Taming The Beast - Part II

Taming the Beast - Part II

(Thank you to Amelia @knjsnoona for the beautiful banner I love it!)

Pairing: Kim Taehyung (V) X Reader

Genre: Romance, Prince!AU, Angst, Fluff, (Future Smut)

Rating: 18+

Warnings: Violence, Gender inequality, Slight descriptions of drowning (if I forgot anything please let me know)

Words: 6.8k (Please bear with me and the shorter chapters until I can get more comfortable in the writing schedule - Thank you!)

Summary: You were the next in line to be the head of your village, when your mother gave you to the enemy to save your people from merciless slaughter. What happens when they try to Tame a Beast?

Your first appearance after being shipped to this inland hellscape was coming up closer than you thought possible.

There was some kind of knighting ceremony happening in the quad near the water. You were dressed in a lighter gown, something to keep the heat off of you. However, the men in uniform weren’t so lucky.

Coats of bright violet decorated their skin along with blazing white trousers running down their legs. Taehyung was standing next to you, looking on at the proceedings with a blank expression. He’d been avoiding you, yet again.

This seemed to be his normal with you however, so you tried not to let it affect you too much. Even if you were growing lonelier by the day. Your days were spent, either locked away in your room with tutors or roaming the grounds in search of someone, anyone to talk to.

This sense of isolation wasn’t normal for you. You’d grown up in a community, not shut off and left to rot in a glamorous cage that was far too suffocating for all it’s beauty. Perhaps that’s what they wanted though, for you to suffocate and finally give in to their demands. The offer was tempting, you couldn’t deny that. But what would become of your people if you stepped down? Walked away and let this tyrant of a King rule them in your stead?

Your decision was clear in your mind at least.

The knighting ceremony drolled on and on. The King’s voice echoed across several rows of men awaiting their chance to be recognized by the illusionist they called a royal. But out of the corner of your eye you noticed Taehyung swaying slightly. You turned your head to face him head on and he seemed to snap out of whatever daze he was in and kept his head forward.

Following suit you continued to drown out his majesty’s voice. You looked out across the water and sighed, trying to let the familiar scent of water fall over you. It did little to help you, however, only leaving a familiar ache in your chest as the smell of home etched itself into your nostrils.

Your feet were beginning to hurt, from standing for so long. The heat was also starting to get to you as well. Sweat was pouring down your spine and pooling into the fabric of your dress. Even if Elaine had selected something a little lighter for today’s proceedings you were just as warm as you would be in those other stuffy gowns.

That’s when you saw Taehyung swaying again. This time your eyes shot to him, instead of your whole head. He was incredibly pale, sweating profusely as he was dressed like all the other men today. But unlike how the other’s got some reprieve in the shade, Taehyung was stuck in the sunlight.

“Are you alright?” you whispered.

“Don’t speak,” he warned, keeping his head up.

“But-”

“Don’t.”

You shut your mouth.

You’d like to argue with him but the king’s shoulders were tensing at the sound of the two of you speaking, so you left it as it was. Him swaying and looking particularly rough in the light of the sun.

Soon, the ceremony finally came to an end. But there was a necessary gathering in the quad as the newly made knights mingled with their king and prince. But, instead of joining his father, Taehyung moved towards the back of the ground, leaning against the stone wall that kept the quad separated from the water.

You watched as he took his hat off, fanning himself with it desperately.

Why didn’t he just take off his jacket? Wouldn’t that be the simplest option here?

Moving towards him you watched in horror as he started to sway again. But, now he was up on the steps. You wanted to shout for him to get down, that he was going to fall that way but yelling, as you had been told on multiple occasions, was improper for a lady. So you tried your best to walk towards him without looking too frantic.

But, you were being stopped.

“My lady, it is best to leave him be for right now,” Xavier’s voice came through your ears.

“And let him fall into the water? Sounds like a great plan,” you growled. He tensed at your tone, but stood firm regardless of his slight fear of you.

“If you’re truly that worried then I’ll send someone to check on him in a moment,” he said, beginning to pull you back from the prince.

“Why can’t I just go do it now? At least let me get him away from the edge, look at him swaying like that!”

Xavier frowned and paid little attention to the ill prince on the stairs.

“He doesn’t need to be babied my lady, he’s a grown man and he will handle it himself,” he said.

Oh.

You understood now.

