Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The sun glared down at the troupe of knights as they trudged forward in the field, making their return back home. There had been no shortage of complaints and bellyaching from the men as they sweat under their armor, demanding to know why they needed to march all the way back to their kingdom in the heavy, restrictive metal.

They were damp and tired and absolutely starving, and the closer they got to home the more restless they became that it was taking so long. In an attempt to lift the mood before they were greeted by the royal family with a congratulatory banquet, the knights began talking about what they were most excited for upon returning home.

“I’m so ready to get fed real meals, and not be fucking freezing every night, yet sweating the minute the sun rises.” Hoseok said, spitting in the dirt.

“I’m ready to finally get some action again.” Namjoon chimed in without an ounce of irony, all of the others nodding in concurrence. 

Not a single one of them had had access to women in the two years away, and they were all dying to sneak out to the pubs and get laid as soon as possible. However, Taehyung would not be joining them in the pubs, and they all knew why.

“I can bet what you’re most excited for.” Jungkook nudged Taehyung, wiggling his brows.

The other men directed their attention to Taehyung and gave him similar looks, Taehyung simply chuckling and nudging Jungkook back.

“You all mind your business slinking around the pubs for maidens.” Taehyung dismissed what they were insinuating. “Helmets on, men.”

They were nearly back home, and Jin turned his horse to address the knights.

“We’ll be approaching the castle.” Jin announced. “Close the shields to your helmets, and be ready to hold your swords high.”

The sound of metal clanked throughout the cavalcade of knights as they all prepared themselves for their return. Taehyung could hear the sound of some sniffles under helmets, likely from the youngest knights who’d felt the most homesickness of the fleet who were overcome with joy at returning to their families. The other men were breathing heavy sighs of relief, no doubt imagining what type of feast they would be celebrated with at their return home.

All the knights went silent as they got within sight of the castle, the metal of their armor clanking as they marched towards the entrance, where the guards held up flags of honor for them and the king stood at the highest balcony, his arms open in welcome. The townspeople stood around the guards, mothers with tears streaming down their beaming faces of glee at their sons returning home, wives nearly jumping in rejoice and little children crying out for their dads amongst the knights until their mothers shushed them for the king to speak.

Taehyung didn’t bother looking at any of the people. He had no family in the crowds, nor a lover there either. He stared straight ahead, only looking forward to seeing one person.

“Everyone, give your most ecstatic cheer to welcome our brave knights safe return home!” The king announced, the townspeople immediately screaming and clapping for the knights. 

The cavalcade stopped at the entrance of the castle, the chains of the portcullis rattling as the door was lowered. As instructed, all the knights knelt on one knee, bowing their heads to show respect to the rest of the monarchy as the king made his way down to greet them. Taehyung gnawed on his lip in anxiety, dying to lift his head and see if who he was waiting for was also waiting for him at the entrance.

“My noble knights,” The king addressed them. “Please remove your helmets and rise to your feet.”

Taehyung lifted his helmet and got to his feet, finally getting the opportunity to look up at the royal family. It didn’t take more than half a second for Taehyung’s eyes to land on Prince Yoongi, who had spotted him amongst the fleet instantly, and blessed him with the warmest smile like the sun rising on the horizon.

The knight couldn’t contain himself, and returned the smile as the king continued on with the protocol, congratulatory speech.

“Please join us in the banquet hall, where you will be served with a meal meant for the royalty that you served with such devotion to.”

“Are we really going to eat dinner in our armor?” Hoseok muttered under his breath.

“Unless he releases us to the barracks, I guess so.” Namjoon answered, getting huffs out of the men around them

After hours of marching in their cumbersome uniforms for battle, they were all sore and chaffed and desperate to get into normal clothes.

Taehyung didn’t weigh into the muffled complaints amongst the knights. His eyes hadn’t left Yoongi’s since arriving, the prince only looking away once he had to trail behind his father as they led the knights inside.

“He’s even prettier than I remember.” Jungkook whispered to Taehyung, who just smiled to himself, making the younger knight grin. “Aw, are you blushing?” 

Jungkook teased, to which Taehyung took a step forward, off path to subtly trip the younger knight. They didn’t play around too much, since they were in the presence of royalty and needed to behave with tact so as to make their army appear honorable. 

The servants led the knights to the banquet hall, many of them were new faces. Most of the older servants had paid off their debts in Taehyung’s time away, and had moved back with their families. Taehyung was happy for them, but he did feel a bit sorrowful that they were no longer with him, and that he hadn’t had a proper chance to say goodbye.

“Taehyung.” Jin addressed him. “There’s a mud stain on your armor. Go wash it off before you sit.”

Taehyung's brows furrowed, confused why he was suddenly being called out by his friend, but he shrugged and went to the kitchen regardless. After one of the servants cleaned off the hardly visible stain, Taehyung made his way back to the banquet.

“Taehyung?”

The knight froze in his tracks at the familiar voice calling his name, spinning around to find none other than the boy he grew up with, now a man, smiling mischievously at him. 

“Or should I say Sir Taehyung?” Yoongi teased with a little grin.

Now Taehyung understood why Jin sent him off for the meaningless chore.

“Just ‘Taehyung’ works fine, Prince Yoongi.” Taehyung returned the prince's amused smile, walking up to meet the omega.

“I hardly recognize you from the time you were drafted for training,” Yoongi said, taking a step back to analyze the knight. “You’ve changed so much.”

“As have you.” 

“I trust you mean that with a positive connotation.”

“Of course.” Taehyung’s lips curved into an amused smile. “You look even more royal than you already did.”

Yoongi chuckled at the compliment. “And you look even more like a proper knight now.”

“I would hope so after so many years away.” Taehyung played along. “It’s a shame you missed my primary year of training. You would have had quite a laugh seeing the fool I made of myself.”

“I don’t believe that for a moment. You’ve always been exceptionally athletic.” Yoongi countered, his lighthearted smile fading a bit as he continued. “Although, it is disappointing how much time passed, that we haven’t seen each other transform into what we’ve become.”

Taehyung wasn’t prepared for the abrupt vulnerability, and for once, had nothing witty to respond with.

“It is very unfortunate.” Was all Taehyung could say, because it was the truth.

As much of a glorious surprise it was to see one another in a completely different form, it was also a reminder that so much time had passed that they didn’t experience each other’s growth gradually, like they would have if they’d not been apart for multiple years.

“I’ve missed you.” Yoongi suddenly told Taehyung. “I never knew how much I depended on your presence until it was gone.”

Taehyung's eyes widened at the prince’s unforeseen candor, which would be deemed highly inappropriate coming from a royal member to a measly knight.

But it wasn't just any measly knight, it was Taehyung.

“I’ve missed you too, Prince Yoongi.” Taehyung told the omega. “I worried how you would be fairing without me.”

“I should say the same about you.” Yoongi responded. “What with you fighting in battle every day.”

“Not quite every day.” Taehyung tried to ease Yoongi’s nerves, before continuing onto his main concern. “In all sincerity, have you been well since I left?”

Yoongi’s delay rather than an immediate confirmation, paired with his shifting eyes, struck unease into the knight. He'd been hoping for a quick reassurance that everything was fine. Not receiving that, signaled to Taehyung that something to cause for concern had happened, or was currently going on.

“Prince Yoongi?” Taehyung asked softly, though he was becoming just as alert as he'd been in battle. “Did something happen while I was away?”

Yoongi contemplated a moment longer before letting out a sigh.

“It’s not something that already happened, rather it's something that's about to happen.” Yoongi vaguely started to explain.

“Why? What’s going on?” Taehyung asked, his anxiety rising.

“Well…you know what I presented as.” Yoongi started off. “Ever since then—”

Before the prince could continue, the king called everyone to attention, and Yoongi hurried to the dining room join his father by his side while Taehyung returned to his seat.

“Noble knights, I have one more honor to bestow upon you for your homecoming celebration.” The king proclaimed cheerfully, all of the knights glancing with excitement at each other. “Tonight, you will be given the honor of attending my son’s courting ball as guards of the gala.”

The smiles on the knights' faces faded as they realized that their “honor” was being put to work the night of their return, but no one soldier's smile disappeared faster than Taehyung’s, upon hearing the news that Yoongi was going to be courted by alpha princes all night in search of a husband—and that Taehyung would have to stand by and watch.

Taehyung’s focus shot over to Yoongi, though the prince’s eyes had lowered as his father informed the knights of the event. Yoongi couldn’t look anyone in the eyes as his father mad the announcement, but especially not Taehyung.

“You will have a few hours to bathe and clean your armor. The gala starts at sunset, so you will report to the ballroom two hours before.” The king instructed, getting to his feet to raise his goblet for a final toast. “I wish you a pleasant preparation period, and once again, I express my deepest gratitude to you for serving our kingdom so valiantly.”

The knights begrudgingly lifted their goblets to meet the king’s toast out of duty rather than celebration. King Min downed the wine in his cup and bid the knights adieu until the gala.

“He couldn’t even let us get out of this shit to eat.” One of the knights grumbled, yanking off the armor around his forearms before angrily tearing into his chicken drumstick. 

The jangling of armor being removed could be heard around the table, but Taehyung’s focus was on Yoongi as he followed behind his father. The prince snuck one glance over his shoulder, his eyes full of remorse before disappearing down the hall with the king. Taehyung’s shoulders slumped, as he sank back in his chair. His friends paused their complaining when they took in Taehyung’s glum demeanor. They shared glances with each other before Hoseok spoke.

“You okay?” Hoseok asked Taehyung, who was staring at the vegetables on his plate.

“Yes.” Taehyung hardly tried to make his lie convincing. “I’m just exhausted from the journey here.”

Obviously, none of his friends bought the half assed lie.

“I mean…we knew this would happen eventually.” Jungkook said softly, referencing Yoongi’s betrothal. 

“I know. I’m not shocked." Taehyung said. "I expected this.”

That part wasn’t a lie. Taehyung had known this would happen sooner or later to Yoongi, but it just stung that it was so soon after finally being reunited with the prince.

His friends didn’t know what else to say. Taehyung looked over at Jin, just as lost for a comforting response as the rest.

“Thanks for sending me out there.” Taehyung told him, genuinely. “At least I got to talk to him for a second.”

Taehyung then simply sat forward and gobbled down his food faster than any of the other knights, excusing himself to go to the barracks. Everything looked the same as when he’d left five years prior. He dropped all his armor onto his bed, then stripped and made his way to the baths drawn by the servants awaiting them. 

He was grateful to have time alone to think. He hadn’t been granted such a luxury ever since they’d been sent off to battle. There was never a moment where he had a moment to himself—he and his fellow soldiers were standing watch and on alert at all times, covering each other's backs in case of a surprise attack. Taehyung truly couldn’t remember a moment he’d been able to spend this much time in solitude, and he sunk deeper into the bath until everything but his face was submerged.

The muted sound of the water sloshing in the tub, his own breathing, his knuckles popping as he cracked them. He closed his eyes and enjoyed it until the noise of other soldiers disrupted his peace, and he sighed, pulling himself to sit up and finish his bath so the other soldiers could have a turn.

Most of the knights spoke as they got ready, some even managing to squeeze in a quick nap. Taehyung cleaned off his armor in silence, fixing his overgrown hair and preparing himself to watch Yoongi dance with countless regal alphas all night. 

All the soldiers knew better than to bother Taehyung in this state. Though only  his best friends understood where the source of his solemnity came from, all the other knights recognized this condition of Taehyung as one not to be tested or intervened upon unless absolutely crucial. Taehyung was second in command below Jin for a reason, and he’d proved exactly why on the battlefield, so they all left him be.

Up all the way in the tower where the prince’s room was, Yoongi sat completely still as his servants brushed out his hair and applied his gentle makeup. Ever since reuniting so briefly with Taehyung, Yoongi hadn’t stopped replaying the scene repeatedly, when he first found out they would be parted for quite a while:

“Prince Yoongi!”

The prince looked up from where he’d been sitting in the grass, waiting for his servant as usual. Yoongi was met with Taehyung's bright smile on his beautiful face as he ran up to the prince. Instantly, Yoongi could feel the transformation in his servant’s aura, and he jumped to his feet to meet Taehyung in the middle.

“Guess what?” Taehyung prompted, standing proudly before the prince, already appearing to have grown in stature, his naturally deep voice even lower.

“You presented.” Yoongi stated as fact since it was so obvious.

“Yep! I woke up with my feet dangling off the bed, and realized I’d grown at least four inches in my sleep.”

“It shows.” Yoongi giggled, noting that he now had to look up considerably to meet Taehyung’s eyes. “I guess you’re a big strong alpha now, huh?”

Yoongi had said it in a congratulatory manner, but slowly the realization hit both of them at the same time, their smiles gradually fading. Taehyung being an alpha meant he would be sent away to train as a knight, and that if there was a war, he would be deployed out to fight. Presenting as an alpha was exciting for most men, but for servants of the castle, it meant mandatory conscription and prolonged separation from loved ones.

The best case scenario for presenting as an alpha in the castle was being trained to become a knight to act as a guard. The worst possible outcome was that, if there was a war raging on, presenting as an alpha under the Min regime was practically a death sentence.

“So you’ll be going off to train soon. That’s exciting.” Yoongi tried to sound enthusiastic, but it was clearly an act that neither of them were buying.

“I suppose so.” Taehyung’s entire demeanor dropped its prior excitement. “But, it’ll only be a couple of years, right? Then I’ll come back knighted and prepared to protect you.”

Yoongi fought through his dejection to comfort Taehyung with faux delight at the news.

“Right, just a couple of years.”

A couple of years had turned into five years, as Taehyung had been drafted to fight in the pointless war over territory that wasn’t theirs to begin with. Yoongi's lifelong servant and best friend had been torn from his life for the most important years that they were supposed to spend together, helping each other, and now they didn’t even have the time to catch up on the time lost before Yoongi was whisked away to yet another life without Taehyung in it. 

────༺♥༻────

At the directed hour, Jin led the knights into the ballroom. The servants had decorated it so extravagantly, all of the knights gawked upon arrival to the venue. The polished floors, the satin banners of the kingdom’s crest hanging from the walls, the gold candelabras holding decorated candles on the tables with royal purple silk table runners, just waiting for the pure silver platters of fruits, cheeses, and fresh breads to be placed atop them alongside fine wines.

Everything was pristine and precise and shimmering and beautiful, it had every knight dazed momentarily until the nobility regained their attention.

“You are to surround the premises and stand guard at your posts for the duration of the event. We cannot risk any drunken squabbles breaking out, or princes getting too handsy with Prince Yoongi.” One of the noblemen directed, then looked at Jin. “I trust you to position them accordingly. The most valuable knights inside where they can keep guard of the royal family for the night, and the further out you spread them the less consequential their rank in the fleet.”

“Yes, my lord.” Jin bowed to him before turning to place his men.

Unsurprisingly, Jungkook, Hoseok, and Namjoon were all stationed inside of the ballroom, along with the other high performing knights in the fleet. Jin sent off the younger, less experienced knights to guard less significant areas of the castle, such as the courtyard or staircase.

“Do you want to be placed farther so you don’t have to see?” Jin whispered to Taehyung once all the men took their post.

“No. They’ll figure out I’m second in command and question why you positioned me so far away.” Taehyung responded.

“I can think of an excuse.” Jin said with certainty.

“There’s no need. I’ll be fine.”

Jin hesitated, looking around as everything was nearly ready. Now all there was left to do was await the guests.

“It’s going to be a long evening, Taehyung.” Jin reminded him. “You’re going to have to see him be courted and asked to dance all night long.”

“That’s exactly why I must stay where I’m expected to be.” Taehyung stated firmly. “I need to keep sharp eyes on Prince Yoongi to make sure he’s safe for the duration of the ball.”

Jin could tell he wouldn’t be getting anything further from Taehyung, and so he sighed, relenting and positioning him at the last post by the entrance—the position which had a straight on view of where Yoongi would be sitting at his throne, and where he would be dancing just down the steps on the main floor. Taehyung knew this was going to hurt, but he needed to be there, otherwise he’d be worried all night whether or not Yoongi was safe with these entitled alpha princes.

Soon the guests started arriving, every single one consisting of some member of a royal family or nobility from kingdoms within their continent. The amount of wealth dripping off of each guest flooded the room. It was quite the adjustment for the knights to go from pulling one another out from piles of mangled bodies, to being surrounded by splendor and riches and wealth they could only ever dream of.

Just before it hit an hour since the party started, the king ordered the band to pause the music and he stood, signaling for the guests to center their attention on the king.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I extend my warmest welcome and deepest gratitude to each of you for attending my son’s courting ball.” King Min started off. “We are honored to have so many brilliant young princes gather here to meet Prince Yoongi. I wish you all a beautiful night and the best of luck in meeting my son’s acquaintance.”

Of course, this was all a facade. It didn’t matter in the slightest what Yoongi thought of any of these princes. All of this was put together to woo the king, since he would make the decision on where his son would land and who he would marry Yoongi off to. He couldn’t give half a shit what Yoongi thought of the prince he’d be married off to, only that whoever it was had the best potential to expand the Min monarchy and territory.

“Now, please welcome: his royal highness, Prince Yoongi.” 

The giant wooden doors opened to reveal the omega in luxurious white and maroon red with gold silk threaded into his tunic, and Taehyung gasped at Yoongi’s beauty. His black hair was styled perfectly by his servants, and he had the slightest bit of eyeshadow on his lid and lower lash line, accentuating his cat-like eyes, and his lips were a slightly deeper shade of red from the stain that the servants had used. For as awe-striking as the ballroom was decorated, seeing Yoongi had left Taehyung completely breathless, and it took Jin nudging him for the knight to remember to maintain his composure.

Yoongi entered, his regal robe dragging on the floor behind him, as he made his way up the steps and to his throne, gently sitting down and looking over the crowd. The king glared at the band, signaling for them to continue playing for their guests. Soon, suitors came up one by one, charming Yoongi’s dad before taking the omega prince’s hand with the king’s permission and leading him to the floor

Anytime Yoong returned to his throne, it was only a few minutes before the next arrogant prince approached the king to shmooze before taking Yoongi to the floor to dance in front of every guest there.

Yoongi’s eyes would focus on the ground when he was in his throne chair as his father spoke with the princes when they approached for their turn. Taehyung kept a hawk eye on the omega prince, ensuring that there were no threats to his safety afoot. It was a bit more challenging of a task when he was positioned at the entrance of the ballroom, but he was ready to attack in order to protect Yoongi at all costs.

“Your son is quite a beautiful prince.” The prince standing before King Min complimented Yoongi.

“Thank you. He’s been trained and conditioned well to be the perfect mate to an alpha prince.” King Min said with a proud smile. “That might be you.”

Prince after prince, his father would talk about Yoongi’s attributes and his worth as a prince, then send him off like a pet to perform tricks. Yoongi was in and out of his throne all night, and Taehyung could clearly see that this night was taking a toll on him.

By the last prince, Yoongi was noticeably exhausted, and his father was clearly irritated. He leaned in to whisper something to Yoongi, the omega’s eyes going downcast as he heard it. Most likely, the king was telling Yoongi how embarrassed he was by the omega's fatigue, and how disappointed he’d been with Yoongi the whole night for whatever reason he came up with.

Finally the king looked out amongst the guards, his eyes landing on Taehyung, whose name was the only one the king knew due to the alpha knight having previously been Yoongi’s personal servant their whole lives.

“Taehyung?” King Min called, to which Taehyung eagerly stepped forward and knelt before him on one knee, bowing his head.

“Yes, your majesty?”

“Escort my son to his room. He is to turn in for the night.”

“Yes, your majesty.” Taehyung nodded, standing and looking at Yoongi. “Are you ready, your highness?”

The omega stood, taking the hand Taehyung held out to help him down the stairs. Holding out his elbow for the prince to loop his arm around, Taehyung escorted Yoongi from the ballroom. The two remained silent until they were far enough away from the party, their stiff manner of walking only relaxed as they made their way comfortably down the corridors to Yoongi's room.

