the sentiment with a quiet “Of course,” though his tone was clipped.

With the queen’s dismissal, the two of them left the chamber, walking in silence down the grand hall. The tension between them was palpable, neither willing to break the quiet. Jungkook exhaled softly, his thoughts swirling as he braced himself for the challenge ahead.

As the day unfolded, Jungkook found himself in the palace gardens, tending to Mili and Spark as part of the preparations. The dragons were calm, their amber and electric hues reflecting the sunlight as they responded to his gentle commands. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to focus solely on them, the simplicity of their bond offering him a respite from the complexities surrounding him.

Then, Varian appeared.

He approached him with his usual confident stride, his amber eyes warm and inviting. In his hands was a small, intricately crafted box wrapped in silk, a gift unmistakable in its presentation. Jungkook raised an eyebrow, unsure of his intentions as he stopped just short of him.

“Jungkook,” he said warmly, his voice carrying a tone of familiarity that made him bristle slightly. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you.”

“What is it, Varian?” he asked, his tone careful but not unkind. He extended the box to him, his amber eyes meeting his with sincerity. “This is for you. A token, if you will.”

Jungkook hesitated before taking the box, his mismatched eyes flicking to him cautiously. He opened it to find a delicate piece of jewellery—a pendant shaped like a dragon’s wing, its design intricate and beautiful.

“Why are you giving me this?” he asked, his voice softer now. Varian smiled, his charm evident in the curve of his lips. “Because I want to court you, Jungkook. To get to know you better, not as the guardian of the twins, but as the remarkable man you are.”

His words caught him off guard, leaving him silent for a moment. The weight of his intentions was clear, and though he felt flattered, there was a hesitance that lingered. “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he said finally, his voice steady but filled with uncertainty.

“Why not?” Varian asked, his tone patient but curious. “What harm is there in giving this a chance?” Jungkook considered his words, his thoughts flickering briefly to Taehyung. The memory of his jealousy, his possessiveness, his piercing gaze—it all weighed heavily on him. Perhaps, he thought, if he agreed to Varian’s courtship, it would be a way to put distance between himself and Taehyung. A way to avoid the tension that seemed to follow them everywhere.

“Fine,” he said eventually, his tone measured. “But understand this—it doesn’t mean I like you, Varian. I’m just giving this a chance. That’s all.” Varian’s smile widened, his amber eyes lighting up with triumph. “That’s all I ask,” he said sincerely. “Thank you, Jungkook.”

Unbeknownst to them, Taehyung had been standing at the far edge of the garden, his crystal-blue eyes fixed on the scene. He had heard everything—the words, the agreement, the implications—and his jaw tightened as his anger simmered beneath the surface.

The sight of Jungkook accepting Varian’s gift, of him agreeing to his courtship, stoked the embers of his jealousy into flames. He turned sharply, his expression cold as he walked away without a word. The sound of his footsteps echoed briefly before fading into the distance, leaving Jungkook and Varian unaware of his departure.

Later that evening, the tension between Jungkook and Taehyung remained unspoken as the royal family gathered for dinner. The dining hall was grand, the table adorned with fine dishes and gleaming silverware. The air buzzed with conversation, though Jungkook’s focus was elsewhere.

Varian, seated across from him, smiled warmly and tried to draw him into the conversation. His charm was evident, his words flowing easily as he recounted another story from his travels. Jungkook listened politely, though his mismatched eyes flicked briefly to Taehyung, who sat further down the table. 

His piercing gaze met his for a fleeting moment before he looked away, his expression unreadable.

The evening passed quietly, though the undercurrent of tension remained. Jungkook couldn’t ignore the weight of Taehyung’s silence or the fiery jealousy that had simmered earlier. He felt caught between two worlds, his emotions a tangled mess as he tried to navigate the complexities of his relationships.

As the meal ended, he rose from the table with a quiet sigh, his thoughts heavy as he prepared for the days ahead. The royal event loomed closer, and with it, the promise of more challenges to come.

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