He didn’t want you fussing over him and making him look weak compared to you. He didn’t want these men here to think that you had any kind of power over the prince. He wanted it to be the exact opposite. Xavier wanted these men to see you bow to the royal advisor’s wishes and be a complacent bride to be.

To hell with that.

You ripped your hand away from Xavier’s surprisingly tight grip before heading off towards Taehyung.

“My lady!” Xavier almost yelled, but kept himself quiet for the sake of his guise... He must be patient... For now.

You stalked towards the stairs, little care for what anyone else thought as you watched Taehyung sway in an alarming fashion.

Just as you were about to reach for him, Taehyung’s body all but crumpled, falling over the edge of the wall and into the unforgiving waters below. You didn’t know it, but you screamed, looking down at the water as it bubbled, taking Taehyung deep into its depths.

Several people came rushing over and looked down.

“What happened?”

“Where is the Prince?”

“Oh God did he fall?”

Elaine moved forwards from the back, pale in the face as she looked down at the water beneath. You looked at her for a moment before she met your eyes.

“H-He can’t swim,” she croaked.

“He what?” you asked, gripping her shoulders. She balked at you for a few moments before righting herself in your grasp.

“The prince, he can’t swim,” she confirmed.

“Oh for the love of the Goddess,” you growled, ripping your hat off and pushing it towards her.

“My lady, what are you doing?” she asked.

“Saving that insolent pup,” you said, before flinging your shoes off and letting your hair down.

“Buy my lady! The current will suck you out further into the water!” Elaine said.

“That’s just a possibility, if I don’t go in there then he’ll certainly drown,” you said, rolling your shoulders before diving off the wall.

You pierced the water delicately, like an arrow shooting through the wind. You dove down, farther and farther until you saw Taehyung. Floating in the deep like a doll, body limp and unmoving.

Diving deeper than before you reached your hand out, grasping Taehyung’s wrist and hauling him forwards. You saw the docks under the water, and they weren’t that far from where you were now. If you could pull him up onto the docks, you’d be golden.

The water caressed your body, but your dress was redistricting your movements. Finding the sash under the water you pulled it open, pushing it off with one hand. You watched as the beautiful fabric sank towards the bottom, giving you more leverage to pull Taehyung towards the top.

Carefully, you swam towards the surface. When you were almost there you pushed Taehyung up ahead of you, so he broke through the surface first. You joined him at the top, gasping in greedy lungfuls of air. But you didn’t hear Taehyung breathing.

With a strength only a member of your tribe could possess, you swam towards the dock, dragging Taehyung along by the collar of his jacket. Finally, with a huff of effort, you managed to get yourself up onto the dock, only in your undergarments. But you didn’t really care about your state of undress when your supposed fiance wasn’t breathing.

Hooking your arms underneath his armpits you heaved with all your might to bring him up onto the dock. Somehow, by the grace of the Goddess herself, you managed. He wasn’t as light as he was in the water. And now with his thick clothing being water logged you had an even harder time getting him out of the frigid abyss.

Taehyung fell against the wooden dock like a soaked towel, limp and lifeless as you assessed the situation. You weren’t unfamiliar with people going unconscious in the water, and needing to help them regain their breath after.

Holding your hand over his face you confirmed he wasn’t breathing. So you did what you knew worked best. Tugging his coat off of his body you listened for a heartbeat, and felt your own stammer at his lack of one. Looking up at his grey face, you put your hands over the middle of his chest and started to push, hard.

His whole body lurched as you continued the compressions, counting in your head and keeping a rhythm. You heard the shouting from down the way, but you kept going, trying to keep up the pace.

“Come on, come on,” you said, while everyone surrounded you.

“My lady! You simply cannot present yourself in such a manner-”

“Shut up! You’re going to throw off my rhythm and then he’ll die,” you growled, forcing your entire upper body down on Taehyung’s chest. Xavier quieted at your feral tone, but you could tell you’d be in for a lecture on mannerisms and everything like that later.

That’s when you heard it.

A little sputter.

You stopped your compressions and watched in relief as Taehyung coughed up the rest of the water. Finally, you let yourself relax as you watched a few men come around and haul Taehyung into a sitting position. Seokjin and Jimin patted him on the back and checked him over for a moment.

Taehyung’s eyes focused on you and noticed your state of undress.

“G-Get her a jacket,” he croaked, still coughing harshly as he rid himself of the water in his lungs.