“Are you alright, Prince Yoongi?” Taehyung asked as he walked the omega to his bedroom.

“No.” Yoongi admitted, and Taehyung wasn’t sure he’d ever had a harder time hearing the prince's voice from how quiet and broken it was. “Tonight was humiliating.”

Taehyung felt Yoongi’s words like a hole in his chest. He’d hoped that perhaps Yoongi hadn't felt as embarrassed as the situation seemed, but he was wrong. Yoongi had been sitting with his head bowed submissively the entire night, listening to his father talk to prince after prince about him as if he weren’t there. Talking about his obedience, his knowledge of what it means to be an omega prince, and he’d even gone so far as to talk about how Yoongi was in optimal health to be bred for children.

The king had spoken about his son as though Yoongi was an expensive vase he was selling the entire night, and every pair of eyes laid on the omega prince had been filled with fascination, greed, or lust. Taehyung had watched all night in pain, though he knew nothing he could possibly feel would even come close to what was going on in Yoongi’s mind the entire ball.

“You remained completely poised, despite what you had to hear.” Taehyung tried to uplift the prince.

“Poised, but not not dignified.” Yoongi responded. “They spoke about me like an object all night, and I know that all those princes simply see me as their ticket to the crown and their vessel for producing children.”

It was true. Taehyung wouldn’t lie and say that it wasn’t.

“I’m sorry, Prince Yoongi.” Taehyung could think of nothing else to say.

“You don’t have to call me that anymore.” Yoongi permitted the knight, his tone completely dejected. “It’s not like the title means anything in terms of where I stand in the monarchy anymore.”

Taehyung halted and faced Yoongi, causing the prince to stop walking and look up at the knight.

“But it means everything to me.” Taehyung insisted.

Yoongi knew that Taehyung was earnest when he said it, which only hurt more. The prince was aware that, no matter what, Taehyung would regard him with the utmost respect as his lifelong servant. He would forever revere Yoongi as the prince that he was born to be, even though soon everyone else would see Yoongi as nothing more than his alpha’s tool for procreating a legacy of royal offspring.

“Taehyung, my entire existence is to serve whatever prince my father deems most suitable to extend the kingdom.” Yoongi reminded the knight, his pretty eyes shadowed with gloomy hue as he stared up into Taehyung’s.

“And my entire existence is to serve and protect you.” Taehyung responded.

The prince mustered a smile the best he could through his self-pity, something only Taehyung could give him strength to do.

“I thank you for that.” Yoongi said, sincerely. “Unfortunately, you can’t protect me from this.”

Yoongi continued walking to his room, giving Taehyung one last forlorn smile before bidding him goodnight and shutting the door behind him.

It tore Taehyung apart that what Yoongi said was true. Taehyung couldn’t protect Yoongi from this. He couldn’t protect him from anything when it came to who he was betrothed to. Once the king wed him off to some prince, that was it.

The alpha prince would marry Yoongi and take him back to his home and brand him and impregnate him with his offspring, and Taehyung—who felt in his blood that he was born to keep Yoongi safe—had no choice but to watch the omega prince go.

────༺♥༻────

For the following month and a half, there was no shortage of courting galas, nor was there any shortage of suitors who did not meet King Min’s expectations. Yoongi had to sit and face the same, objectifying, dehumanizing treatment as his father bragged about how fertile he was and his virginity, using it as a selling point to alpha princes who were desperate to take Yoongi’s innocence.

Taehyung had to stare from a distance and listen to the princes around him say vile things, assuming what they said would never get around to the king, though they didn’t quite care whether or not it got around to Yoongi. It’s not like his dad would listen if the omega prince told him anyway.

Every night, Taehyung watched in agony as Yoongi continued to drown in emotional turmoil, coming to terms with the fact that one of these reprehensible princes would soon be his husband. And every night, Taehyung would walk Yoongi back to his room, and struggle to bring out the Yoongi he was raised with if only for a minute—that version of him buried so deep inside the prince after layers and layers of despair coated his soul.

It was nearing the time of Yoongi’s 25th birthday, when he was expected to be married off. His father would need to pick a husband for him quickly, and Yoongi could only hope it was someone at least somewhat kind, though the dread engulfed him with every gala and ball and uncomfortable waltz with each deplorable alpha prince, and it destroyed Yoongi and simultaneously filled him with terror that he would soon be glued to one forever. 

After one specific ball, Taehyung had escorted a morale-depleted Yoongi to his room, and went on his rounds through the castle to monitor the guests and princes as they all dispersed and went on their ways back to wherever they came from. It took over two hours for everyone to be gone, the candles to be blown out, and everyone to settle in for bed. When Taehyung finally returned to guard the hallway where Yoongi’s room was, he heard the faintest of sniffles coming from the other side of the door.

Taehyung knew he shouldn’t. He was no longer Yoongi’s personal servant, and the repercussions for him entering the prince’s room without permission or cause were severe. However, listening to Yoongi's soft cries from the other side of the door ignited Taehyung's conditioned urge to take care of the prince, and soon the knight was slipping inside before he could use the rational side of his brain which would certainly tell him to keep walking.

Taehyung closed the door behind him, only the small candle flame providing a dim light in Yoongi’s room. He saw the prince’s covers trembling, signifying that Yoongi was crying under them. Taehyung’s chest weighed heavily as he approached, hearing Yoongi’s sniffles.

“Prince Yoongi?” Taehyung whispered. Yoongi peeked from under the covers, his glossy eyes landing on Taehyung. “I’m sorry to enter without asking, but I heard you crying and I could not in good conscience keep walking without making sure you’re alright.”

Yoongi wiped his eyes and slowly sat up. Taehyung had never seen the prince look so defeated, and it anguished him. All he wanted was to take Yoongi into his arms and hold him close and tell him that everything was going to be alright, but he could never do that. Not just because of who Taehyung was in relation to Yoongi, but also because it would be a cruel thing to say. The situation was unavoidable and devoid of any positive solution, and it would be a slap in Yoongi’s face to pretend it could ever be anything but that.

“I’m sorry to alarm you.” Yoongi wiped his tears on his sleeve. “I’m just feeling a bit emotional.”

“Are you nervous for the betrothal?” Taehyung asked softly, receiving a nod from Yoongi. 

“I still don’t know who my father chose, but none of the suitors seem like even a halfway decent person.”

Taehyung couldn’t argue there. He’d never experienced a group of royals so unlikable in all his days, which was saying a lot, having been raised under the Min monarchy.

“I understand. I’m sorry you have to wait in such anxiety.” Taehyung apologized, trying to think of a temporary solution to aid the prince’s worries. “Is there anything I can do to console you?”

Yoongi held his knees to his chest, pondering as he looked out the window. His eyes landed on the courtyard, and he looked back over at Taehyung.

“Do you remember when you were my servant, and we used to walk around the courtyard?”

Taehyung grinned fondly at the memory. “Of course. We would spend hours there.”

“Can we do that?” Yoongi asked, his glum aura lifting for the first time since Taehyung had returned. “Please? It’s so late, no one would see us.”

It was beyond risky for sure, but seeing how hopeful Yoongi was, Taehyung could never deny him such a simple request. 

“Of course. I will take you wherever you want to go.” Taehyung said with a comforting smile, instantly calming Yoongi’s nerves just enough to get him out of bed.

The prince slid out from under the covers and slipped on his shoes, while Taehyung found his robe and draped it over Yoongi’s shoulders. They crept out, tiptoeing and trying to muffle their giggles like they did as kids when they would sneak into the kitchen and swipe a loaf of sweet bread before dinner.

Neither made a sound until they were deep enough into the safety of the courtyard, only then finally speaking and maintaining hushed voices as they walked through the familiar hedges.

“I haven’t done this in so long.” Yoongi said as he ran his fingers over the petals of the flowers of the bushes aligning the dirt pathway.

“Really?” Taehyung questioned, holding the candle up so Yoongi could see clearly enough to avoid pricking his fingers on any thorns. “When was the last time you came out here?”

“I’ve had to go for walks with potential suitors in the courtyard, but I haven’t just walked around leisurely since you were taken for training to become a knight.”

“It’s been that long?” Taehyung asked, rather shocked. “That was years ago.”

“I haven’t really wanted to return since then.” Yoongi said, a bittersweet smile on his lips as he glanced over at Taehyung. “It was always something I did with you. When you weren’t here, I didn’t find the appeal to it.”

A sense of homesickness swelled in Taehyung’s throat, despite currently living in the same place he was raised, with the person he was raised with. He’d felt such longing for Yoongi when he was away, but now he felt homesick for the time lost while he was at war. The time he could have spent with Yoongi, all slipped through his fingers in the years he’d spent training and fighting.

And now, the time that could be spent making up for what was lost, would be so brief until Yoongi was taken away, separating them once more for an indefinite amount of time. Probably forever.

“I apologize for my absence.” Taehyung said, his voice holding genuine sorrow as he spoke more candidly than at the banquet. “I missed the time spent here with you dearly while I was away.”

Yoongi had nothing to respond with. He knew Taehyung meant it, and he feared what would happen if he looked into the knight’s eyes. Instead, he let his gaze float over the pond, laughing lightly as a memory came to mind.

“Remember when we thought we could fish in these ponds?” Yoongi asked, causing the knight to break into a snicker.

“Yes. We snuck out and spent hours stabbing into the water with knives only to find out there’s no fish there, despite you despising water.”

“I still do.” Yoongi said. “But I also still want to fish.”

“You’re gonna have to be near the water to fish, though.”

“I don’t have to be in the water to fish.” 

The reason for Yoongi hating water wasn’t just because he hated being wet. When they were kids, Yoongi had fallen into the lake during an unexpected storm while they were on their boat. Despite being younger and smaller at the time, Taehyung dove in after Yoongi and rescued him from drowning. From then on, Yoongi despised water, and only went near it if Taehyung was there as his safety.

Needless to say, it had been five years since Yoongi had gotten close to water deep enough to drown in.

“That was the last time that you were shorter than me.” Yoongi said, referring fondly to their failed fishing endeavor. “I always thought you would be.”

“Would be what? Shorter than you?” Taehyung asked, an amused smile curling at his lips.

“Yes. But then you presented, and suddenly you were a foot taller within one summer.”

“It hurt quite a lot too.” Taehyung chuckled. “But, at least I’m trained to protect you now.”

“That is true, although it does make me sad we won’t ever get to return to those days.”

Taehyung looked away to hide his melancholy expression, before trying to lighten the mood.

“I also miss the way it was.” Taehyung nodded slowly. “Hopefully you feel a bit safer now since I became your knight.”

Yoongi grinned to himself. “I always felt safe with you.”

It sent butterflies throughout Taehyung, the knight struggling to hide how much Yoongi's short sentence touched him.

“At least I finally have a title for you, Sir Taehyung.” Yoongi teased lightly.

The alpha looked down endearingly at Yoongi. “You do not have to call me that, your highness.”

“Well if you insist on calling me Prince Yoongi, I’ll just have to keep addressing you as Sir Taehyung.”

The knight snickered and opened his mouth to continue teasing when suddenly they heard movement coming around the hedges. Yoongi gasped and Taehyung cornered him against the nearest tree, hiding the prince’s body with his taller frame in the shadows as he looked around to see who was near.

He found it was just another knight on his rounds, taking a break from his post to coast the courtyard tiredly in an effort to stay awake. Yoongi was still pressed against the tree, cowering into Taehyung’s chest, and Yoongi realized the position had left little to no room between him and the knight. He could feel the heat radiating from Taehyung’s body, and while this close, he realized just how broad and muscular the alpha had become in his years away.

Finally the guard kept walking, and Yoongi let out a breath of relief, along with Taehyung. After such a close call, the two figured it was time to return Yoongi back to the safety of his room. They shared a disappointed gaze before returning to the castle in silence, lest more knights walking around potentially catch them.

While Taehyung escorted Yoongi in the quiet, the prince couldn’t help the flashbacks coming to mind of the day he realized he wouldn’t be seeing Taehyung for even longer than he’d anticipated. When Taehyung had returned from training to be knighted, only to immediately be taken with his fellow new knights to join the war against their neighboring kingdom.

Yoongi had been so ecstatic to see Taehyung again, watching proudly as the alpha knelt before his father and the king tapped each of his shoulders with a sword, bestowing the title of knight onto him. Taehyung had snuck a peek up at Yoongi, a secret smile of childlike excitement on his face, no doubt plotting what clever comment he’d greet Yoongi with after two years away.

The prince was just as eager, his knee bouncing under his robe for the entire knighting ceremony, eager for his father to release them to the celebratory banquet, only for him to announce that the freshly knighted boys were to be send off to battle immediately—not even within an hour of claiming their titles as knights. Yoongi’s heart plummeted to his stomach, his jaw dropping as he looked over the heads of all the young men to try and find Taehyung amongst them.

But their commanders had already begun ushering out the knights, despite many of them trying to resist and begging to see their families one last time. Yoongi felt it like a blow to his gut when all the knights were pushed out of the room before he’d seen Taehyung. He hadn’t even gotten to speak with his knight after he’d returned from his years training—hadn’t even gotten to say goodbye, or give one final wave. Taehyung had been delivered to the kingdom to be knighted, just to be swept right back up and sent off to battle

Yoongi could only watch from his throne, using every ounce of restraint to hold back his tears, trying to reason with himself not to assume the worst, and failing. The freshly knighted men were always put on the frontlines since they were seen as the quickest to heal from injuries, despite being the most likely to freeze up in battle, leaving them unable to fight as adequately as they’d trained. None of them were mentally prepared for combat. None of them were prepared to see men get stabbed and bludgeoned and decapitated on the field. None of them were prepared to watch their best friends die and be splattered with the blood of the men who had become their brothers.

The prince had been certain he’d never see Taehyung again, especially when Taehyung was gone for three more years, and he’d nearly fainted with relief when he saw his old servant return with that same, heartbreakingly beautiful smile on his face and big brown eyes focusing on his.

Yoongi got the chills as he entered his room, Taehyung walking him to his bed to tuck him in—an old habit from his upbringing as the prince’s servant. 

“Goodnight, Prince Yoongi.” Taehyung gave him a warm smile with a hidden air of longing behind it, before blowing out the candle.

Instead of wishing Taehyung sweet dreams, Yoongi looked up at him in despair.

“Taehyung?” Yoongi asked, his voice almost a whisper.

Yoongi could hardly see the knight’s face anymore in the dark room with just a sliver of moonlight glowing from the long opening in the stone wall to act as his window.

“Yes?” Taehyung questioned.

“Do you remember when we were kids, and we were both afraid of storms?” Yoongi started, “You had to act brave as my servant, and you would hold me to protect me so I could fall asleep. Do you remember?”

Of course he remembered. He remembered everything with Yoongi.

“I do.” Taehyung confirmed.

“Do you think you could do that now?” Yoongi asked.

Taehyung’s eyes widened at the request. “You want me to hold you to sleep?”

Yoongi nodded. “I’m so scared, even worse than the storms.”

Taehyung paused, using every ounce of restraint he had not to jump into the bed and wrap him up in his arms.

“Prince Yoongi, as much as I want to, the repercussions if we were to get caught are fatal.”

“I promise I’ll wake up with the rooster, long before my parents.” Yoongi promised. “Please? I haven’t slept well in months, and soon we’ll never have another chance to do this or be this close, because whoever my fiancé is will smell your scent.”

Taehyung’s heart broke hearing Yoongi say “my fiancé,” knowing that it would never be him.

“Okay, Prince Yoongi.” Taehyung relented to his own desires, removing his stiff armor until he was just in his regular clothes beneath and getting into bed with the prince. 

He wrapped both arms right around Yoongi, holding him as close as possible—both to comfort him, and also because he knew this might be the last time he got to be alone with Yoongi. 

Yoongi melted into him immediately, letting out a sigh of relief and smelling Taehyung all around him. It was the first time he’d felt peace at night in a long time.

“Thank you, Taehyung.” Yoongi whispered.

“Anything for you, Prince Yoongi.” Taehyung whispered back.

They were silent for a bit, and Taehyung thought that maybe Yoongi had fallen asleep, until the prince spoke again.

“I had nightmares often while you were gone.” 

Taehyung’s brows knitted together, dismayed to hear such a thing. “Nightmares about the storms?” 

“No. Nightmares about you dying in battle.” Yoongi said, his voice unsteady as he fought off tears again. “I wasn’t permitted to sit in the war council, so I had no idea what was going on out there. I didn’t know if we were winning or losing, or where they’d placed you. I didn’t know how many knights had gone missing, and I both craved for yet dreaded when I would finally hear an update on what was happening. I wanted you to come back home so bad, and I had nightmares that you wouldn’t, and that I’d never gotten to properly say goodbye.”

Taehyung’s throat felt as though it was swelling again, listening to Yoongi express his anguish over the alpha’s absence. Sensing the omega’s distressed pheromones pained Taehyung almost as much as he’d hurt over having the same fears of returning home to discover that Yoongi was already married off and taken from his world forever.

“I’m here.” Taehyung whispered, holding Yoongi tighter. “I’ll always come back home to protect you.”

Yoongi’s smile was melancholy, debating whether to address the fact that their reunion would be brief, and that Taehyung’s oath was en route to be broken when the prince was taken away to be someone else’s.

Instead of voicing the obvious truth, Yoongi simply held Taehyung’s arm wrapped around him, signifying his gratitude for the time they had together, no matter how limited it would be. Both in the fact that Taehyung would have to be gone by morning, and the fact that soon he would be gone from Yoongi’s life forever.

Taehyung was awake only hours later with the roosters. Yoongi had slept through, and the alpha selfishly wished he hadn’t, because then he could say goodbye. However, he couldn’t bring himself to disrupt the prince from finally getting sleep, so he simply got out of bed, quietly pulled on his armor, and slipped out of the prince’s room without a word, or anyone around noticing.

Jin’s troupe was granted a few hours out in the town, which included Taehyung. He never particularly cared to leave, since he had no family to visit and he didn’t feel comfortable going too far away from where he could protect Yoongi if an emergency struck, but his friends dragged him out anyway, insisting he needed a break from the stone walls.

Hoseok’s family lived too far out in the farmland to visit in just a couple of hours, so he and Taehyung wandered around the market while the others visited their families briefly.

“I saw you with Yoongi last night.” Hoseok said in a hushed voice as they looked through the vendor’s stands.

“That was you?” Taehyung asked in confusion. “You saw us in the courtyard?”

“No, but I saw you sneaking out and coming in from my where I was posted.” Hoseok clarified. “You’re lucky it was one of us and not another knight who would have exposed you.”

Taehyung sighed, putting down a tiny pot he’d been examining. 

“I know. It was so stupid and dangerous, but Prince Yoongi just seemed so forlorn.” Taehyung admitted. “He really wanted to go out just for a little, and I’m not someone who would be able to deny him his wishes.”

They both knew it wasn’t just because Yoongi was a prince and Taehyung was a knight who was obligated to follow his commands. In this instance, a knight would have said he needed permission from the king, but it was Yoongi who had asked Taehyung, so rejecting the request was never going to happen.

“I’m not going to scold you or remind you of the repercussions, I know you're well aware.” Hoseok said. “But if you sneak out with him again—well, first of all my unsolicited advice is that you don’t—but if you do, I advise you scope out the area first. I had to stop two guards from walking through that way. You’re lucky you noticed the final guard, because I hadn’t seen him get by me.”

Taehyung wanted to huff, but he knew Hoseok was just looking out for him. Hell, if it were Taehyung in Hoseok’s shoes, he’d probably shake the older knight by the shoulders and urge him to never do such a reckless move again. And maybe Hoseok would have a similar, exasperated reaction, if it weren’t him speaking to Taehyung about his interactions with Yoongi.