Soon you felt the warm fabric gracing your shoulders, but you kept your gaze fixed on him as he waved off several attempts of people trying to help him up. You watched as he stood on shaky legs, almost collapsing to the ground again. But, he finally stood and stayed on his feet. You did the same, wrapping the jacket around your chilling frame tighter.

“My lady!” Elaine’s voice came rushing down the dock, looking at you with worry written across her features.

“I’m fine Elaine,” you said, giving her a weak smile.

“Why would you do that!? Why on Earth would you save the prince? Was it your intention to humiliate him in front of the entire court?” she almost growled.

“H-Humiliate him?”

Seokjin and Jimin were already escorting Taehyung back towards the Palace.

“My lady, why didn’t you let one of the knights do it? He’s going to seem like a pathetic whelp in front of the court!” she stated, tightening the jacket around you as she began to push you back towards your cage all over again.

“I don’t understand, was I just supposed to let him drown?”

“You were supposed to let someone else do it,” she said, sighing as you two walked.

“Of course,” you sighed. “I saved his life and somehow I get in trouble for doing so. Not even a thank you?”

Elaine seemed exasperated, but kept her mouth shut. She knew if she said anything more about manners or etiquette you’d most certainly explode. But her silence was just as infuriating, if not more so.

“You are all so prideful that you can’t accept it when you need help. Needing help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. Knowing when you can’t accomplish something on your own. Being aware of your limits is one of the best assets out there.”

--

Of course, you’d received a lecture from Xavier on how you were not to act savagely in public. You were to be poised and elegant, someone deserving of the young prince. As much as you wanted to disagree, that you didn’t need to be some cookie cutter version of a princess to be worthy of someone, you couldn’t find it in yourself to argue.

And a few short days later, you’d fallen ill.

Honestly, you should’ve been more careful. You didn’t take a warm bath after the freezing waters graced your skin and you also had overexerted yourself.

The fever set in shortly after, and you were miserable.

Elaine came in every once in a while to change the cloth on your head, but other than that it was a lonely few days so far. You were cold, even under the mass of blankets they’d piled on you. You shook and your teeth rattled with a vengeance.

You’d asked about Taehyung, wanting to know if he was suffering any repercussions from his little stint in the water, but no one really gave you any kind of answer other than he was performing his duties as usual.

The tutors cut your lessons short, seeing that you weren’t in a state to remember or provide decent feedback to their questions. So, your days were filled mainly with silence, save for the sound of birds chirping outside your barred windows in the morning.

That was, until a knock came to your door one afternoon.

Your fever still hadn’t broken, and you were really feeling drained this particular day.

But what sent your mind swirling more than the fever was the fact that Prince Taehyung was standing in your doorway, looking like a nervous child as he stared at his feet. You raised a brow, looking at him in confusion.

“They said you aren’t getting any better,” he said, voice soft in the large room. “I wanted to come check on you.”

“I see,” you said, leaning back against the pillows.

“May I come closer?” he asked, shutting the door behind him.

“If you don’t fear my fever,” you said, shrugging.

“There are few things I fear more than a fever,” he said, swallowing hard.

You understood what he meant immediately, and shut your mouth. But, you patted your bed with a gentle hand, urging him to come forward. He did just that, and sat towards your feet. You looked at him, noticing he wasn’t pale or suffering any after effects of almost drowning like you were.

At least he managed to get away practically unscathed.

“How are you feeling?” you asked, trying not to let your weakened voice crack as you asked your question.

“I think I’m supposed to ask you that,” he said, a soft smile brushing his lips before disappearing all together.

“It’s a fever, I’ve gotten them before. I’m sure I’ll be fine,” you said, clearing your throat.

“But what if you don’t?” he asked, lifting his gaze to yours.

“Then I don’t,” you said, as if it was the simplest thing in the world.

“Do you really not fear death?” he asked.

“I don’t fear it for myself, no. I fear it for those around me, my mother and friends back home that would miss me if I were to die. But for myself? I am not afraid,” you said, tilting your head. “Why?”

“You act as though nothing frightens you, I wonder what a life without fear is like,” he sighs, shoulders slumping forwards.

“It’s not that I don’t fear anything at all. I do. But I don’t let that fear control me, rather, I let it fuel me. Instead of constricting me I let it give me purpose and direction,” you explained.

“I wish I could do that,” he marveled, leaning forward on his knees, placing his head in his hands.