If the omega prince wanted something, Taehyung would make it happen in the snap of his fingers.

“I’ll be more careful.” Taehyung promised. “It was just such a sudden request…and, given the state of Yoongi regarding the betrothal…”

Taehyung trailed off, verbalizing the reality leaving an acidic taste in his mouth. Hoseok noted it immediately and sighed in sympathy for his friend.

“I don’t suppose that me suggesting you try and take some time away from guarding Yoongi to prepare yourself would sway you in the tiniest bit?”

Taehyung looked at Hoseok as if the older had spoken a foreign language, bewildered at the mere insinuation of something so outlandish as Taehyung purposely distancing himself from Yoongi.

“I didn’t think so.” Hoseok looked away, unsurprised by Taehyung’s immediate refusal of the proposal.

Once the troupe of friends were all reunited with whatever trinkets they’d purchased from the market, they all returned to the castle. Taehyung was walking swiftly, calling over his shoulder for his friends to keep up with him. They were all stalling and dragging their feet to give themselves more time out in the freedom of the village, but Taehyung only had one purpose on his mind, and that purpose was nestled behind the large stone walls of the cold castle.

They had barely returned when the king called them all to gather in the throne room. All the knights congregated at the base of the raised platform where the king, queen, and Yoongi were sitting in their thrones.

“We have found a worthy prince to arrange with my son.” The king announced, ripping Taehyung's heart straight out of his chest in the process.

Jungkook, Namjoon, Hoseok and Jin all flicked their eyes over at him in worry, but Taehhyung’s vision was on Yoongi, of course. Always observing and protecting, no matter how much he wanted to cry out in sorrow. Yoongi couldn’t look out amongst the sea of knights, far too ashamed.

“In just one week, Yoongi’s suitor will come retrieve him to wed, and we are expected to travel to his kingdom for the wedding ceremony. So I’m mandating two extra hours of training to prepare our performative march for the celebration.”

Most of the knights hid their groaning over such an inconvenience, but none were brave enough to truly voice their disdain for being ordered such a tedious yet laborious task.

“We have so much to prepare before the wedding.” The king said, his eyes scanning over the crowd of knights until landing on his target. “Taehyung.”

The knight hurried to the king, kneeling to one knee and bowing his head.

“Yes, your majesty?”

“Rise and take my son to the healer’s cottage. He’s to be examined to ensure his health is in perfect condition for his alpha before we move forward.”

“Yes, your majesty.” Taehyung got to his feet and looked over at the prince, whose head was still down as it had been whenever he was in his father’s presence since Taehyung returned home. “Are you ready to depart, your highness?”

Yoongi nodded, taking Taehyung’s hand as he led him down the stairs.

“Carry him.” The king ordered. “It’s raining outside and he’s clumsy. I can’t have him tripping and injuring himself before the wedding.”

Yoongi’s cheeks went pink as he was demeaned so easily from the king, and simply wrapped an arm around Taehyung’s shoulders for the knight to scoop him up in his arms.

“The healer cannot come here due to the influx of infants being delivered, so you are to relay the information of Prince Yoongi’s health status to me directly.” The king commanded. “Prince Yoongi is not too bright, so I cannot count on him to understand what she says. We will bring the healer in to question her once all omegas delivering children this month are settled, so you better remember what she tells you, otherwise we’ll find out in time, do you understand?”

The king’s ease in putting down his son’s intellect was jarring, but Yoongi didn’t act as though he was surprised in the slightest. In reality, Yoongi was the wisest with the highest intelligence of anyone in the monarchy, probably the entire kingdom, but that didn’t matter to the king. All he saw Yoongi as was a docile omega to trade for peace and wealth with a strong alpha prince.

“Yes, your majesty.” Taehyung nodded. “I will relay the news exactly how it’s delivered to me.”

“If you drop the prince and I see so much as one mud stain on him, you might as well go running into the forest if you want to avoid the doom that will be brought down on you.” The king warned.

“I will not let go of him, your majesty.” Taehyung said with confidence, and Yoongi believed him. 

Taehyung was already strong as it was, but after training and going to battle he was somehow even stronger now, so carrying the small prince was no issue. Even if Taehyung was struggling with the weight, he would never let Yoongi end up in a position to get dirty or hurt, and Yoongi would never let Taehyung be put in a position to get punished.

The knight walked out of the castle with Yoongi in his arms, the prince remaining completely still until they were far enough away. Once the trees were covering them as Taehyung walked through the forest, Yoongi sighed and relaxed from his tense position.

“Are you alright?” Taehyung asked, receiving a nod from Yoongi.

“Are you?” Yoongi returned the question. “Am I crushing you?”

“Not in the slightest, you weigh close to nothing.” Taehyung reassured him in honesty. Yoongi’s body weight was practically nothing compared to Taehyung’s strength.

The omega prince didn’t bother wasting more time, he knew what Taehyung was dying to know.

“I’m to be wed off to Prince Thomas.” Yoongi said, his eyes locked straight ahead though Taehyung could tell he was shaking.

The knight looked at him in shock and horror.

“Prince Thomas?”

“Yes. We’re going to be moving there in a week.” Yoongi answered, visibly quivering as he did so.

Though Taehyung hadn’t been familiar with most of the princes that had come to court Yoongi, Prince Thomas was one with a nefarious enough reputation for even Taehyung to know about. 

Prince Thomas Lee was known for invading weaker kingdoms and ravaging the villages, taking goods and omegas back home with him to his castle, never to be returned. Of the few omegas who had escaped, the horrifying stories of Thomas’s treatment that they'd shared had rattled villagers to the core. Thomas took pleasure in inflicting pain onto omegas—degrading them, publicly humiliating them, forcing them to do whatever absurd command given and brutalizing them if they dare resist.

Across kingdoms, Prince Thomas’s reputation was infamous, but no one could do anything about it. His kingdom was the largest and strongest, capable of wiping out almost any kingdom it went to battle with. The Min empire was the only kingdom powerful enough to defeat the Lee’s, so it made perfect sense why Thomas was so eager to marry Yoongi. With the military force and opulent wealth of both kingdoms, the Min and Lee conjoined regimes could potentially take over the entire continent—and it wasn’t outlandish to predict they would.

King Min surely knew of Thomas’s reputation, but clearly he couldn’t care less. He didn’t view omegas with honor or any value in the slightest, practically writing Yoongi off as nothing but leverage once he presented as an omega. Yoongi’s existence had become a contract, signifying an extension of the Min dynasty once the king married Yoongi off to a worthy prince from an influential kingdom. 

Yoongi’s happiness, respect, or even safety, would not cross King Min’s mind the second his son was married to Thomas, and Yoongi knew that. He had to sit and ruminate on the horrific stories recounted of his soon-to-be husband’s behavior, and he could do nothing but prepare. He was to be married to a prince who took pleasure in antagonizing and terrorizing omegas, and there wasn’t a single person who would even slightly show compassion, once Yoongi was taken away to Thomas’s castle.

“You…you’re going to be wed to Prince Thomas?” Taehyung reiterated to make sure he’d for certain heard Yoongi right. Maybe his despair over losing Yoongi to a husband was making him hear crazy things.

“Yes. My father thinks that marrying our kingdoms together will lead to further power and opulence.” Yoongi confirmed. “He’s right. We’ll be unstoppable.”

Yoongi couldn’t even look Taehyung in the eyes, but the knight could feel Yoongi trembling in his arms. He must have just been told this morning after Taehyung left, and for some reason the knight felt like it was his fault. As if staying with Yoongi would have protected him, though all it would have done is gotten Taehyung tortured and killed and god knows what Thomas would’ve done to Yoongi if they’d been found together.

“But, he’s—” Taehyung was trying so hard to talk about it without scaring Yoongi further, but it was futile.

“A psychopath.” Yoongi finished Taehyung’s sentence for him. “I know. I’ve heard of every story from every escaped omega. He’s deranged, ruthless, and sadistic. Everyone including his parents are afraid of him, but he’s led them to countless victories in battle. Bloody, gruesome victories. Of course my father would want him to work in tandem.”

Taehyung was speechless. What he wanted to say, he never could. If anyone heard him speak ill of Yoongi’s father or the future alpha prince, he would be flogged and perhaps publicly executed. But how could he just say nothing?

“Prince Yoongi…” Taehyung finally conjured enough strength to say, though he didn’t know what to follow it up with.

“We’re here.” Yoongi told him, looking up at the cottage.

Taehyung hadn’t even registered that he’d managed to keep trudging through the muddy meadow, too stunned by what Yoongi was telling him. He’d gotten all the way to the healer’s porch, where he knocked on the wooden door. The older woman opened, seeing Yoongi in Taehyung’s arms, and a bittersweet look of fondness on her face.

Multiple times growing up, the two had gotten lost or hurt playing together, and she would find them just like this and take care of them before Yoongi’s father discovered what had happened. Now, opening her door and finding the pair in the same position—this time as grown men—reminded her of their innocent days as children.

It wasn’t innocent anymore, as she knew what Yoongi was here for this time. And it wasn’t something any of them could be light hearted about. 

“Hello, Prince Yoongi.” She said, then looked at the knight carrying him. “Sir Taehyung. Please come in.”

Taehyung set Yoongi down and the two walked into the familiar kitchen. The healer had tea and cookies as always, but she dared not offer any like she had when they were kids. Now, Yoongi would be on a strict diet plan for fertility, and could not ingest anything that might negatively affect that, such as sugar and caffeine. And offering it to Taehyung would be pointless, since he would never eat without Yoongi being served first.

“You can wait out here while I take Yoongi to the back to be examined, Sir Taehyung.” The healer told him, making Taehyung wince.

“You do not have to refer to me as that, Mother Matilda.” Taehyung informed her. “Taehyung is fine.”

“You’ve been awarded a title of high honor.” Matilda insisted. “I must show you the respect as you’ve rightfully earned.”

Matilda then walked away with Yoongi’s hand in hers, but Taehyung had a feeling that she would not be calling him “Sir” again. It did feel far too odd, especially since she had taken care of a sniffling Taehyung when he came to her scratched up and bruised from playing too hard. In Taehyung’s eyes, Matilda had been more of a mother to him than any adult in his life, and he owed her all the respect for taking such good care of him.

Taehyung slouched in the kitchen chair, trying to listen in on what Matilda was telling Yoongi from behind the bedroom door. They were only gone for about twenty minutes before Yoongi returned to the kitchen with Matilda, looking just as downtrodden as when they’d arrived.

“He’s in perfect health.” Matilda said. Her forlorn tone would be confusing to most, but the two men understood the reasoning behind it.

Yoongi being in perfect health meant that he was perfectly fertile for breeding and producing offspring, something he would have to do with Thomas. If there had been some physical illness or health concern, the wedding could be put off at least another couple of weeks for Matilda to heal Yoongi. But now, he was ready to be released into Thomas’s villainous custody and be inseminated with his offspring, who could only be raised to turn out just like him or be damned to the same miserable fate as Yoongi.

“I have given him the necessary nutrition plan and sleep schedule to ensure fertility.” Matilda informed. “He will give the note with the schedule to the healer in the Lee kingdom so he can go to her with any health concerns.”

“Thank you, Mother Matilda.” Taehyung bowed to her as Yoongi joined his side.

“You’re welcome, Taehyung.” She responded, dropping the formal title for the sake of familiarity as predicted, then looked at Yoongi. “I wish you the best of health on your journey, Prince Yoongi.”

“Thank you, Mother Matilda.” Yoongi bowed to her, the healer giving them both one last crestfallen look before bowing and leading them to the door.

Taehyung scooped Yoongi up into his arms to protect him from the mud, and they were off. It wasn't raining, but the sky was still dark with a blanket of gray clouds, reflective of their emotional states. The knight took a deep breath, wishing for nothing more than to just take off and run to freedom with Yoongi in his arms, straight into the woods, but instead he began making his way across the meadow to the castle. He knew that even if Yoongi wanted to, they wouldn't make it far before being captured.

“It’s really happening.” Yoongi finally broke the silence, his voice trailing off as he looked down at his knees.

“It appears so.”

Taehyung had nothing of substance to respond with. Partly because it was true, and partly because he didn’t want to verbally acknowledge it either.

“Taehyung?” Yoongi said, looking up at the knight. “I’m not sure if I’ll have another moment alone with you once we’re back in the castle, so I want to say my goodbyes now.”

It shattered Taehyung inside, and though Yoongi’s weight was nothing compared to his strength, the alpha worried his knees might buckle from the emotions crushing down on him.

“You’ve been my servant since we could walk, and even now as a knight, you’ve still served me beyond what would ever be expected and brought me happiness I’ve never known in my life.” Yoongi said. “I thank you with my deepest gratitude for every memory we’ve shared, and I really do wish an opulent and beautiful life after my absence.”

Taehyung didn’t realize he’d stopped walking, staring intently at the prince in his arms.

“Prince Yoongi…” Taehyung could hardly muscle out, feeling the wind had been knocked out of his stomach from the blow of this goodbye. “I…I can’t—I don’t—”

Taehyung felt he was malfunctioning as he desperately grappled with his emotions to find some adequate response. Yoongi was incredible for his ability to speak even through the pain whirling inside of him. 

“You don’t have to say anything.” Yoongi said with a disconsolate smile. 

Before Taehyung could even attempt to reply with something that was certain to be far less articulate than Yoongi, they heard the clomping of a horse’s hooves approaching them, along with the rattling of wood. They looked up to find a servant appearing on a horse pulling a carriage behind him.

“The king ordered that I pick up the prince so he doesn’t get wet.” The servant said, bringing both of the men to the comprehension that it had started to rain.

They had been so wrapped up in their moment of despair that they’d completely ignored the fact that the clouds were sprinkling water droplets onto them.

“Right.” Taehyung carried Yoongi to the carriage, setting him on the seat inside, protected from the rain.

Here, while in the presence of a servant unaware of Taehyung and Yoongi’s history, Taehyung had lost his opportunity to give the prince a proper goodbye. He could only pray to the universe that it granted him one last chance to tell Yoongi his feelings after so many years of poorly concealing them.

“Goodbye, Sir Taehyung.” Yoongi muscled out a smile the slightest bit more believable so as not to raise suspicion with the servant.

“Goodbye, Prince Yoongi.” Taehyung bowed, his position as a knight giving more freedom to keep a stoic face as he bid Yoongi farewell.

He took a little longer than necessary closing the door behind Yoongi. The servant driving the carriage snapped the reins, and off they went to the castle, leaving Taehyung behind in the rain. The knight felt frozen in place, progressively getting soaked with the water now pouring down as he watched Yoongi disappear from his vision and quite possibly his life.

────༺♥༻────

Taehyung did not see Yoongi again for his final week in the castle. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t even get a glimpse of him. His father had quarantined the omega prince to the cottage hidden deep within the woods, heavily guarded by the trusted farmers who dwelled there. Taehyung was one of the few knights who even knew where the cottage was, and it tormented him that he couldn’t sneak away and find it.

He knew he couldn’t. The farmers surrounding the cottage were fiercely devoted to King Min, as they were provided with an abundance of resources by the monarchy. If word got out that they had shown an ounce of disloyalty towards the royal family by allowing Taehyung to see Yoongi, their farms would be burned to the ground and the next three generations of their families imprisoned. 

Taehyung had to go about his duties, training the new knights for the ceremony he was dreading with every bone in his body. His friends didn’t bother trying to cheer him up, opting to simply stay close to him in unspoken support. Taehyung was a hallow shell of a person, waking up and getting through the motions of the day, eating in silence, going to bed and waking up early to do the same thing the next day.

His friends were worried, but had no ideas of what they could possibly do to help him. They didn’t know how long it would take for Taehyung to heal, nor if he ever would. 

Taehyung knew, though. He knew he would never heal, nor move on. He knew for certain that he would go the rest of his life missing the prince he was raised to protect, living in dread over what had become of him in the hands of the wicked Prince Thomas.

────༺♥༻────

The day before Yoongi was to be sent off, the knights and servants were all gathered in the throne room to be directed of how they would travel to the Lee kingdom. Yoongi was still at the cottage, most likely only to be retrieved on the way to the ceremony to be prepared by the Lee servants for Thomas’s liking.

“We will be departing tomorrow just before dawn.” King Min’s advisor directed. “You are to arrive at the gates as the sun is on the horizon in your uniform armor. King Min has decided to leave a fleet of our knights and a group of servants with the Lee monarchy, and you will be the only ones permitted to bring a satchel of personal items.”

Taehyung’s head shot up, his eyes wide and alert at the sudden news. Jin, Jungkook, Hoseok and Namjoon all immediately looked over at Taehyung, just as caught off guard by the unanticipated news. Jin made his way to the advisor, bowing to one knee to show his respect before speaking.

“My lord,” Jin addressed him.  “I apologize, but I was not informed. A fleet of my knights will reside in the Lee kingdom?”

“Yes.” The advisor confirmed. “To ensure that everything is according to the arrangement and that any signs of treachery are thwarted, a troupe of ten soldiers and ten servants will be moving with Prince Yoongi.”

“I see. Am I to choose which knights will remain?” Jin asked.

“No. They have been decided by the King. I have them here.” The advisor said, motioning for the squire to bring  him the scroll with the precious information Taehyung was waiting on baited breath for.

“It appears that those moving to the Lee kingdom will be…”

Jungkook’s hand went to Taehyung’s arm, squeezing his wrist as they all held their breath.

“Your primary fleet from battle. King Min believes you are the best suited for the task, so instruct your men to pack their necessities sparingly.”

Jungkook and Hoseok held Taehyung’s hands by either of his sides excitedly, though they all maintained steady faces as the advisor gave some further instructions before dismissing all the knights. Taehyung was stunned, feeling something other than the perpetual anguish that had been storming in his chest since the day he said goodbye to Yoongi.

The knights vacated the room, the group of friends eventually breaking into smiles as they looked over at Taehyung.

“You’re gonna be able to watch over Prince Yoongi.” Namjoon whispered cheerfully.

“It appears so.” Taehyung nodded, a gradual smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

The men joined in their feeling of relief. Sure, they had to move too, but seeing Taehyung finally emote any sign of joy was enough to make up for the sudden news that they were to pack up their lives and move across the continent. They knew they'd find a way to visit home, and Taehyung would be there to help them however he could in return for their selflessness to transfer without a single complaint.

Taehyung could hardly pay attention to anything happening around him after hearing the news. All that was on his mind now was planning on how he could position himself as close to Yoongi as possible with what little power he had. Though he was second in command, they knew that their word meant close to nothing once they were under Thomas's command, so Taehyung began plotting. The calculations for his plan had started before the advisor even announced who would be moving with Yoongi, because Taehyung knew that somehow he’d make sure he was one of them.

The men all trained as usual, ate dinner and were sent to the barracks to sleep. Taehyung, Namjoon, Hoseok, Jin and Jungkook were up to pack what they could. They spoke in hushed voices, vibrating with anticipation. The excitement for change overshadowed the potential homesickness the men with families in the Min kingdom would certainly feel later.

“Taehyung?” Jin asked as the men were preparing to get into bed. “Can I have a word with you?”

Taehyung furrowed his brows in curiosity, getting up to follow Jin outside. 

“What is it?” Taehyung asked, an uneasy feeling stirring in him as he studied Jin’s face.

The captain sighed, preparing himself for whatever tough conversation he was anticipating.

“I need to tell you now so that there’s no commotion once we arrive,” Jin said, “But I’m not stationing you near Prince Yoongi once we get there.”

Taehyung’s eyes nearly popped out of his head at the unforeseen and utterly outrageous news.

“What?” He demanded. “Why would you say such a thing?”

“Taehyung, I know you’re excited that you’ll be near him, but have you forgotten the stories of Thomas and how he treats omegas?” Jin reminded him. “I don’t know what kind of sounds will be coming from that room once they’re wed, and I can’t risk you hearing that, because I know if you do, you may bust down the door and slit Thomas’s throat.”

Taehyung’s hands clenched into fists, all the gruesome recounts from escaped omegas of Thomas’s behavior flooding back into his mind.

“You can’t look me in the eye and tell me that you wouldn’t do something if you heard that.”

“I have to be near him.” Taehyung said firmly, his jaw clenched.

“Tae, the only reason I’m even allowing you to come along is because I fear what danger you’d put yourself in if I forced you to stay here.” Jin let out another heavy breath. “Look, I’ll try to make sure you can see him as often as possible when he’s not with Thomas, but I will not allow you on the same floor as their room when they’re both in there.”

“You can’t stop me.” Taehyung threatened, which was extremely out of character for the knight to speak in such a way to one of his best friends. However, Jin was not surprised, given the situation.

“I know I can’t, but please Taehyung, try to think of the repercussions.” Jin implored the younger. “If you kill Thomas, you’ll set the continent on fire. A war more powerful than hell will break out, and you already know what will become of you. It’s not like there’s any way I could even protect you, because they’d slaughter the entire bunch of us before we even made it out of the castle gates.”

It agonized Taehyung to listen to this, and admit to himself that Jin was indeed correct. The doom that would rain down on Yoongi and everyone they loved was unimaginable if Taehyung were to take action against Thomas, and Taehyung knew for a fact that if he heard Yoongi’s cries of pain at the hands of the alpha prince, that the knight would forget this entire conversation of reason with Jin and smear the wall with Thomas’s blood.

“Can you promise me this, Taehyung? That you’ll stay away from Thomas to the best of your abilities, and that you won’t enter the floor of their room?” Jin practically begged.

Taehyung was still at war within his mind, mulling over his own self restraint, and Jin desperately tried to bring up any truth that would sway Taehyung.

“If all of that isn’t enough to stop you, think of Prince Yoongi.” Jin said. “We’ve heard stories about how cruel those who serve and guard the Lee monarchy are, and there’s no telling what would happen to Yoongi in the midst of all of this. If prioritizing yourself, the kingdom, and us isn’t enough to convince you, at least think of Yoongi’s safety.”

Hearing Jin’s last few points made him realize how selfish of a friend Taehyung sounded like—having no regard for the safety of his friends.

“I still care about you guys and your lives too. More than my own.” Taehyung admitted, calming down a bit from the internal rage he'd felt over what Thomas might do to Yoongi. “I have no way of promising that I will be able to control myself if I see anything happen before my eyes, but I swear I will not enter their floor for his and your sake.”

Jin smiled in relief, pulling Taehyung in for a quick hug.

“Thank you, Taehyung.” He said, releasing the younger. “I make this oath to you now, that I will do everything within my power to try and create situations where you can see him.”

Taehyung forced a smile through his disappointment. “I believe you.”

The two returned to their barracks, everyone else fast asleep. It didn’t take Jin long to follow suit, but Taehyung lay restless on his back, staring through the crack in the cobblestone walls at the moon, wondering if Yoongi was looking up at it too from the window in the forest cottage. His eagerness to live in the same dwelling as Yoongi had been tainted with the reality that Yoongi would be living a life similar to that of hell under Thomas’s jurisdiction, and he wondered just how long he'd be able to keep his promise to Jin before he ripped Thomas’s throat out and splattering the floor with his entrails for what he’d be doing to Yoongi.

────༺♥༻────

“Prepare to depart, men.” The king’s advisor called, all the knights lining up. 

Taehyung’s heart had been beating out of his chest since he’d managed to fall asleep the night prior, just an hour before he had to wake up for the next morning. His foot was bouncing and his eyes were darting around, aware that Yoongi would be returning any moment now. He might only get to catch a glimpse of Yoongi for half a second, but at least it would be something.

“Taehyung.” Jin managed to break the younger momentarily from his search for Yoongi and get his attention.

“Yes?”

“There’s mud on your armor.” Jin said. “Go wash it off by the stables.”

Taehyung knew exactly what Jin was trying to tell him, and swiftly nodded before hurrying to where the older had directed him to go. It took every ounce of resistance in Taehyung not to break into a sprint, but he knew he couldn’t cause reason for suspicion. Especially on the day of Yoongi’s wedding.

Taehyung got around to where the stables were, and there exiting the back entrance, was the omega prince at last. The knight did a quick perimeter check, finding the coast clear and rushing over.

“Prince Yoongi!” Taehyung tried to call over in a hushed voice.

Yoongi instantly heard and whipped his head around to see the knight hurrying to meet him.

“Taehyung?” Yoongi asked in disbelief, a smile breaking onto his face.

They got to each other, but Yoongi halted at the last moment and took a step back.

“You can’t get too close.” Yoongi said, disappointment washing over his face. “He might smell you on me.”

It made Taehyung’s skin prickle, remembering who the “ he” Yoongi referred to was, and that he should have no right keeping Taehyung from the omega prince.

“Prince Yoongi,” Taehyung scanned over Yoongi’s exposed skin, checking for any indication of harm done to him. “How have you been in your time away? Did they do anything to you?”

“No.” Yoongi put the alpha knight at ease. “I just had to sit in the house all day to stay safe from any potential of catching an illness or hurting myself, slowly slipping into madness from boredom.”

“They didn’t let you leave even one time?” Taehyung asked in bewilderment.

“I was directed to stand outside in the sun for thirty minutes a day so I didn’t become vitamin deficient, but otherwise I wasn’t permitted to leave.”

The thought of being locked up inside for days on end, only allowed to stand perfectly still in the sun for half an hour a day, drove Taehyung mad even imagining it.

“How…how are you feeling about today?” Taehyung despised that he had to ask the question with such an obvious answer, but he needed to comfort Yoongi in his last moments with him.

“About as you’d expect.” Yoongi looked away. “Terrified, but I’ve accepted it.”

Taehyung physically ached watching Yoongi like this. He wished so direly to hold Yoongi like their last night together and protect him from this marriage like he did from the storms, but he couldn’t this time. He couldn’t even touch Yoongi.

“I’m happy I got to see you.” Yoongi said, breaking a small smile. “I’m not sure how often we’ll cross paths in the Lee kingdom, but it means a lot to me that I can talk to you one last time in the place we were raised.”

“I’m relieved I got to see you too.” Taehyung said. “We’ll see each other at the Lee castle. I’ll make sure of it, I need to protect you.”

Yoongi’s weak smile slowly faded as he struggled to make eye contact. “You won’t be my servant there, nor my knight. Your duties are to protect the Lee dynasty now.”

“My loyalty lies with you, Prince Yoongi.” Taehyung responded instantly, without a second’s hesitation.

“Thank you, Taehyung.” Yoongi stared down at his hands. “But soon you’ll have to transfer that loyalty to—”

“It will always be to you.” Taehyung insisted before Yoongi could even suggest anything else. “No matter who I’m assigned to, I will always be for you, unconditionally. If you tell me to do something, I’ll do it, no matter the request.”

Yoongi remained silent, but Taehyung knew him well enough that he could see the omega starting to ponder. It was the first bit of hope Taehyung had felt for Yoongi changing his mind, and he acted on it.

“If you asked me to betray the king, to take you away from here so you didn’t have to marry a prince you don’t love, I would do it.” Taehyung said, his voice quieter in case anyone was near enough to listen. “I would take you anywhere and protect you from anything if you asked me to.”

Yoongi remained silent, and slowly looked up into Taehyung’s eyes from under his bangs. Taehyung knew he was crossing a line, openly admitting that he would commit treason if Yoongi asked him to, but he didn’t care. This was his last, desperate attempt to get Yoongi out, even if it meant Taehyung putting himself in danger.

The prince just stared into Taehyung's eyes, and the alpha could see him contemplating. He could see that Yoongi was weighing his options, the potential outcomes, and he wished he could answer any question or fear in Yoongi’s mind. But they were running so short on time, and there was little more for Taehyung to say. It was all up to Yoongi now.

The omega opened his mouth to say something, Taehyung holding his breath to listen, when one of the servants called for Yoongi from around the wall.

“Prince Yoongi? Your father is waiting for you in the carriage.”

Yoongi let out a breath of defeat, closing his mouth and making a move to turn. In an act completely outside of any realm of being appropriate, Taehyung rushed around and stood before Yoongi, stopping the prince from walking, without touching him. If Yoongi was surprised or offended, he certainly didn’t seem it as he just looked up at Taehyung.

“Please know that I mean what I say.” Taehyung pleaded. “No matter what or when, I will do whatever you ask me, regardless of who I’m commanded to serve. It will always be you.”

Yoongi summoned a weak smile bowing politely to Taehyung.

“Thank you, Taehyung. I don’t deserve your loyalty.” Yoongi replied before slipping past him. “I will see you at the wedding.”

And before Taehyung could say anything else, Yoongi rounded the wall of the castle, joining the servant and walking up the steps into the carriage with his father.

────༺♥༻────

The men were lined up outside the doors to the chapel, the guests waiting for Thomas to finally get on the stage so Yoongi could walk down the aisle and complete the ceremony.

“Alright men, you’ll keep guard out here. You’re not to move a muscle until Prince Yoongi and Prince Thomas have exited, along with all the guests.” The advisor told them before turning to Jin. “You and your fleet are the only ones that will stay inside for the ceremony. Since you are moving in here, people need to become familiarized with your faces.”

The friends nervously side glanced at Taehyung, not sure if he would prefer to stand out in the hall or be forced to see Yoongi wed to some other prince. Taehyung wasn’t sure which he’d prefer either, but it was out of his hands now.

“Once Prince Yoongi walks down the aisle, you will follow behind and take your spots along the wall with the Lee kingdom soldiers. They’ve left designated space for you.”

“We understand.” Jin nodded firmly. 

The boys didn’t have time to ask Taehyung if he was alright, because Yoongi’s footsteps could be heard as he walked down the hall, his elbow in his father’s grip as he charged down. Taehyung’s hand tightened on the handle of his sword, his eyes narrowing at the scene, until they got closer and the alpha could see Yoongi’s cheeks had tear stains and his eyes were puffy and pink from crying.

“I apologize, Ly.” King Min spoke to his advisor. “My son was having some behavior issues.”

Taehyung’s jaw set as he glared at the king’s grip on Yoongi’s arm, his attack readiness on high alert. The advisor slipped into the chapel, and they could hear the music inside start playing in preparation for Yoongi to walk down the aisle. Yoongi was struggling to pull himself together, his father clearly outraged as he pulled his son to stand before him

“Stop your fucking crying.” King Min ordered in a low voice through gritted teeth.

Yoongi winced at the pain of his father’s fingers wrapped around his arms as he shook the prince to get his attention, and it took Namjoon’s hand on Taehyung’s wrist and a firm shake of the head from Jin to get him to clench his jaw and stay put. His knuckles were white with the grip on his sword's handle, and Hoseok lasered his eyes into Taehyung, as if trying to telepathically demand him not to act on his fury.

“When you stand up on that stage, I better not see a single tear. This is going to be your husband, and the future Crown to rule our kingdom. You will not embarrass me after I’ve promised him the perfect omega prince, do you understand?”

Yoongi used every muscle in his body to will down his tears, nodding at his father though his lip still quivered.

“If you were not about to stand in front of hundreds of our subjects, I would slap you for this little fit you’re having.” The king said, finally releasing Yoongi’s wrist. “Hopefully your husband teaches you what proper respect looks like, because I’ve tried everything and you’re still too impudent to grasp it.”

The king stood and straightened his robe, glaring down at Yoongi like he was a poisoned rodent to be thrown out into the sewer. Yoongi’s head was still bowed, trying with all his might to keep himself composed, though Taehyung knew he wanted to burst into tears. 

“Behave, and do not displease your future husband, Yoongi.” The king ordered under his breath, before facing the guards—all of them standing straight to attention. “Make sure the doors are guarded once the ceremony has begun. If a single person enters, or leaves—” The king scowled at Yoongi before looking back at the guards, “—I’ll have all of your heads. Do you understand?”

“Yes, your majesty.” All the knights answered in unison. All but one, whose focus was still entirely on Yoongi.

It took every fiber in Taehyung’s being to stare straight ahead as he was supposed to and not glare at the king while receiving the order. The knight redirected his focus on Yoongi, telepathically begging the prince to turn around and tell him he’d changed his mind, and that he wanted to run away with Taehyung. But Yoongi wouldn’t look into Taehyung’s eyes, because he knew that if he did, it would only evoke another round of tears from shame that the boy he was raised with had to see him so low.

The omega prince wiped his eyes on his sleeve, took a deep breath and raised his head, looking at the knights guarding the doors and giving them a nod. They opened the stained glass doors for Yoongi, the prince choking down his cries and entering, Taehyung and the rest of his friends following in after him, and taking their places against the wall. 

Taehyung watched in torment as Yoongi willed down his tears and made his way to the altar, where the demon prince himself stood, waiting for him like a viper about to strike its prey. Yoongi stood next to the alpha prince, and the priest started saying whatever bullshit about matrimony that didn’t mean anything in this case. Yoongi didn’t want this, so going on this speech about the sanctity of marriage was pointless. Not to mention that Thomas was certainly going to be sleeping with plenty of omegas anyway, really soiling any significance of devotion that typically came with marriage.

There was no “I do,” given that there was no choice, and soon the priest gave them goblets of wine to drink from while he tied a burgundy ribbon around the stems to symbolize their unity, and then the audience were standing to applaud them. Yoongi walked down the aisle with his new husband, his eyes trained on the ground. Taehyung stared at him with such intensity, trying to scream for the prince's attention with just his eyes. It doesn’t seem to work, until the final steps out the door. 

Yoongi glanced up and met Taehyung’s eyes with his glossy ones, red from restraining his tears. Taehyung’s heart broke as Yoongi stared at him with fear and demoralization, and then the doors of the chapel closed behind them.

Taehyung felt as though he’d completely crumbled in on himself, though his legs kept him standing straight. He felt a hand from one of his friends on his shoulder, but he couldn’t tear his eyes away to check who it was. He continued to stare at the door, wishing somehow that if he looked hard enough, Yoongi would come popping out and running toward him.

But eventually the doors did open for all of the guests to file out. Taehyung let out a heavy sigh, standing tall with the other knights once more now that the king could see them. King Min eventually dismissed them to take their posts outside of the castle, and Taehyung had never had such difficulty in retaining his demeanor when all he wanted to do was rip the man apart limb by limb for what he had done to Yoongi.

────༺♥༻────

Taehyung didn’t see Yoongi for two weeks. Thomas brought the omega to their room after the wedding ceremony and locked it closed, cutting Yoongi off from any human interaction besides his new husband. The alpha prince would come and go as he pleased, but Yoongi did not emerge once. Other than Thomas, the maids were the only ones who could come and go from the room to deliver meals and water to Yoongi. 

As promised, Taehyung did not go onto their floor, though it was torture refrain. He would wake up in cold sweat, haunted by nightmares of what was potentially becoming of Yoongi. For seventeen years, the knight hadn’t gone more than three days without seeing Yoongi. He’d then had to be separated from the prince for five years, and he’d prepared himself to stay by Yoongi’s side from then on as his guarding knight once he finally returned. Now he'd been separated from Yoongi just days after finally reuniting.

By the time it was nearing day 15 since he’d seen the prince, Taehyung was starting to lose it with his inability to protect the omega prince like he yearned to do always.

He’d become a hollowed out, cold and rigid lump of coal, simply rolling through the dirt to his posts as ordered. His eyes were glazed over, he couldn’t smile even when surrounded by his friends. They all worried for him, but they understood that nothing they could say would pull Taehyung out of his terrorized thoughts.

None of them knew what was becoming of Yoongi, and it was eating Taehyung alive.

────༺♥༻────

Taehyung had just finished helping one of the farm boys shovel hay into the troughs when Jungkook came slinking over to the older knight, trying to look as nonchalant as possible. He eyed Taehyung, leaning in as close as he could without raising suspicions.

“Prince Yoongi is in the kitchen.” Jungkook whispered.

Taehyung wasn’t sure he’d ever reacted so fast. He had to maintain a level of resignation as he rushed to where he was told Yoongi would bee, but it took every fiber in his being not to just sprint there. After three weeks away from Yoongi, completely in the dark to his whereabouts, Taehyung was amazed he wasn’t breaking through walls to get to the prince. 

Once he’d finally arrived inthe kitchen, there was Yoongi. 

Finally.

The prince was looking over some napkins one of the seamstresses had sewn, picking fabrics to try and replicate it. Apparently he’d picked up a new hobby to keep entertained while cooped up in that room, which was sewing. This could possibly be the first time Thomas had let Yoongi out of their room since their wedding, so it made sense that Yoongi spent it trying to gather any form of enrichment he could get his hands on before he was locked away again.

“Prince Yoongi?” 

Taehyung hurried over to the omega, who was still staring down at the cloth he was holding. Normally, Yoongi would look up at the sound of Taehyung’s voice, a gentle smile coming to his face upon laying eyes on the knight. But now, his eyes fixated on his hands as he gathered the materials to sew.

“Hello, Sir Taehyung.” Yoongi addressed him, his bangs hiding his face. “I’m sorry, I cannot stay and talk.”

Taehyung noticed that—despite the exceedingly warm weather—Yoongi was wearing head to toe garb, including his royal cloak with the hood pulled up over his head. Yoongi had always hated the thick article of clothing, complaining that the material was itchy and heavy, and that the chain over the collar dug into his neck. He’d only ever worn it when required for royal gatherings and events, such as his courting galas, so Yoongi wearing it on a hot summer day with no one to see set off alarm bells in Taehyung’s head.

The prince began walking away with his head down, and Taehyung did a quick perimeter check to make sure no one would hear him speak out of turn.

“Wait!” The knight's command in a pleading voice caused Yoongi to stop, standing still with his back to Taehyung. “Please don’t leave.”

“Is there something you need, Sir Taehyung?” Yoongi asked without turning to look at him. Each time he addressed Taehyung so formally, it felt like an extra stone weighing on the knight's chest.

“I just…I want to see you.” Taehyung admitted, slowly advancing toward Yoongi. “I haven’t seen you in weeks—and, it’s my job to protect you. I feel I’m neglecting my duty.”

“I’m with my alpha now. I only require protection under his jurisdiction. Thank you for your concern, Sir Taehyung.” Yoongi began walking, but Taehyung was too desperate.

“Prince Yoongi, please.” Taehyung practically begged. “Can you just look at me? Just once? I just want to see your face.”

“I cannot.” Yoongi shook his head under the hood. “It’s not appropriate for me to look into the eyes of another alpha.”

“Yoongi,” Taehyung finally dropped the honorific for the first time in his twenty two years of knowing the omega. He never wanted to make Yoongi feel like he was less worthy of his sovereign title, but he was desperate to get the attention of the prince. “Please look at me?”

There was a painful length of silence, before Yoongi finally answered.

“I cannot. You won’t like what you see.”

Taehyung’s heart rate quickened as he hurried around to face Yoongi now. The omega seemed to shrink before Taehyung, keeping his head down. Taehyung wasn’t sure the last time he’d even seen Yoongi stand up straight, let alone looked into his eyes.

The omega didn’t back away as Taehyung slowly reached forward, just barely touching his fingers under Yoongi’s chin and tipping it up so he could see the prince’s face. Taehyung gasped as his eyes immediately zeroed in on the red marks covering Yoongi’s neck, seemingly from a mixture of hickeys and the alpha prince’s fingers around his throat. The bite mark looked bloody and far too deep for a regular mating mark—as if Thomas was physically trying to hurt Yoongi by branding him, and Taehyung’s heart nearly shattered to pieces as he finally got to the giant bruise covering the left side of the prince’s face.

It was raw and fresh and painful to look at, spanning from Yoongi’s cheekbone to his eye. Yoongi’s gorgeous mouth has a cut over the bottom lip, and his eyes—his beautiful eyes—still couldn’t meet Taehyung’s, despite the alpha now examining the prince’s face.