“You can, but it takes practice,” you said, voice wavering as a fit of coughs hit you hard. Taehyung looked at you in concern, watching as you reached for a glass of water on your nightstand with a shaky hand. Without much more thought he was on his feet and handing you the glass, waiting patiently until you were done to place it back on the nightstand for you.

Swallowing hard, you watched as Taehyung sat up by your hips this time.

“People have been telling me I should come in here and discipline you. For making a spectacle out of me, in front of the court and several newly knighted men. As well as my father. He is-he is the one wanting me to assert myself over you. But, the only words I wish to say are thank you,” he said, looking at you with an odd look swimming in his eyes.

“Forgive me for sensing duplicity,” you said, raising a brow at him.

Taehyung sighed before nodding. “I can’t ask you to believe me when I tell you those words, but, they are genuine. I mean it. Thank you for saving me. You didn’t have to, and yet you risked your life to save mine. I won’t forget that.”

“And what about looking weak in front of the court, hmm? Have they shamed you yet?” you asked.

“A few have asked about my constitution. If I am faring well after falling in the frigid water,” he said.

“It could be worse,” you reasoned.

“Certainly, but your situation is worrying me more,” he said.

“You have left me to my own devices for weeks. I apologize for prying into your business, but it seems that you only want to speak to me when you’ve done something wrong. To appease your guilty conscience? I’m afraid you won’t get any pity from me. Because you’ve been cold and distant on your own. And you’re worried about me? Funny how you haven’t been worried until the interaction directly correlates with you,” you said.

Taehyung frowned and looked at his lap. You knew that he wasn’t aware of your struggles. But he also hadn’t ever asked. You were like a pretty accessory that had been locked away for safekeeping. But, you weren’t pretty in their eyes, you were a tool to be used when necessary. You were a means to an end.

“I’ve been uprooted from everything I know. Everyone I’ve ever taken comfort in. I’ve been isolated, humiliated and treated like an animal. Do you know how that fares on someone’s mind?” you asked, raising a brow at him.

Taehyung remained silent.

“You barred these windows like I’m some kind of prisoner. But, where do I have to go? My family has already accepted our terms, I have no place among them anymore. My people will listen to me, but I’m being told they will be regurgitated orders from the king here. I am to sit like a doll and be obedient. I try to do well by you, I try to help you, but apparently that’s not allowed either. So tell me Taehyung, when you say thank you to me-exactly what sacrifice are you thanking me for?”

The prince sat there with a pained expression.

“I didn’t want you to come here,” he whispered. “I didn’t know what it would do.”

“Perhaps not, but you listen to your father blindly because you’ve been taught that blind devotion is more powerful than genuine leadership. Leaders should be strong, yes. And leaders should be just, but most importantly leaders should know when enough is enough. When it is time to show mercy, because sometimes... we as people don’t know when to stop.”

Taehyung stood up quickly, back turned towards you. Your eyes felt heavy, you’d exerted a lot of yourself in this argument.

“I’m not the one to blame here. I’ve done nothing wrong. But perhaps you don’t understand, considering your background. Your people probably solved arguments with their fists instead of their minds,” he sighed.

You felt the anger come over you in a wave. It fueled every beat of your heart, every inch of your being was scorching hot in fury. How dare he? How dare he assume that you were lesser. You didn’t grow up with pedigree, your people didn’t see the point. You worked for what you wanted. Since when was using your two hands to get what you wanted, a bad thing?

Seeing red, you flung the bedding off your legs and stood up, hauling off and forcing him to spin around to face you. Taehyung’s eyes were wide with shock.

“You will listen to me,” you growled. “I am not incapable of rational thought. Nor are my people. You will not insult my tribe nor will you insult me. Just because I don’t fit into the standards your people have cultivated, doesn’t mean that I am unworthy. I am sick of people saying that I am undeserving of you. Who gets to decide that?”

Taehyung was wide eyed. Never before had a woman spoken so openly to him, challenged him. He wasn’t sure how to react, so you kept going.

“I am a person. I have a heartbeat, just like you,” you said, tugging one of his hands onto your chest. Taehyung almost gasped, but he feared his outburst would only aggravate you further. “I’m alive. I’m not some object for you to toss around when it’s convenient. I am Y/N of the Nightcrawler tribe, your future wife. Treat me as such.”

Your chest was heaving. Your heart was pounding, blood rushing through your ears. Taehyung could do little but look down at you with shock. You had spoken out against him, put your hands on him and defied him. Like a tally of things the future queen would never do, you did in the span of five minutes.