“Prince Yoongi…” Taehyung nearly choked on his own breath as he struggled to comprehend what had happened.

Yoongi turned his head away in shame, pulling his hood further over his head. “I told you that you wouldn’t like it.”’

Taehyung was outwardly speechless, meanwhile a fiery ball of rage swirled in his stomach. The image of Yoongi’s new husband came to his mind, and the fantasies he had regarding what he would do if he ever got his hands around that alpha prince’s neck were gruesome. 

Taehyung reached up to run his fingers gently over Yoongi’s cheek, only for the prince to step away.

“I’m sorry, you cannot touch me.” Yoongi said, his head down once again. “My alpha will know.”

With that, he went around Taehyung and walked swiftly down the hall and up the stairs until he reached his chambers, closing the door behind him and Taehyung swore could hear the sound of Yoongi fastening the lock even from two floors below. The fire inside of Taehyung was replaced by an all engulfing hollownesswith every step that the prince took farther away from the knight.

Taehyung was practically stumbling out of the castle, barely making it across the field until he was in safety amongst the trees, holding onto the tree trunk with one hand and his stomach with the other. He clenched his eyes to try and remember his brief moment with Yoongi while simultaneously erasing the painful markings on his beautiful, soft face, but he couldn’t. Every time he blinked he saw the bruises, the cuts, the bloody mate mark, and he felt nauseous from how overwhelming it was.

In battle, Taehyung had seen men torn apart limb by limb, soldiers disemboweled, heads bludgeoned off the body it was attached to. The prisoners of war would get their eyeballs scooped out with spoons, bodies wrapped around a log and and hogtied then rolled down a hill, tongues sliced, and he’d become so jaded to it that he wasn’t sure any gruesome amount of blood could phase him.

However, seeing his innocent, soft spoken, heart of gold prince Yoongi battered and bruised in such a way that left no question as to how much pain the omega is continuously in, had Taehyung so lightheaded he thought he might puke. Once he’d caught his breath, the alpha managed to slide down the tree and sit on the ground, holding his head in his hands and unsuccessfully continuing to try and wipe the images of Yoongi’s wounds from his mind.

He heard footsteps approaching, and then Jungkook appeared from behind the tree, finding Taehyung. The younger let out a dismayed breath, sinking down to sit against the log across from Taehyung.

“Did you see him?” Taehyung asked, his head still in his hands.

“No. Just the back of him.” Jungkook answered. “Hardly anyone has seen him besides a few of the omega servants, but apparently he hides his face as much as possible whenever they walk in the room. You’re probably the first person to see him straight on like that.”

Taehyung shook his head, covering his eyes.

“Was it that bad?” Jungkook asked carefully.

“I almost passed out.” Taehyung answered. “I don’t know what the fuck Thomas is doing to him, but I’ll tear his head off.”

Jungkook knew that Taehyung wasn’t being hyperbolic when he said it. He’d seen the older knight do some pretty brutal things in battle, and tearing someone’s head off was a merciful way to be killed in combat, compared to what could happen to prisoners of war.

“I believe that you would. But you can’t.” Jungkook reminded him. “You have to think about what’ll happen if you do. To everyone, including Yoongi.” 

Taehyung groaned into his hands, finally pulling them away from his face to look at Jungkook.

“I know, but Jungkook, it was horrific.” Taehyung said. “Jin was right not to put me on the same floor as them. I don’t even want to imagine what sounds come out of that room.”

“Jin told me it’s pretty hard to hear. We've all heard while on our rounds, but Jin stays on guard near their door.” Jungkook admitted in a quiet voice. “He didn’t want you to know, but he’s been having nightmares from it. We all have.”

Taehyung almost felt guilty that his friends were becoming traumatized in their quest to protect him. 

“I’m sorry you have to listen.” Taehyung apologized. “I wish I had enough restraint to handle it—”

“We would never ask you to do that.” Jungkook cut him off before he could even verbalize the rest of that thought. “Jin would never let you do that. None of us would.”

Taehyung hugged his knees to his chest, resting his head on his arm crossed over them and looking out into the field. He saw the balcony to Yoongi and Thomas’s room, always covered with the sheet over it, cutting the omega prince off from the rest of the world.

“I think it’s starting to get better though.” Jungkook said, causing Taehyung’s ears to perk up.

“What? It is?”

“I’m guessing so. The past couple of days, the sounds have been less.” Jungkook spoke with hope. “I think he might be figuring out how to keep Thomas calm, until he passes out drunk.”

“Huh?” Taehyung cocked his head. “Thomas passes out drunk regularly?”

“Every night.” Jungkook nodded. “He has an alcohol problem, which is what added to his violence, I’m pretty sure. But I think Yoongi has started to learn how to get him inebriated at dinner so he doesn’t have the energy to beat—”

Jungkook stopped himself, choosing a better choice of words to lessen the blow of Yoongi’s reality on Taehyung.

“—so he doesn’t have energy to do much of anything. I’m not sure what Yoongi has been doing, but for the past few nights, it seems to have eased up from how it sounded the first two and a half weeks.”

“Is that why he was finally able to come out of the room, you think?” Taehyung pondered out loud.

“Possibly. I think he’s also learned Thomas’s schedule pretty well.” Jungkook says. “This is around the time Thomas goes to the duke’s house and supposedly they drink and bring over prostitutes.”

“I had no idea Thomas left Yoongi alone so often.” Taehyung said, ideas starting to form in his head.

“Yeah, he’s hardly ever here, actually. He just locks Yoongi in there, but he’s not with him until night. Today he must have forgotten to lock Yongi in, so that’s why he could sneak out for a moment to grab the sewing materials.”

Taehyung winced, thinking of Yoongi telling him how he’d felt he was losing his mind alone in the cottage for the whole week before his wedding.

“It sounds lonely, but I’m sure he’d prefer that over Thomas being home.” Jungkook pointed out.

Taehyung looked back over at the balcony, something stirring inside of him knowing that Yoongi was alone in there. All that was keeping him from Yoongi was the locked door between them. He fantasized walking up to the door, lightly tapping on the wood and speaking to Yoongi in whispers that way, but he knew the idea would be shut down instantly from Jin. The knights from the Lee kingdom would catch him and report it immediately, and the slight progress Yoongi had supposedly made in softening the beatings from Thomas would be obliterated.

“Does he ever come out onto the balcony?” Taehyung asked.

“I don’t think so. He seems pretty ashamed of his bruises, I doubt he’d present himself in broad daylight like that.” 

Taehyung understood. It had taken calling Yoongi without the honorific that Taehyung insisted upon to honor the prince for Yoongi to finally let Taehyung get a short glimpse of him. Standing out in the sun where farm boys and servants and knights could all see his bruised and beaten body was highly unlikely.

“I heard that he’s snuck out to the balcony at night a few times.” Jungkook said, piquing Taehyung's attention.

“You did?” Taehyung asked. “Where’d you hear that?”

“The servant that brings him his meals told me. His name is Jimin.” Jungkook informed Taehyung. “He said one time he was pouring out water from a basin from the balcony below Yoongi’s, and he saw his feet dangling over the edge.”

“...The balcony below?” Taehyung questioned, letting his focus shift just below Yoongi’s balcony and to the left.

Sure enough, there was a patio that Taehyung had never bothered to walk out to. It was so close to Yoongi’s, Taehyung was certain that one jump and he could grab onto the railing and pull himself over.

He would never do it, for Thomas would smell his scent immediately and most likely kill Yoongi, but it was something Taehyung would now be daydreaming about regularly.

“You know,” Jungkook wondered out loud, “I bet if you caught him out there at night, after Thomas passed out, you might be able to talk to him for a bit.”

And that’s all it took for the wheels to begin turning in Taehyung’s head. The balcony was on the floor below Yoongi—an area that just so happened to be included in his rounds. He wouldn’t be breaking his promise to Jin to not go onto Yoongi’s floor, and he wouldn’t be close enough to Yoongi for his scent to transfer to the prince, and if he went at night, it would be dark enough that perhaps Yoongi wouldn't be as insecure that Taehyung might seeing his bruises.

It was a long shot, given how much Yoongi had been concealing himself even outside of Thomas’s watch, but at least it was something to hold on hope for.

────༺♥༻────

Yoongi dabbed at the sweat on his brow with a cloth, unsure of the last time he’d felt cold at this point. This summer heat had been brutal, punishing all the poor souls that lived in this godforsaken kingdom where temperatures were far hotter than anything that existed in the climate of the kingdom Yoongi was raised in.

He put the cloth on his bedside table before pulling on his cloak. He concealed the grunt prodding at his lips, both from the weight and the stifling discomfort of wearing something so heavy on such a hot night. The crickets chirped loudly as Yoongi took one peek at Thomas, snoring in their bed, before slipping past the curtain and onto his balcony.

It was just as warm out there, but at least there was the light breeze to cool him. He let out a small sigh of content, checking to make sure the coast was clear before laying down on the patio, the cool, smooth stone of the deck aiding in his quest to cool off. His cheek was pressed against the cobblestone when he heard rustling from the platform below him, assuming it was Jimin emptying out a basin again.

“Prince Yoongi?”

The unexpected voice addressing him startled Yoongi, causing the prince to sit up and back away from the railing of his balcony.

“Prince Yoongi?” The voice came again. “Are you there?”

The second time hearing the voice, Yoongi’s brows knit together, noting how familiar it sounded. It was so distinct, anyone who’d heard the voice’s owner once would remember it. Hesitantly, Yoongi crawled over to the edge of the balcony, peeking over just enough to investigate the voice calling him.

Sure enough, when he looked down, his eyes landed on the alpha knight looking up at him from the balcony below. His body was pressed flat against the wall next to the arch, behind the large potted bush shaped in the figure of Thomas, so he couldn’t be seen from anyone walking by the balcony from inside and no guards outside would see him unless they focused hard enough.

“Taehyung?” Yoongi asked in shock, forgetting the customary titles. “What are you doing?”

“I wanted to see you.” Taehyung whispered back, trying his best to keep his voice down, though his heart was leaping in glee of seeing the prince again. “You said I can’t be too close to you, otherwise your alpha would know. I can still talk to you this way without getting my scent on you.”

Yoongi just stared at Taehyung in confusion, before a gradual smile came to his face. 

“How did you know I’d be out here?” Yoongi questioned.

“Jimin told Jungkook that you sit out here sometimes.” Taehyung explained. “I’ve been waiting out here every night since in case you came onto your balcony.”

Yoongi giggled, the knight never failing to lift his mood even in his darkest time.

“What hour is it?” Yoongi asked him. “I don’t have any way of telling the time in my room.”

“A little after midnight.” Taehyung said, surprising Yoongi. 

He had no idea his sleep schedule had become so off kilter.

“Shouldn’t you sleep soon, Sir Taehyung?” Yoongi questioned, concerned for the knight's health.

“Not until you go to bed.” Taehyung responded. “I’ll stay up however long you want to talk to me.”

“I always want to talk to you.” Yoongi chuckled, then quickly looked around when he realized how inappropriate what he’d just said was, and let out a breath of relief when he remembered that none of the guards were monitoring the balconies at this hour.

“Then I guess I will never go to bed.” Taehyung matched Yoongi’s smile.

The prince’s stomach did a little flip as he gazed into Taehyung’s eyes, suddenly feeling the urge to cry. He wanted to leap over the edge and into the knight’s arms, where he knew Taehyung would catch him with ease. He wanted to run with Taehyung out to find the meadow that Yoongi had been banned from visiting, and spend the whole night with his knight, looking up at the stars and admitting to every terrible thing that had happened since arriving here. He wanted to fall asleep with Taehyung holding him like he used to, and wake up and run away for good the next morning—and never look back.

He knew Taehyung would do so happily. He knew Taehyung would abandon any life he’d built for himself to be with Yoongi, and that Taehyung’s friends would fully support him, no matter how much they'd miss him. Taehyung had known Yoongi longer than anyone, and everyone knew that Taeyhyung would put Yoongi first for the rest of his life—fulfilling any request the prince could ever make, no matter how grandeur or impossible it seemed.

Yoongi knew all of these things to be true, but he stayed on his balcony, because it could never work. Guards from either the Lee or Min kingdom would find them within a day and return them to be tortured. Even if they did make it out, Taehyung’s friends would surely suffer the punishment that would have been bestowed onto Taehyung, and even if they could make it out and Taehyung’s friends somehow remain safe, Yoongi was still mated to Thomas. 

Yoongi wanted to run away with Taehyung and create the life that he knew Taehyung wanted too—the life they’d both secretly known they wanted since before they even presented. But he could never have that now.

Thomas had claimed Yoongi, scarred him with his mate mark in multiple areas on his neck, he’d branded Yoongi’s skin with the symbol of the Lee dynasty by a hot iron mold on their wedding night, and the omega prince would never be able to escape that. Even when Yoongi's bruises from Thomas's hands heal, the omega's body had been ruined by the alpha prince forever, and he could never live out the life that he and Taehyung secretly dreamed of. 

Yoongi could never be Taehyung’s. And so, he remained on his balcony.

“Thank you for waiting for me.” Yoongi told the knight. “I apologize it took me so long. Had I known you've been doing this, I’d have come sooner.”

“It’s alright, I don’t mind waiting.” Taehyung smiled up at him. “Jimin tells me you’ve been knitting.”

It was such an abrupt question, it had Yoongi covering his mouth before he laughed out loud. He knew that it was probably because Taehyung wasn't sure when he'd have to leave, and he wanted to catch up with Yoongi as much as possible while he still had the limited time with him, but the unexpected shift in topic thoroughly amused Yoongi before he answered.

“I have been.” Yoongi confirmed. “It’s just a hobby I picked up since I got m—“

Yoongi almost finished with saying it was a hobby after he’d gotten married, but caught himself. They were so excited over finally getting to see each other, Yoongi didn’t want to ruin it now by reminding them of the sorry circumstance that led them to speaking under these conditions. 

“What have you made?” Taehyung asked, easily moving past the obvious reason for Yoongi cutting off his sentence.

“One second, I’ll show you.” Yoongi said excitedly, sneaking back into his room to gather his finished projects, bringing them out proudly. “I knitted a pair of socks, a scarf, and I’m currently making a sweater.”

“Such warm clothes for such a hot summer?” Taehyung teased.

However, the comment reminded Yoongi of why he was wearing such heavy clothes despite sweating through them, and he gasped, backing away.

“Prince Yoongi?” Taehyung asked in concern. “What’s wrong?”

“You can’t see me like this.” Yoong shook his head, covering his face.

“Wait, please don’t go.” Taehyung pleaded. “I can hardly see you in the dark with the moon behind you. Your face is practically shadows, I swear I can barely see anything.”

It wasn’t a complete lie, because Yoongi’s face was notably shadowed and details were hard to distinguish. However, Taehyung could still faintly see the marks, and it took everything in him not to haul himself up and smother Thomas when he remembered what the bruises looked like in daylight.

Yoongi hesitated for a moment before peeking over again.

“Really?” He asked.

“Really. I can’t see.” Taehyung committed to the white lie.

Yoongi smiled and sat at the ledge of the balcony again, creating a wave of relief over Taehyung as he realized he’d get to spend time with Yoongi again at long last.

“So, can you show me what you’ve made?”

────༺♥༻────

After Taehyung’s first time sneaking to the balcony, that’s how the two talked moving forward. They would wait until Thomas fell asleep, then Yoongi would go on his terrace to “knit” while Taehyung snuck away from his post to talk to him from the balcony below. 

Jin, Jungkook, Namjoon and Hoseok managed to cover for Taehyung, now paired with Jimin’s help. Taehyung found out that Jungkook’s idea for Taehyung to speak to Yoongi through the balcony had actually come from Jimin. The omega servant and Jungkook hadn’t told the rest of the knights their potential plan in fear that they may dissuade the two from planting the seed in Taehyung’s head, so after Taehyung had stumbled out from seeing Yoongi’s bruises, the two decided it was time to suggest it to Taehyung.

Once Taehyung learned of their colluding to help him and Yoongi, the alpha knight instantly trusted Jimin. Yoongi’s stories of Jimin’s gentle treatment and conversations with him added to Taehyung’s growing trust for the omega servant. Jimin would whisper updates of Yoongi as they passed by each other in the halls, and nudge Taehyung at night when it was safe for the alpha to sneak away to the balcony for Yoongi.

Though he was nowhere near as close to Jimin as Jungkook was with the servant, Taehyung found he felt comfortable with Jimin as a reliable friend in their group of knights, and he would help the omega whenever he could in turn, with tasks such as carrying heavy water pails or bags of flour for the servant.

“Taehyung?” The omega voice whispered Taehyung’s name as the alpha was carrying a bail of hay to the horses for Jimin.

“Yes?” Taehyung asked once he’d put it down and turned to face Jimin.

The omega quickly scanned the premises to make sure no wandering eyes were on them, before looking back at the alpha and leaning in, lowering his voice even more.

“I want to show you where I get something important for Yoongi.” Jimin said, his eyes nervously darting around before looking into Taehyung’s again. “Meet me at the well once the sun sets. Wear black.”

Taehyung didn’t have a second longer to ask Jimin before the omega had scurried away, leaving the knight alone, scratching his head. He had no idea what Jimin could possibly be talking about, nor why it was so secretive, but he ended up at the well once the sun set, just as Jimin requested.

The omega appeared with a hood and a tiny bag, looking around before rushing over to Taehyung, grabbing his wrist and tugging him away swiftly, the pair running all the way into the forest before slowing down. 

“Thank you for agreeing to come with me.” Jimin said as he caught his breath, the two of them now walking at a steady rhythm under the cover of the trees.

“No problem.” Taehyung assured. “Although, can you tell me where we’re going?”

“To the witch that dwells in this forest.” Jimin said, motioning for Taehyung to follow him.

“The witch?” Taehyung asked, trailing behind the omega. “What for?”

Jimin glanced up at Taehyung as the alpha walked next to him. “Jungkook told you that Yoongi figured out a way to get Thomas to fall asleep faster after dinner, right?”

“Yeah," Taehyung nodded, curiously. "You know how he did it?"

“I’m the reason why.” Jimin said. “I get a special elixir from the witch to make Prince Thomas drowsy.”

It frustrated Taehyung slightly that Jimin referred to that bastard with the “Prince” title since he was nothing close to deserving of it. Unlike Yoongi. But, Taehyung understood that Jimin was raised calling Thomas that, so the knight let it go.

“You’ve been poisoning him?” Taehyung asked with wide eyes, relishing in the idea of it.

“Not to death, just making him drowsy.” Jimin explained. “I just add a drop of it into Prince Thomas’s wine at dinner. That, mixed with the prince’s over consumption of alcohol, has Thomas snoring like a baby the minute he gets back to his room.”

“That’s genius.” Taehyung gawked at Jimin’s clever plan, though he was mildly disappointed that the elixir wasn't also killing Thomas. “How did you find out about this place?”

“She’s where all of us servants go in case we need medical attention that the castle nurses can't fix, since we’re not allowed to see the official healer. He's reserved solely to serve the royal family and nobility.”

They approached the cottage, Jimin knocking a certain rhythm on the door, waiting a few seconds before it opened. Upon looking at the woman, a wave of homesickness came over Taehyung, as the witch looked so much like their healer Matilda.

“Ms. Merida?” Jimin asked, even the name striking a sense of longing for home into the alpha. “This is Taehyung, Prince Yoongi’s knight. He’ll probably be coming to pick up the elixirs from now on.”

The woman looked over at Taehyung, who instantly bowed low for the witch as a sign of the utmost respect.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Ms. Merida.” Taehyung said. “I can’t thank you enough for the service you’re doing for our friend.”

The witch arched her brow, looking over the knight, worrying Taehyung. Did she deem him untrustworthy? Would she refuse the elixir now that Jimin had brought an unpredicted guest?

“Are you Yoongi’s mate?” The witch asked, causing Taehyung’s eyes to go wide.

“No ma’am, I was his servant and now I am his personal guard.” Taehyung clarified, trying to cast aside his disappointment as he finished. “Prince Yoongi is mated to someone else.”

Merida narrowed her eyes and analyzed Taehyung once more.

“I see.” She nodded once before looking at Jimin, holding out her hand, where the omega placed the coins in her palm, then she spoke to him. “Wait here.”

Merida disappeared behind the door, the alpha and omega sharing a look before she reappeared with a small vial of burgundy liquid—the perfect color to blend in with red wine.

“Thank you, Ms. Merida.” Jimin smiled at her, slipping the bottle carefully into his satchel. “Taehyung or I will be back soon.”

They bowed to each other before the witch shut her door, and the two men turned to make their way back to the castle.

“I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to sneak away without raising suspicion.” Jimin told Taehyung. “So now you know what to do, if ever I can’t go. Just come to me for the money, Yoongi sneaks me some from Thomas's abundant stash."

“Thank you so much, Jimin.” Taehyung said with deep gratitude. “You have no idea how life saving this is.”

“Of course, Taehyung.” Jimin smiled up at him, a sad hint to it. “I would’ve done it either way. It’s not right, what Prince Yoongi was subjected to every night.”

It pained Taehyung to be reminded, and he looked back down at his feet as he made his way through the weeds. “I heard it was pretty gruesome to hear at first.”

Jimin was silent for a moment before his quiet response. “It wasn’t easy.”

Taehyung didn’t know what to say after that, simply focusing on the dirt he was walking through.

“I think seeing you has given him a new spark for life.” Jimin’s voice eventually broke the silence.

Taehyung’s ears perked as he gave Jimin his full, undivided attention. “It has?”

“Yes.” Jimin confirmed. “He was hardly holding on before. Even after he started using the elixir, he still seemed dead inside, with his eyes glazed over. I got him materials to knit in efforts to bring some enrichment into his life, but I truly wasn’t sure how much longer he could take it, until you saw him that night. Ever since then, I’ve seen more of his personality than I’d known him to act like.”

“Really?” Taehyung questioned in amazement. “I didn’t know I would have such a strong effect. I figured it was only the other way around.”

Jimin frowned up at Taehyung. “What do you mean?”

“I was becoming a shell of a person.” Taehyung said. “Without Prince Yoongi, I have little to exist for. I kept going on for the sake of my friends, but I hardly felt like I was alive. Just existing—until you and Jungkook reunited us. And I can’t thank you enough for that.”

Jimin’s confused frown turned into a shy smile, unprepared for the praise. “I didn’t do all that much. It was a team effort with me and Jungko—”

Suddenly Jimin tripped over a root, stubbing his toes and falling in an awkward position, twisting the joint in an unnatural way. He screeched as he nearly hit the ground before Taehyung lunged and caught him, but it was too late to save him from injury. Jimin's ankle was red and swelling, the omega wincing as Taehyung untangled and freed his leg from the root.

“Oh shit, Jimin,” Taehyung eased the omega to the floor. “Should I take you back to the witch?”

“We can’t. We don’t have much time to get back before guard dogs start roaming the perimeters of the land.” Jimin said, tears forming in his eyes from the pain. “I’m alright. I can walk.”

Jimin weakly tried to get to his feet, only to collapse the minute he put weight on his ankle. Taehyung caught him once more, scooping him up and carrying the omega back.

“Don’t worry,” Taehyung promised, walking quicker than before. “I’ll get you a nurse.”

Taehyung tried to walk as swiftly yet carefully as possible, so Jimin felt limited jostling on his swelling ankle. The alpha knight got Jimin back to the servant’s barracks, ensuring that the omega’s injury would be cared for before the omegas shooed him out. Jimin assured Taehyung that he’d be okay, thanked him for carrying him, and gave Taehyung the satchel before the omega servants closed the door behind the alpha knight.

Taehyung sighed, unsatisfied that he couldn't make sure Jimin was alright. He pulled the satchel over himself as he started making his way to the balcony to wait for Yoongi, when he and Jungkook crossed paths, a smile on the younger knight's face upon seeing his friend.

“Hey.” Jungkook greeted him as they approached, his friendly smile slowly fading as he got close enough to pick up on Taehyung’s scent.

“What’s that look for?” Taehyung chuckled, though the other alpha knight did not look amused.

“Why do you smell like Jimin?” Jungkook asked, his eyes following down to find Jimin’s satchel on Taehyung.

“He sprained his ankle while we were in the woods so I carried him back.” Taehyung said, careful not to disclose their mission while in the walls of the castle.

“Why were you in the woods with him?” Jungkook asked, Taehyung’s smile gradually fading as well, confusion replacing it.

“He needed to show me something.” Taehyung said, furrowing his brows. “Is everything okay?”

Taehyung’s question seemed to yank Jungkook back into reality, and his eyes which had momentarily gone narrow now widened, the younger shocked by his own behavior.

“Yeah, sorry. I was just curious.” Jungkook cleared his throat, slipping past Taehyung. “I’m gonna check on Jimin.”

Taehyung stared after the knight, puzzled, as Jungkook scurried away. 

What was that about?

Taehyung didn’t let it concern him past the initial thought, as he made his way to the balcony. A smile curved at his lips as he approached and heard the familiar clicking of Yoongi’s crochet needles tapping together as he knit.

“Prince Yoongi?” Taehyung asked, pressing himself against the wall so he remained in the shadows.

Yoongi’s head popped over the patio deck, blessing Taehyung with his excited smile once he landed eyes on the alpha.

“Hi, Taehyung.” Yoongi greeted softly as he got comfortable on his balcony. “I made you something.”

“You did?” Taehyung’s face lit up, reaching his arm out for the prince to place the object in his hand.

“It’s nothing much. I know you’re not allowed to have a lot of possessions in the barracks here.” Yoongi said, and Taehyung held it up to see it was a simple yarn bracelet made of green and white—his and Yoongi’s favorite colors.

“I love it.” Taehyung beamed, looping it around his wrist tne holding his arm out for Yoongi to secure it with a knot. 

“You don’t have to wear it often,” Yoongi said, once he’d finished fastening it. “I just wanted to make you something to show my gratitude for how well you’ve taken care of me.”

“I’ll wear it everyday.” Taehyung vowed. “But you have nothing to show me gratitude for, I’m simply doing my duties.”

“Which is far more than what’s been asked of you.” Yoongi insisted. “I’ve never had a servant nor a knight so loyal as you are. You’ve done everything for me since the day you were assigned as my servant.”

“Not everything…” Taehyung’s eyes fell slightly, landing on Yoongi’s painful mate mark. He’d come to the conclusion that Thomas must be biting him every night, since it always looks like a fresh wound, as if Yoongi had just gotten it to stop bleeding.

Yoongi could sense where Taehyung’s eyes had focused and looked away, pulling his cloak up higher to try and hide the ugly mark.

“Not everything is possible.” Yoongi responded, his voice small. “What you’ve done for me is more than enough. And I know you’re too humble to accept praise, but I will give it to you anyway.”

A rustling in Yoongi’s room caused both of them to snap their heads at the entrance to Yoongi’s balcony, the omega’s heart spiking as he waited to see if Thomas would wake. Fortunately, the alpha prince just flopped to his side, snoring away, and both of them let out sighs of relief.

“Before I forget.” Taehyung said, reaching into the satchel before stretching out his arm again to hand the vial to Yoongi. “Jimin and I got this for you.”

“You did?” Yoongi questioned, eagerly taking the little bottle.

“He showed me where the witch’s cottage is, so I can get it for you now if he can’t.”

“Thank you, Taehyung.” Yoongi smiled down at him, hiding the vial in his sleeve. “Is it a long trek there? Jimin says it isn't, but I don't know if he's just saying that so I don't feel bad.”

“It’s not too deep into the woods.” Taehyung said. “The whole thing would have taken us about thirty minutes, but Jimin hurt himself on the way so we had to go slower.”

“He hurt himself?” Yoongi asked in concerned. “Is he alright?”

“Yes, it didn’t seem like he broke anything. Just twisted his ankle awkwardly.” Taehyung said. “Thankfully we were together so I could carry him back, otherwise he might have hurt himself.”

“I’m sure he’s grateful you were there.” Yoongi said. “I certainly am.”

“That’s relieving to hear.” Taehyung responded. “I think Jungkook was upset that we went in the first place, which is odd since Jimin always goes.”

Yoongi grinned, amused by Taehyung’s oblivion. “I don’t think he was upset that Jimin went, so much as the fact that you were with him.”

“Me?” Taehyung’s brows knitted together in confusion. “What trouble do I cause by going?”

“Nothing, we all know that, and so does he.” Yoongi explained. “But you know alphas, and how they get with omegas they’re courting.”

Taehyung’s eyebrows raised, his eyes widening at the completely unanticipated news. “Jungkook is courting Jimin?”

“I would think so.” Yoongi said with a little giggle. “Based on the comments Jimin makes, I’m pretty sure there’s something growing between them.”

Taehyung reflected back at how defensive Jungkook got when interrogating him about why he smelled like Jimin, and it started to click for him.

“Wow, I had no idea.” Taehyung commented, a little guilty that he’d missed any signs or indication from one of his best friends that he’d been developing feelings for an omega. “I don’t know how I missed that.”

“I think they’re very secretive about it.” Yoongi tried to ease the knight's worries. “I also believe—based on what Jimin says—that Jungkook is a little shy about it, so maybe he’s refrained from telling you.”

“That would make sense.” Taehyung concluded. “He’s always been a little timid about that stuff. I honestly didn’t even know for certain that he liked men.”

“You didn’t?” Yoongi questioned.

“I had a slight hunch, but he never talks about his love interests or sex life.” Taehyung shrugged. “Well, that’s good to know. I’ll be more careful around Jimin now.”

“I doubt you or Jimin ever gave him a reason to worry.” Yoongi comforted him. “Unless you do have a secret crush that you’ve been too shy to tell me.”

Yoongi said it playfully, but there was hidden insecurity thinly veiled behind it.

“There’s not much I could hide from you even if I tried.” Taehyung grinned, a bit bittersweet as he met Yoongi’s eyes. “And even if there is something I haven’t told you, I doubt it’s anything you haven’t already figured out.”

Yoongi’s stomach did somersaults as he quickly looked away, his cheeks going pink as he pretended to focus on crochet. Taehyung knew this would likely be the omega’s reaction, and he couldn’t allow himself to be disappointed. There were layers upon layers of reasons why Yoongi couldn’t respond with much else, and just as many reasons why Taeyung couldn’t elaborate further.

Not that he needed to. They both knew what he would say if he could.

────༺♥༻────

Thomas got sick from some prostitute he’d had sex with, which resulted in Yoongi catching the virus and both of them bedridden for a week. Taehyung seethed, not only over not getting to see Yoongi, but over Thomas being so careless to his husband that he would get Yoongi sick with god-knows-what. It could have been the plague, leaving both of them lifeless within three days, and it would have all been the narcissistic alpha prince’s fault.

If that had been the case, Taehyung would have bust down the door and spent Yoongi’s last hours together, willingly accepting and welcoming the sickness in doing so. He also would've made sure that if Thomas was going to die anyway, it was going to be from Taehyung's hands, not the plague.

Thankfully, Jimin gave Taehyung word after seven days that both the princes were healing from their ailment, and sent Taehyung off to Merida’s to fetch a specific concoction to help Yoongi regain his strength faster. Once Jimin gave Taehyung word that Thomas was well enough to go back out, the alpha would await Yoongi at the balcony in anticipation.

The alpha knight was manning his post when Jimin peeked from down the hall, looking both ways before rushing to meet Taehyung.

“Hey, Jimin.” Taehyung greeted him with a smile, though it immediately faltered as he took in Jimin’s state.

“You can go visit him now.” Jimin said, hunching over and leaning his weight on the wall as he tried to catch his breath. 

“Are you alright?” Taehyung asked, putting aside his yearning to bolt over to the balcony and see Yoongi in order to take care of his friend.

“Yeah, I’m alright.” Jimin said with zero sincerity, his voice trembling almost as bad as the rest of his body.

“You don’t seem alright.” Taehyung looked over the very ill-looking omega. “Are you sick? Do you want me to get the nurse?”

“No no, it’s okay, really—”

Suddenly Jimin doubled over, holding onto his stomach and groaning in pain. 

“Jimin!” 

Taehyung crouched down next to him, and then the realization hit him like a wave. The omega was sweating profusely, and the scent of Jimin filled the room and clouded the hallway.

“Are you in heat?” Taehyung asked as another surge of pheromones flooded from the omega servant.

“Y-yeah.” Jimin choked out. 

“Shit, Jimin.” Taehyung shed his outer shirt, covering the oemga with it to try and mask the scent. 

He didn’t know all the knights in the castle from Lee's army, and he didn’t trust any of them around a helpless omega servant in heat.

“Hold on.” Taehyung scooped Jimin up into his arms, rushing down to the omega barracks. “I’ll take you to your bed.”

“N-no, I can’t go there.” Jimin said, holding his stomach in pain, his sentences becoming less coherent. “I have to go the the barn. On the top loft is where omegas spend their heat.”

Taehyung stopped and switched paths, running out through the kitchen and to the barn. Jimin was nearly convulsing, his sweat soaking through Taehyung’s shirt. 

“I’m sorry.” Jimin whimpered through his pain, tears streaming down his face.

They both knew what Jimin was referring to—being an omega in heat around an alpha like Taehyung. Most alphas would be falling to their knees if not tearing off Jimin’s clothes by now, and Jimin felt as though he may be putting Taehyung in a predicament of painful temptation despite his love for Yoongi.

However, for some reason, Taehyung felt no such lure towards the omega servant, despite Jimin producing such strong pheromones that it was almost stifling. Even with Jimin crying and hiding into Taehyung’s neck—a sign of the utmost submission from an omega to an alpha—all Taehyung cared about was making sure his friend was safe, not that he wanted to take Jimin as his own in this vulnerable time.

“Do you want me to get the nurse?” Taehyung asked as he brought Jimin into the barn. “What can I do for you?”

Jimin hesitated, struggling to use the rational side of his brain while his instincts were screaming for the nearest alpha available—aka, Taehyung. However, Jimin managed to reach into his conscience one last time and request the person who he really wanted.

“Jungkook.” Jimin choked out. “Get Jungkook.”

“Of course.” Taehyung said, laying Jimin down on the cot up in the loft amongst the hay. “I’ll have him here swiftly.”

“Please hurry.” Jimin cried, already trying to peel off his clothes.

Taehyung had enough sense to take back his shirt that he’d draped over Jimin before he left so Jungkook didn’t have to smell another alpha when he arrived. His clothes were wet from Jimin’s sweat, and he ran to the field where he knew Jungkook’s post for the night was.

“Jungkook!” Taehyung called over to him, the younger looking up with concern.

“Yes?”

“It’s Jimin.” Taehyung said, stopping right as he reached his friend, who was immediately on high alert.

“Jimin?” Jungkook jumped to his feet. “What’s wrong? Is h—“ 

Suddenly Jungkook got a whiff of Taehyung, and genuinely snarled, broadening his shoulders and squaring up to the older alpha. Typically, Taehyung would be confounded by the reaction, but in this case, he knew why he was receiving it.

“Why the fuck do you smell so strongly of him?” Jungkook demanded, and Taehyung groaned, grabbing the younger by the arms and shaking him.

“Get a hold of yourself! Jimin needs you.” Taehyung snapped Jungkook out of it, the younger alpha’s eyes going wide in concern over hearing the omega servant was in dismay.

“He does? Where is he?” Jungkook asked frantically.

“In the barn, up in the loft—”

Taehyung didn’t get to finish until Jungkook was bolting away, running faster than the older had even seen him go in battle. Taehyung breathed a sigh of relief, heading to douse himself in water and change his clothes to rid himself of another omega’s heat scent before going up to Yoongi.

It was about sunset when Taehyung was on the balcony. Yoongi looked so weak and fragile after a week in bed, but joyful to be outside at last, and in the presence of Taehyung. 

“Are you well enough to be outside, Prince Yoongi?” Taehyung asked nervously. “I don’t want you to overexert yourself.”

“I’m alright, Taehyung. I’ve spent far too long in my bed.” Yoongi smiled fondly. “How have you been in my absence?”

“Worried about you.” Taehyung answered in sincerity. 

“But aren’t you always worried about me?” Yoongi teased.

“Only when I’m not there to protect you.” Taehyung said, slightly playing along though they both knew he meant it. 

Yoongi smiled to himself, his trembling fingers started to work on a piece he’d been crocheting before getting sick.

“I saw Jungkook running like a madman after you told him something.” Yoongi said. “Did something happen?”

“Jimin started his heat, and he asked me to get Jungkook for him.” 

“Is that why Jungkook looked ready to rip your face off at first?” 

“Yes, I carried Jimin to the barn and I was covered in his scent. It made Jungkook feral until I told him to go help Jimin.”

Yoongi didn’t respond for a moment, as if trying to choose his words carefully.

“That’s impressive he had enough presence of mind to ask for another alpha.” 

Yoongi didn’t need to elaborate on what he'd said, they both knew what he was referring to. Any other omega would have been begging for the nearest alpha to take care of them, which would have been Taehyung, in Jimin's case. And any other alpha would have jumped on an omega in heat as strong as Jimin, getting furious at the idea of fetching another alpha to take care of it.

“I think he might be in love with Jungkook.” Taehyung said. “He wanted him badly.”

“I’m impressed you were able to find Jungkook for him.” Yoongi ventured, his wording vague though the insinuation clear.

“I’m not.” Taehyung said, glancing up at Yoongi. “I just wanted to make sure Jimin was safe before I found who he needed to handle it.”

“I’ve never heard of an alpha with such self control.” Yoongi said, his teasing tone dropping as he delivered a sincere compliment. “You truly are amazing.”

“I don’t think I’m anything special.” Taehyung said. “Any alpha in my position would have had the same goal as me.”

They were dancing so close to the sun, there wasn’t much more beating around the bush the two could do before Taehyung outright explained why he had no interest in fucking Jimin, and why he could resist all other omegas, except one.

Yoongi focused on his crochet, utilizing the last of the daylight, and Taehyung looked out over the horizon where the sun was setting.

“There goes a few of the newly recruited knights.” Taehyung commented.

Yoongi looked up to see where Taehyung was referencing, and sure enough there was a pack of 4 boys escaping across the field and into the forest.

“Good for them.” Yoongi said.

The knight looked up at Yoongi, surprised at the prince being so open about his favor of leaving the castle. “You wish to run away?”

Taehyung knew that Yoongi was miserable, but he never dreamed that the prince would even imagine the idea of leaving. Yoongi had been given the opportunity to flee, but his dedication to his kingdom and his father had outweighed his desire for happiness, and he’d ultimately opted to reject Taehyung’s proposal of escape and stay. 

“Of course. Most nights I dream of it.” Yoongi looked down at Taehyung. “Don’t you?”

“Sometimes.” Taehyung said, a slight grin curling at his lips. “Though that’s not what I’m usually dreaming about at night.”

The way he gazed at Yoongi when he said it had the prince’s cheeks heat to a pink as he looked back out at the horizon. Yoongi longed so desperately to be racing off, to leave this place far behind, but he knew he never could. The knights could, and it wasn’t too hard for them too. Taehyung easily could, and though it would rip Yoongi’s heart out, he wanted the best for his knight.

“You can run with them, if you want.” Yoongi reminded Taehyung. “You can get away from here.”

“There is nothing for me out there.”

“There is freedom.” Yoongi responded, looking down at his hands. “You can be free.”

“But you’d still be here.” Taehyung said. “So I would never be truly free.”

“You don’t need to waste your life here out of duty to me, Taehyung.” Yoongi told him, somberly. 

“I do not stay out of duty.” Taehyung responded.

“Then why do you stay?”

“Your highness, I think you know very well why I stay.” 

Yoongi slowly looked over at Taehyung, who was staring intently back.

“You are my everything, Prince Yoongi. Where you go, I will go. Without you, there is nothing for me. I can leave, but I would never be free, unless you’re with me.”

Yoongi kept looking into Taehyung’s eyes, yearning so direly to reach out and touch the alpha's face, to tell him how much he wanted to escape with the knight and leave everything behind forever. 

But he could never.

He was a prince, and they would be found within a day, no matter how far they went. Plus, he was mated—branded with Thomas’s mark for life. Taehyung deserved more than to spend his days with an omega he couldn’t even sleep with. Yoongi’s body would reject Taehyung if they tried, due to the prince being molded to his terror of a husband forever by his mating mark.

────༺♥༻────

Neither of them saw Jungkook or Jimin for the entirety of the omega servant’s heat. Taehyung was slightly worried for his friends, but he knew better than to get anywhere near that barn house while Jimin was in heat with Jungkook present.

After about a week, Jimin and Jungkook finally emerged. Thomas was gone and Taehyung had snuck to the balcony to spend time with Yoongi.

“There they are.” Yoongi pointed the pair out to Taehyung. 

The two looked over and saw Jungkook carrying Jimin to the lake to clean both of them. They were both weak from exerting so much energy, but their faces were glowing and they were looking into each other's eyes with deep adoration.

“They’re sweet together.” Yoongi commented, gazing endearingly.

“They are.”

“I wonder if they mated.” Yoongi pondered out loud, surprising Taehyung.

“Mated?” Taehyung asked in surprise. “After just one heat?”

“Well, the fact that Jimin had enough logical reasoning left to ask for Jungkook when you took him to the barn as his heat hit, means they must have a deep connection.” Yoongi said. “Perhaps Jimin’s heat was all it took to seal the bond. That’s how most mates come to be.”

Taehyung could only make out their silhouettes from their distance, so he would never know until he finally saw Jimin up close and looked at his neck to check for a mate mark. The alpha glanced up at Yoongi’s neck, the prince covering his skin before Taehyung could see, knowing that’s what the knight would have been looking at.

Yoongi focused his eyes down at the sleeves of his cloak, running his fingers along the embroidery. He hadn’t gotten the chance to officially mate while his alpha was taking care of his heat. He hadn’t had the chance to mate with an alpha he loved, or even one that he chose on his own. His mating had been violent and traumatic, and the thought of others mating in the traditional, passionate yet loving fashion, made him long for what he’d never had. What he never would have.

“If they’re mated,” Taehyung started, “do you know what happens from then on regarding their heats and ruts? Or if they get pregnant?”

“I heard there’s a cellar for alphas in rut, but deeper into the forest there’s some huts made for mated servants of the king during their cycles.” Yoongi said. “Unless you find someone to mate, you’re going to need to find the cellar for your rut when it comes.”

The idea of mating someone else left a sour taste in Taehyung’s mouth. He knew deep in his soul that it would never happen.

“Did we have something similar back home?” Yoongi asked Taehyung, regarding the rut and heat centers.

“Not like this. We had designated barracks for those in heat and rut, but it was still within the castle, so it created problems when anyone could walk by and smell the scent.”

“Did that ever happen to you?” Yoongi asked.

“All my ruts were after I got drafted, so I never had to use the designated barracks.” Taehyung said, pausing before venturing towards somewhat inappropriate territory. “Was that ever a problem during your heats?

He knew it wasn’t appropriate to ask any royal member—let alone the prince—about such a vulnerable time. But, it was Yoongi, and Taehyung had been dying to know since they hadn’t gotten to see each other during their years after presenting.

“No, once I presented my room was moved to the tower.” Yoongi told him. 

“Was it hard?” Taehyung asked, committing to continue asking further.

“It wasn’t comfortable by any means, but Mother Matilda had some remedies.” Yoongi said, glancing at Taehyung. “Were your first ruts hard?”

“Unbearable.” Taehyung answered immediately. “I didn’t know I could feel pain like that.”

“What did you do to remedy your symptoms?”

“Try and resist screaming.” Taehyung joked, though he wasn’t really kidding. “Thankfully my rut is in the winter, so at least I wasn’t burning up like Jimin having his heat in the summer.”

“Your rut is in the winter?” Yoongi questioned. 

“Yes, right around the end of the year.” 

“That’s the same time as my heat.” 

Neither of them spoke, both ruminating on the revelation made. It would have been extraordinary if they’d been in a universe where they could spend their cycles together. Instead, Yoongi was mated to someone else, and was expected to not only spend his heat, but also procreate with his mate.

“I’m expected to get pregnant by the end of the year, since I’ve been cared for by the healer.” Yoongi broke the silence.

It shattered something within Taehyung, to not only have to imagine Yoongi spending his heat with a mate he fears, but also being impregnated by him.

Commotion that Thomas had returned home broke the two out of their conversation. Taehyung promised Yoongi he’d come back again that night and returned to his post, the omega prince going back into his room to await his husband.

Unfortunately, Thomas didn’t care to have dinner, which meant there would be no drink for Yoongi to slip the elixir into. Jimin was the only servant trusted to drop some of the elixir into Thomas’s water, and he was still regaining his strength, so Yoongi had to suffer the night with Thomas until he fell asleep. Once Jimin heard of Thomas’s return, he rushed to bring them water with the sedative in it, but it was too late.

By the time Thomas had drank the water and passed out, he’d already gotten his hands on Yoongi for hours. Jin and Namjoon made Taehyung stay far away, and by the time Jimin finally told them that Thomas had passed out, Taehyung was sprinting for the balcony.

“Prince Yoongi?” Taehyung called from behind the balcony, watching as the curtain blew in the wind. “Prince Yoongi? Are you awake?”

There was just silence for over a minute, until the omega finally appeared. His hood was all the way up, a cloak pulled up around his mouth as he hobbled to the entrance, hiding behind the curtain, only his eyes slightly visible through his bangs veiling them.

“You should go to bed, Taehyung.” The omega told him.

“I can’t go to bed until I see you.” Taehyung pleaded. 

“I don’t want you to see me like this.” Yoongi said, candidly.

“I can’t see you well from down here, remember?” Taehyung persisted. “Please, Prince Yoongi? I just want to make sure you’re safe now.”

Yoongi took another minute to contemplate, before coming out from behind the curtain and onto the balcony. He was limping as he struggled to take a seat where he normally did to speak to Taehyung, only this time he faced forward to look at the moon, his cloak and hood hiding his side profile from the knight entirely.

Now that he was here, Taehyung hadn’t the slightest clue as to what he should say. He’d begged Yoongi to come out, but now the alpha was speechless. What could he say? He couldn’t ask Yoongi if he was alright, because the answer was obvious. He couldn’t apologize for not being there to stop it, because there was nothing Taehyung would have been able to do. 

Taehyung felt remorseful for asking Yoongi to come out just to sit in silence, when he heard sniffles coming from the balcony above. The knight’s head shot up to look and see Yoongi’s shoulders trembling under his cloak, signifying that he was crying

“Prince Yoongi?” Taehyung asked in desperation.

“I’m not ready to have kids.” Yoongi said in a soft voice, continuing the conversation they were having before Thomas had come home. “I don’t want to get pregnant, especially not if it’s from him.”

Taehyung’s heart broke, and it took everything in him not to hop up to the terrace and take Yoongi in his arms, to hold him close and comfort him. It was the most direct and outspoken Yoongi had said about his husband, since they were always careful to dance around the topic in case there were untrustworthy knights or servants of Thomas's around to hear. But Yoongi couldn’t hold it in at this moment. He was hurt, and Taehyung was here, and he was going to cry to his knight—the only person he felt he could cry to.

“I’m so sorry, Prince Yoongi.” Taehyung said, feeling his chest caving in with guilt and yearning to console Yoongi in a way he couldn’t.

“I don’t want to be pregnant by him, I don’t want to carry his children, and I don’t want to raise offspring with a father like that.” Yoongi continued crying quietly. “Even if the kids weren’t born with a soul as wicked as his, being fathered by him would ruin any chance they had at developing a good heart.”

It was true. While the kids were not destined to become evil just because of who their parents were, they would certainly become just as wretched if raised by someone like Thomas. It wouldn’t matter what Yoongi did—in the royal family, the alpha prince or king always had the final say in how their kids turned out. Yoongi hardly knew his own mother, since it was up to his father to make sure he turned out how he planned. And once his father found out Yoongi was an omega, he cast him away into his room in the tower.

“When I have kids, I want them to be raised with a father that’s loving and gentle and kind.” Yoongi continued, still sniffling. “I want them to have a devoted father that takes care of them, even better than he takes care of me as his mate.”

Yoongi finally looked down at Taehyung, the alpha’s vision landing on Yoongi’s swollen bruised eye, his tears falling down and soaking into the cloak around his mouth to cover what had to be more forming bruises. It was heart wrenching to see someone as loving and delicate as Yoongi be battered this way.

“If I have kids, I want their father to be someone like you.” Yoongi finally said with resolution. “You’re always so good to me no matter what. You serve me above yourself, and you listen to me and care for me. I want someone to treat my kids like you treat me. I want my kids to be raised by a father like you.”

Taehyung felt it like a blow to his gut. Imagining a family with Yoongi, imagining them raising their kids together, teaching them about life and conjoining their own love and care for each other to give their children the best life one could possibly be born into. Taehyung wanted all of that with Yoongi so desperately that it hurt, and he could never give it to Yoongi. He could never give Yoongi kids if the omega was mated to someone else, though he could not shake the idea of a family with Yoongi from his mind.

“If you were to have kids, and ever escape from here with them—” Taehyung started, “—and if you still wanted me, I would raise them with you.”

Yoongi’s eyebrows knitted together, wiping his tears with his sleeve then wincing when the cloth brushed over his bruises.

“What?”

“If you asked me to, I would raise your kids with you. Even if they weren’t from me.” Taehyung told him. 

As an alpha, raising children from another alpha was practically unheard of. The bond could never exist like with their mated parents, and it was an exponential amount of extra work to build that love and trust that the kids were born with from their alpha parent.

“You would?” Yoongi asked, almost in disbelief, until he remembered it was Taehyung he was speaking to. A man with a heart of gold.

“I would do anything you asked me to,” Taehyung reminded him, “And happily so. If it meant having a family with you, I would take the father role of your children as my own, and raise them with the same servitude that I show you.”

It was a cruel game they were playing. It could never happen, and it never would. They would never be together, and the children would become monsters just like their father if raised under Thomas. But, the conversation revalidated feelings they couldn’t say, and if the false realities they thought up got them through the nights, then that’s what they would do.

────༺♥༻────

Yoongi roused with Jimin leaning over him, gently shaking his shoulder. 

“Prince Yoongi?” Jimin’s voice was soft as he tried to wake Yoongi as calmly as possible.

The omega prince’s eyelids slowly lifted, and blinked a couple times, finishing with a little yawn before meeting Jimin’s eyes.

“Yes?” Yoongi asked, his voice raspy from being awoken from his slumber.

“I’ve come to help you get ready.” Jimin informed him. “Prince Thomas has been invited to a gala in the neighboring kingdom, and he expects you to join him.”

Yoongi furrowed his brows, pushing himself up to sit straight in his bed and face Jimin. “He wants me to come?” 

“Yes. It will be your first public appearance as the heirs to the throne.” Jimin confirmed.

Yoongi slowly lifted his hand to his face to feel for any bruises or marks. Thomas hadn’t hit him in a while, and he imagined that the bruises from the night Jimin hadn’t given him elixir were probably healed for the most part by now—at least to the point where makeup could cover them.

The prince refused to look at himself in the mirror. The first couple months, he made the mistake of checking the bruises. Now he covered all reflective surfaces and continued to wear clothes that covered nearly every inch of his skin, terrified to see the welts and wounds inflicted by his husband.

“The marks are mostly faded.” Jimin told him with an encouraging smile. “I’ll make sure they’re completely concealed. We need to get you ready so we’re on the road in time.

As the prince started to get out of bed, he noticed a change in Jimin. His eyes zeroed in on his neck, a little grin curving his lips.

“I see you and Jungkook have gotten really close.” Yoongi said, the servant realizing his mate mark was exposed.

“Oh…yes.” Jimin responded, a blush forming on his cheeks as he ghosted his fingers over his branding.

“I’m happy to see it.” Yoongi said sincerely. “Jungkook is a really good person.”

Jimin tried to subdue the excited smile on his face as he thought about his mate. “He really is.”

“Taehyung told me that Jungkook nearly mauled him when he retrieved him for you.” Yoongi teased, making Jimin cover his face in embarrassment. 

“Taehyung mentioned that. I apologized and Jungkook did too once our heads were clear.”

Yoongi snickered, endeared by the two young mates. 

“He understood completely.” Yoongi eased Jimin's embarrassment. “We were just happy that you two found each other.”

Growing up in the royal family, it wasn’t too often he came across couples that mated by choice. Almost everyone had been arranged, much like Yoongi, and there was some sort of enchanting giddiness that came with the idea of being in love.

Yoongi knew that part of it, but he didn’t know what it would be like to end up as mates with the one he was in love with, and he never would.

Two hours later, Yoongi and Jimin were entering the carriage behind Thomas. The coachman closed the door once they were all settled and climbed onto his seat at the front, snapping the reins and embarking on their trek to the neighboring kingdom. Yoongi simply stared out the window while Thomas spoke with his advisor, taking swigs of his flask throughout the trip. 

Yoongi lazily gazed at the scenery passing by, the knights on their horses riding alongside as guards. Yoongi’s eyes caught Namjoon’s as the knight rode the horse next to them which surprised him, seeing as he hadn’t expected Thomas to bring along any knights that weren’t trained under his army. Finding the familiar knight from home provided Yoongi with a slight sense of ease, and he gave the knight a small grin.

Namjoon nodded to him then glanced over his shoulder, prompting Yoongi to follow where he was looking. His focus landed on Taehyung riding his horse behind Namjoon, and a blanket of comfort wrapped around the prince's heart as he caught sight of his knight, Taehyung's presence almost instantaneously subduing all anxiety Yoongi felt about this journey. It took Jimin subtly nudging Yoongi with his knee for the prince to refrain from exposing his excitement on his face in front of the cruel alpha prince.

Yoongi maintained his composure, but he kept his eyes on Taehyung, who was free to give a warm expression to reassure the omega prince that he was right there with him. Taehyung’s presence always put Yoongi at ease, even back since they were kids, and he found it within himself to appreciate being outside of the castle at last. He let the new autumn breeze flow through his bangs as he admired the trees they passed by, the leaves turning yellow and orange and nearly ready to fall with the ending of summer, creating crunchy piles just waiting to be leapt into.

Suddenly the carriage slowed to a halt as they approached the bridge overarching the stream, causing Yoongi and Jimin to glance at each other in confusion.

“Why have we stopped?” Thomas barked, leaning his head out the window to yell at the coachman.

“I apologize, your highness. Upon evaluation, this bridge is unsafe to cross.” The nervous coachman said, fearful of Thomas’s reaction.

“What do you mean it’s unsafe to cross?”

“It’s heavily corroded. If we put the weight of the entire carriage on it, the stones will break apart and send us down the waterfall just ahead.”

“Well then what the hell are you going to do about it?” Thomas spat. “We will not be absent from this gala, and I refuse to walk the rest of the journey.”

The coachman looked over to speak with some of the knights, all of them frantically trying to figure out a plan of action. After a couple minutes of deliberation, the coachman looked back into the window.

“The only way to get across with the carriage is for the knights to pull it across, but we advise everyone to exit and cross first in case the carriage cannot take the strength of the current.” 

Thomas grunted in dissatisfaction, eventually getting up and stumbling to the door.

“If you let this carriage flow down the river, I’ll have all of you hanging by your feet in chains.” Thomas warned as he got out.

His advisor followed, then Yoongi and Jimin exited last. Thomas observed the bridge to find that it was indeed falling apart, unsafe for them to cross even on foot.

“Well how do you expect us to get over?” Thomas demanded. 

“We can have you ride one of the horses ov—”

“I’m not getting wet.” Thomas interrupted him. 

A couple of the knights had already started crossing the river on horseback, and the water reached up to their waists in doing so. The coachman anxiously looked over at one of the knights, who got off of his horse and approached.

“Right,” The coachman returned his focus to Thomas. “We can have one of our knights carry you across?”

Thomas rolled his eyes, but inevitably relented and let it happen. Taehyung practically leaped off of his horse to be the one to carry Yoongi over, until Thomas stopped him.

“My husband will not be touched by another alpha.” Thomas barked, stopping Taehyung in his tracks.

Everyone was stunned into silence. All knights were required to be alphas, and the beta coachman was far too old to be performing such a task as carrying a man, especially on slippery rocks over a raging river. Yoongi wouldn’t be surprised if the coachman ended up needing to be carried across at his age.

The only other person who could possibly carry him was Jimin, but the other omega was far too weak.

“I can cross.” Yoongi said, swallowing shallowly.

Yoongi wasn’t uncoordinated by any means, but he still had a significant fear of water. Even simple ponds still made him tense, yet he was now expected to make his way over powerful rapids while having an internal battle with his anxiety and trauma. However, no one was willing to go against the malicious prince, so Yoongi had to overcome his fears at least for the two minutes that that it would take to make his way over.

Plus, Taehyung was present. Event though the knight was forbidden from helping Yoongi across, the only time the prince felt even mildly brave near water was when Taehyung was there.

Yoonhi stepped up to the water’s edge, where the knight who had carried Thomas started off. Yoongi’s heart was pounding, flashbacks of thrashing in the lake as a child blazing through his mind. He had to remind himself of who it was that saved him, and who it was that made him feel less terrified around water, to give him enough strength.

Yoongi glanced over at Taehyung, who gave him a nod of reassurance. It was the look he’d always given Yoongi whenever they had to go near bodies of water after the near drowning incidence, nonverbally telling Yoongi that he’d be there to save him if something happened again.

The silent reassurance worked, and Yoongi took a breath as he stopped on the first rock, slowly making his way over the river. He was nearly at the edge when he lost his footing and slipped, plunging into the raging water beneath him, whisking him away and dragging him towards the waterfall. 

“Help!” Yoongi cried out, choking on water as he tried to stay above the surface while simultaneously fighting for his life against the current. “Please help!”

Thomas stood still, simply watching the river take his husband away, far too uncertain in his own swimming abilities to even keep himself afloat, let alone save Yoongi.

The water sucked Yoongi beneath it, the prince screaming and thrashing, until he felt arms around him, yanking him up to the surface. Yoongi wrapped his arms around his savior’s neck, trying to blink the river water out of his eyes.

“I’ve got you, Prince Yoongi.” Taehyung’s familiar voice reassured, a firm hand on the omega's back to keep him close as his other arm kept a grip on the rock stabilizing them from getting sucked down the waterfall. “I won’t let you go.”

Yoongi clung to Taehyung for dear life as Hoseok threw a rope out to them, Taehyung tied it around them both and let his troupe pull them out of the current and into safety, Yoongi latching onto Taehyung and hiding into the alpha’s shoulder. Jungkook and Namjoon helped pull the two of them onto the river’s edge, and made quick work to untie them before the alpha prince reached them.

“What the hell did you do?!” Thomas demanded as he crossed the rocks himself, marching over to the scene on the other side of the river.

Both of them looked up in bewilderment, and Thomas reached forward to rip Yoongi off the knight and push him behind his back. It took everything in Taehyung not to lunge after Yoongi and protect him from his wretched monster of a husband, but he knew that would do nothing to help the situation.

“You pushed my omega into the water, you idiot!” Thomas yelled at the soaking wet alpha knight.

Taehyung’s eyes nearly popped out of his head, his jaw dropping as he got to his feet.

“What?” Taehyung demanded, speaking out of turn to the alpha prince. “He was drowning.”

“After you knocked him into the water.” 

“I would never do such a thing. I wasn’t even near him until I jumped in to save him from the river.”

“You dare to argue with your prince?” Thomas’s eyes narrowed on Taehyung, and Yoongi spun around to stand between the two.

“Alpha, it was my fault.” Yoongi tried to reason with the prince. “I lost my balance crossing the river and—”

The strength of the impact between Thomas’s palm and Yoongi’s cheek knocked the omega off his feet and onto the ground, and Jungkook and Jin lunged to catch Taehyung just in time before he launched himself at the alpha prince to rip his throat out. It took both of the knights full strength to restrain Taehyung, then Jin covered Taehyung’s mouth with his hand while Thomas's attention was on Yoongi. Jin harshly whispered to Taehyung to shut the fuck up before he got himself and Yoongi both killed.

“I’ll deal with you later.” Thomas snarled at Yoongi, who held a hand up to his throbbing cheek, trembling from disorientation after the blow.

Thomas then looked at his main guard. “Take this knight back to be flogged for his insolence.” 

Despite how faint he felt, Yoongi tried to get up and plead for Thomas to revoke the sentencing, but Jimin dropped to his knees next to the omega prince and gripped Yoongi's arm in a wordless plea not to say anything and make it worse. Yoongi looked into Taehyung’s eyes, the alpha co-signing Jimin’s silent warning by shaking his head, nonverbally begging Yoongi not to intervene any further.

Yoongi, absolutely and utterly defeated, had to watch as Jin and Jungkook took him away, Thomas’s knight walking behind with his whip in his hand. Then, Yoongi felt Thomas’s grip on his arm, yanking him up to his shaky legs, his knees about to buckle as the alpha got in his face.

“When will you finally learn your fucking place?” Thomas seethed. “You’ll regret defying my order.”

Yoongi quivered and bowed his head in submission. 

“I’m sorry, alpha.” He practically whispered, flinching when Thomas’s hold on Yoongi's arm got stronger, his face closer, and his voice venomous. 

“You will be.”

────༺♥༻────

Yoongi laid in bed, watching and waiting for his husband to fall sleep. He’d snuck a significant amount of elixir into his goblet, given that tonight’s endeavor was the riskiest of all.

Thomas knocked back the rest of his beer, stumbling to bed so bad he was practically crawling. By the time Thomas's head hit the pillow, he was completely out cold, the elixir practically guaranteeing that he would stay unconscious for the rest of the night.

Yoongi got out of bed, tiptoeing around to where Thomas’s bedside table was. He held his breath as he inched his hand toward the handle until his fingers looped through. He kept nervously flicking his eyes back and forth between Thomas and the drawer as he opened it at an agonizingly slow pace.

He pulled it ajar just enough to slip his hand in, grabbing the key. Yoongi crept away once the metal was secured in his hand, slipping on his loafers and wrapping his cloak around himself as he made his way to the door. Despite the cooler weather with the beginning of autumn, Yoongi was sweating bullet from fear as he put the key in the hole and turned the lock. He opened it just the tiniest of a crack, taking one last peek at his husband before closing it behind him and bolting.

Yoongi had to be swift whilst minding the guards, hiding behind pillars and corners as he made his way down the floors. Finally, he got to the first floor of the castle, frantically looking around for a familiar face before landing on one.

“Sir Jin,” Yoongi asked, rushing over to stand before a very surprised Jin. 

“Prince Yoongi?” Jin questioned. “You’re out of your room?”

“I’m not supposed to be.” Yoongi told him, answering his internal question as to whether Thomas was aware or not. “Can you please tell me where Sir Taehyung is?”

Jin’s eyes widened at the brazen request, seeing as the prince had hardly walked around the castle unsupervised before, yet he was now asking to go to the area of the castle which no member of the royal family should every let themselves sink to.

“Your highness, it’s not safe for you to be out here at this hour.” Jin tried to reason, terrified for what would happen to the omega prince if Thomas were to wake.

“My husband is passed out drunk.” Yoongi said, desperation in his voice. “Please, I just need to make sure Taehyung's alright.”

Yoongi didn't even realize he'd dropped the formal title when speaking with such determination to see his knight. Jin was hesitant, but ultimately relented and decided to help the two hopefully not get killed.

Jin's eyes flicked up to do a quick perimeter check and make sure no one who would get them in trouble was near. Thankfully, it was just Jin's knights on guard at the moment, and Jungkook connected eyes with him, giving him a nod that the coast was clear.

“Alright, I’ll take you to him.” Jin said, motioning for Yoongi to follow. “I must advise you not to look at his back.”

“Is it that bad?” Yoongi asked, dread filling him to his core, only growing heavier when he saw the look on Jin’s face.

“It’s not a very pleasant sight.” Jin answered, honestly. “We can’t take much time either. The other guards of Prince Thomas will be here to rotate soon.”

“It doesn’t have to be long, I just need to see him.” Yoongi reassured Jin, walking with urgency.

Jin opened the door to the barracks, where Taehyung was lying on his stomach on one of the cots. A cloth was over his back, covering the slashes from the whip against his skin, and the fabric was stained with blood still dripping from the wounds. Yoongi choked on his own breath, fighting off squeamishness as he slowly descended the steps to Taehyung, checking to see if the alpha was awake.

“Taehyung?” Yoongi whispered as quietly as possible, so that if the alpha was asleep he wouldn’t wake him.

However, no matter how deep in sleep, Taehyung would always be attuned to Yoongi, and he slowly turned his head to see the prince approaching. A tired smile appeared on Taehyung’s face as he watched Yoongi stand before him.

“Hi, Prince Yoongi.” Taehyung rasped, his voice hoarse no doubt from the exhaustion of fighting off the pain.

“Taehyung,” Yoongi’s voice broke as he rushed to Taehyung’s side, kneeling beside him.

“Prince Yoongi,” Taehyung said in concern, “Please don’t lower yourself to my level, it’s not dignified.”

Yoongi completely ignored his request, holding onto the edge of Taehyung’s cot. “Taehyung, I’m so sorry. I’m so so terribly, horribly, heart wrenchingly sorry. This is all my fault.”

Tears streamed down Yoongi’s face, his knuckles white from holding onto the cot’s edge so hard. He wanted to hold Taehyung’s hand more than anything, to hide into his shoulder and beg forgiveness, but he couldn’t touch the alpha. The scent would last too long, and it would only end up worse for the both of them if Thomas woke up to find Yoongi smelling like the knight who'd humiliated the alpha prince by saving his omega husband.

“Please don’t apologize, Prince Yoongi.” Taehyung pleaded. “I’m not sorry. If I hadn’t jumped in after you, you would’ve drowned.”

“I would rather that have happened than this. What they’ve done to you…it’s not fair, you risked your life to save me, and in return you got lashed for it.”

“I would never wish for the alternative to me not saving you. I’d have no other purpose if you’d sunk to the bottom of that river or gone over that waterfall.” Taehyung insisted. “I’d take much more than some lashes if it meant keeping you safe.”

Yoongi shook his head, his lower lip trembling. “It’s not right.”

Against the omega prince’s better judgment, Yoongi reached over and with the tip of his finger, lifted the cloth covering Taehyung’s back just enough to see the bright red gashes across his skin, his flesh ripped and mangled from the whip, so much that it made Yoongi light headed as he gasped and fell backwards, barely catching himself on his hands.

“Prince Yoongi, are you alright?” Taehyung tried to move, instantly wincing and groaning in pain.

“D-Don’t,” Yoongi pleaded, trying to compose himself so as not to add more worries onto Taehyung’s conscience. “Please don’t move, you’ll hurt yourself more.”

Yoongi got back onto his knees, gathering his courage to pull the cloth over the wounds, causing the knight to flinch once before forcing himself to relax.

“I’m so sorry, Taehyung.” Yoongi whimpered, and Taehyung finally mustered a smile through the pain. 

“It’s alright, it looks worse than it feels. I’ve grown to be friends with the Lee knights assigned to whip me, so they went easy.”

Yoongi knew it was supposed to be comforting, but it didn’t help ease his grief in the slightest. It was horrid enough for Taehyung to get wrongly accused then whipped for saving Yoongi, but the fact that it was at his own friend’s hands on top of that? If this is what his back looked like with a light flogging, Yoongi couldn’t even imagine what state Taehyung would be in if he’d been whipped with full force. 

“Oh god, your face.” Taehyung ignored the searing pain in his back to reach forward, nearly cupping Yoongi’s cheek before remembering that he couldn’t touch the prince, and retracting his arm. “Are you in pain?”

“Am I in pain?” Yoongi asked, bewildered how Taehyung even had enough capacity to worry about the omega prince’s measly bruised face while his own back flesh had been effectively ripped open. “I’m fine, I’m used to getting hit by him. I’m not the one incapacitated from a session of lashing.”

Though Yoongi was correct in the fact that he was in nowhere near as much pain as Taehyung, it didn’t make the knight feel any better. Even hearing Yoongi say he was used to getting hit by the alpha prince enraged Taehyung beyond belief, and he had to clench his fist to control his anger.

“You shouldn’t have to be used to him hitting you. No one should be hitting you, or hurting you in any way.” Taehyung seethed.

“It’s just the way things are.” Yoongi sighed, holding onto his own knee and pretending it was Taehyung’s hand.

“It shouldn’t be. You should be treated like the prince that you are.” 

“And you should be treated as the hero you are.” Yoongi responded, sadly.

“If I could…” Taehyung lowered his gaze, causing Yoongi’s breath to catch in his throat.

“If you could, what?” Yoongi dared to ask.

“If I could…” Taehyung gave himself only another moment’s hesitation before looking into Yoongi’s eyes. “If I could, I would take you away from here. I’d take you so far where they’d never get within a hundred miles of you, and I’d keep you safe from harm like I’m supposed to—like I was born to do.”

Yoongi’s smile was pained, as he imagined the fantasy land that Taehyung painted: one where they were free from the kingdom, far far away in their own utopia, free from ever having to fear for their lives due to Yoongi's own father. Free to just exist together, like they were always meant to do.

“I know you would.” Yoongi smiled down at him, trying his best to comfort the knight without holding him like he so badly wanted to.

Even if he could, he wouldn’t know how, with Taehyung so gashed up and bleeding the way he was.

“Prince Yoongi?” Jin’s voice called from the hallway. “I apologize, but I need to return you to your room before the next rotation of guards comes.”

Yoongi gnawed on his lip, looking down at Taehyung who tried to give him a reassuring expression through his burning pain.

“I’ll be okay, Prince Yoongi.” Taehyung promised him. “I’ll just need a bit of time to heal, but then I’ll be back to see you on the balcony.”

The omega prince ached to touch Taehyung, to hold his hand and caress his beautiful face and promise he wouldn’t leave until the knight was healed. But he knew that if he were found down in the barracks with Taehyung, Yoongi would never see outside of his room again and Taehyung wouldn’t live to see another day.

In a desperate attempt to show any form of affection, Yoongi reached forward to take the pendant at the end of the necklace that Taehyung always wore—the only thing he had from his homeland before becoming Yoongi’s servant. He held it delicately in his hands, wiping the dirt on the engraving  and pressing a soft kiss to it before returning it back to where it hung from the small chain around his neck.

Taehyung understood that he was to take the kiss on his necklace from Yoongi as though it were on him, and he smiled at the prince, remorseful that there was nothing he could do to reciprocate the affection.

“I’ll ask Jimin to update me on how you’re doing.” Yoongi promised, giving the knight one last look of longing before following Jin so the knight could safely sneak him back up to his room.

Yoongi locked the door behind him and returned the key to Thomas’s bedside table, flopping back onto his side of the bed and wincing in pain from too much pressure on the areas of his body which Thomas hit him. Once he got in a position tolerable enough to sleep in, he held a pillow close to him and stared out the balcony window where the curtain was blowing in the brisk wind. The moonlight created a column of light from where it peeked past the cloth, and he had to remind himself not to get out of bed and wait for Taehyung on the balcony below like he normally would at this time.

Taehyung wouldn’t be coming. He was severely injured, due to Yoongi’s mistake, and now the omega prince could only wait on baited breath for every update Jimin provided him with on Taehyung’s healing status.

────༺♥༻────

Anxiously awaiting for updates on Taehyung felt more agonizing to Yoongi than the hours spent alone in isolation when Thomas left for the entire day. Memories of the fresh wounds from Taehyung’s back haunted Yoongi’s dreams, and the guilt was practically eating him alive. The moment Thomas left, Yoongi would sit and wait for Jimin on the floor, desperately trying to crochet to distract his thoughts anywhere else.

Jimin’s updates were pretty standard, though it concerned Yoongi how vague the servant’s answers came across when he asked follow-up questions, as if Jimin was careful not to give him any news that might alarm the omega prince. He kept telling Yoongi that Taehyung said he was feeling better, but there was nothing else to indicate whether or not there was truth to that, and it was starting to torment Yoongi not knowing if something far more serious had happened to the knight.

Nearly a month after the incident, Yoongi was sitting on the floor one afternoon after Thomas had left, waiting for Jimin to bring him his lunch and tell him anything regarding Taehyung. He jumped to his feet as he heard Jimin’s key jingling, indicating that he was at the door.

The servant rushed into the room, closing the door quickly behind him and looking at Yoongi with urgency.

“What is it? Did something happen to Taehyung?” Yoongi asked, anxiety spiking over the shift in Jimin’s typically composed demeanor.

“Prince Thomas is leaving for a month.” Jimin told him, holding both of his hands. “He’s being called to handle a war council, and lead the neighboring kingdom into battle. That’s what the gala you two went to was about—for him to privately speak with the king.”

Yoongi’s stomach dropped, his eyes going wide in fear. “Does he plan to bring me?”

“No.” Jimin shook his head. “He’s going to lock you in this room and keep you here. Alone.”

Yoongi wasn’t sure what the meaning of Jimin’s delivery in this news was. Sure, he was grateful to be safe from his brutal hands for a month, but he couldn’t understand the purpose of the oddly urgent tone Jimin set.

Jimin could sense the prince's confusion, and gave Yoongi’s hands a squeeze of excitement as he whispered.

“Thomas is going to be gone, and you’re going to be alone with no one but me checking up on you for a month. And no one has noticed that the guys have been covering for Taehyung’s rotations yet.”

It clicked to Yoongi what Jimin was insinuating and he jumped into action, his breath unsteady as he tried to think of how to execute a plan in the wake of such abrupt news.

“When is Thomas leaving?” Yoongi asked, too frantic to remember to address his husband with the correct title. If Thomas had heard Yoongi call him by simply his first name, the omega prince would’ve been struck across the face on the spot, and then more to come after.

“Tonight.” Jimin told Yoongi. “They’d agreed on it back at the gala, but no one told us. I only know because I overheard him and his advisor in the courtyard.”

Yoongi was trying to craft a plan, though his time was limited. If Thomas was leaving tonight, that meant that he would be coming back to their room soon to gather his belongings and most likely give Yoongi some parting threats of what would happen if the omega prince didn’t obey his rules while he was away. He knew that after Thomas left, his men would be guarding Yoongi’s room like a hawk, and he needed to make a decision now.

“Does Taehyung know?” Yoongi asked.

“Not yet. I was going to tell him after I told you and heard your plan of action.”

Yoongi bit his lip, weighing the options before looking at the younger omega with intensity. “Jimin, I need you to tell me honestly—is Taehyung actually healed enough to leave his bed?”

Jimin hesitated, clearly planning his words carefully before he spoke. 

“He is, but his back still has pretty severe welts. I’ve been putting an ointment from Ms. Merida on his skin to help it heal faster and sanitize from any infection, but cuts that deep can only heal so fast.” Jimin said, pulling the glass potion bottle from his pocket to show to the prince.

Yoongi took it from him, reading over the label and nodding before looking over at the door for a moment as he played out different possibilities.

“It’s too dangerous for him to come through the door.” Yoongi shook his head, then looked into the younger's eyes. “Jimin, I need you to swear something to me.”

Jimin looked a bit uneasy about agreeing to something without knowing the details, but nodded anyway.

“The only way for Taehyung to come here is if he climbs up the balcony. I know that with his strength, it would be no problem. But given his wounds, I don’t want him to exert too much of his muscles and potentially rupture any of the healing.” Yoongi prefaced. “I know for a fact that if you tell Taehyung that I said he could come, that he would no matter what the status of his health. So I need you to promise me that if his wounds are still too fresh, you'll find a way to stop him from coming up. Make up some lie about a knight on guard in here at all times if he asks, or that I’m too scared to risk getting in trouble. Whatever will make him stay away so he keeps resting to heal. I want to see him so bad, but if he’s still too injured, I can’t subject him to put himself in a situation that would prevent or regress his healing."

Jimin looked a bit reluctant in making such a promise, knowing how heartbroken Yoongi would be if he couldn’t see Taehyung for potentially another month in the event that everything was guarded too closley for the two to even talk through the balcony. They only had a small window of time when Thomas’s guards would be walking him out the front that Taehyung could sneak in before they returned and Yoongi was on strict lockdown under the alpha prince’s orders. 

“Jimin, please.” Yoongi begged. “I know Taehyung doesn’t see his lashing as my fault, but I do. I can’t let him get hurt any further because of me.”

The servant let out a dejected breath, bowing his head and nodding.

“I will assess his wounds. I promise, if he’s too hurt, he won’t come.” Jimin gave his oath. “If he is well enough, I’ll tell him to enter right as we walk Thomas out the door. If he’s not healthy enough, I’ll inform you when I come to bring your dinner.”

Yoongi smiled in relief, holding Jimin’s hands to his forehead in gratitude.

“Thank you Jimin.” Yoongi said, finally releasing his servant.

Yoongi tried not to worry over how disappointed Jimin seemed as he walked out of the room—as if knowing that, due to his promise to Yoongi, Taehyung would not end up with the omega prince for his month of freedom from Thomas.

A few hours later, Thomas returned to the room, a frown on his face as usual. Yoongi stood at the side of his bed, his eyes on the floor, while the alpha prince ordered his servants to gather what he needed. Yoongi was trembling, as he always seemed to be whenever Thomas was near, and after a few minutes the alpha sent his servants out of the room with his luggage, then he approached Yoongi. The omega desperately tried not to flinch as Thomas stood before him, but his husband’s fingers gripped his jaw and forced him to look up into his sinister eyes, resulting in Yoongi shrinking beneath the alpha prince.

“You are not to leave this room until I return. If this castle catches fire, you'll burn down with it. Do you understand?” Thomas commanded, to which Yoongi obediently nodded.

“Yes, alpha.” Yoongi promised, his voice quivering in fear. “I won’t leave.”

Thomas stared into Yoongi’s eyes a moment longer, as if trying to search for something hidden. The irrational fear that he knew what Yoongi was planning ghosted through the omega’s conscience, until Thomas released his face and walked out without a word, closing the door behind him. Yoongi heard the click of the lock and let out a deep breath of relief, his eyes shooting over to the balcony, aware that if Taehyung were to come, it would be within the next few minutes.

Yoongi rushed to his vanity, frantically brushing his hair and pulling on his silk sleep robe to look the slightest bit more presentable, though still avoiding looking at himself in the mirror. The omega prince heard movement from outside and he froze, ever so slowly shifting his body to face the balcony from his spot across the room.

Through his anxiety of getting his hopes too high, Yoongi took a step back, his heart pounding as he heard the vines rustling. He closed his eyes once he swore he could hear Taehyung nearing the top. The sound of footsteps landing on the terrace came from the balcony, and Yoongi slowly opened his eyes to see Taehyung standing before him in all his breathtaking glory under the moonlight, a soft smile on his face that reached his warm eyes, gazing at the omega.

“Hi, Prince Yoongi.”