“Y/N,” Taehyung started, his voice soft.

“I’m vulnerable too. I have weak spots, so please, don’t push them,” you whispered.

Taehyung looked at you. Properly.

Your body was ravaged by this fever. Your face was sunk in and your hair was limp against your head. He didn’t come here to pick a fight with you, although he never expects to and you wind up here anyways. But, everything you say is always different from what he thinks. And it’s frustrating for him.

Although, he hasn’t tried to see this from your perspective either.

You were about to further your point when Taehyung’s face started to go out of focus. You swallowed hard, blinking slowly to try and level your vision.

Taehyung noticed you started to lean back, making him frown.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, watching as you started to sway lightly.

“I-I’m... my head,” you whispered, body succumbing to your exhaustion and falling backwards.

“Y/N!” Taehyung yelped, reaching out and grabbing you before you could hit the floor. The prince sunk to his knees, you cradled in his arms. Your eyes were closed, breaths coming in short and erratic. “Guards! Call the palace physician! Now!” Taehyung yelled.

“Yes your highness!” one responded. The sound of metal armor accompanied them down the hallway as Taehyung tried to get you to look at him.

“Y/N, open your eyes. Look at me,” he said, squishing your cheeks between his fingers.

“Mama,” you whimpered, clutching his fingers tight. Your small hands held onto him with a strength he was impressed with considering your state.

“It’s alright, I’ve got you,” Taehyung said, curling his fingers around yours.

“What happened?” a woman’s voice echoed through the room.

“She fainted,” Taehyung said, not turning his back.

“She’s sick, why was she out of bed in the first place?”

Taehyung turned and frowned.

“Elaine,” he warned.

“My apologies,” she sighed, looking down.

“She was yelling at me, I think she just tired herself out,” he said, brushing your hair away from your face. Elaine didn’t miss the tender action, swallowing hard.

“She yelled at you?” she asked.

“Yeah, I came here to thank her for saving me,” he explained. “But it turned into an argument.”

“There’s no reasoning with people like her,” Elaine said, shrugging.

“People like her?” Taehyung asked.

“Savages,” she answered, looking at you with a muted interest.

“She will be your future queen, don’t forget that,” he reminded.

Elaine was deathly quiet.

“You don’t have to keep telling me Tae, I know,” she whispered.

“I don’t like it either, but you have to respect her. She will be your ruler and my wife,” he said.

“Taehyung, we've had this conversation several times. What she doesn’t know, won’t hurt her! Several kings take mistresses,” she exclaimed.

“My father didn’t, nor did my grandfather before him. Regreyan men are loyal, once we are married we will no longer be able to see each other,” Taehyung said.

“Tae,” she said, reaching out for him. Taehyung took her hand before it made contact with his shoulder.

“That’s final, Elaine. I will not disrespect my queen by being with you,” he answered. Elaine ripped her hand from his grasp.

“I’ve given you everything. All of me, every ounce of me is yours. I-I can never marry,” she tried, a pleading tone taking over.

“Elaine, I asked before we went further. I asked if you were sure, if you were aware of the consequences. You said you didn’t want to marry if it wasn’t me,” Taehyung said, eyes shining with tears.

“I don’t! But, Taehyung. Listen to yourself, you barely know this woman. We’ve loved each other for years, why can’t it be me? Huh? If you’re willing to marry this creature then surely a servant wouldn’t be an issue,” Elaine said, gripping her skirts.

“You don’t have any form of title, Elaine. You never have. She may not have a Regreyan title, but she is a princess in her own right,” Taehyung said, looking down at you.

“You aren’t listening to me,” she whispered.

“We need to stop this, Elaine. Before we both wind up hurting more than we need too,” he said.

“Fifteen years of loving you and you want me to just stop?” she asked, heart shattering with every word.

“You think this is easy for me? You think I want to shut you out and throw you to the wind? I love you so much, but we can’t do this anymore. It’s wrong,” Taehyung whispered.

Elaine kneeled down, taking his face in her hands. Taehyung leaned into the familiar warmth. She rubbed his cheeks with her thumbs, soothing his fears with the touch.

“I love you too. So much, we can figure this out,” she encouraged. Quickly, Taehyung pulled away yet again.

“No, Elaine. You are the one not listening. I’m saying no, this can’t happen anymore. Don’t make me say it again, please. Quit giving me hope when I know there isn’t any,” Taehyung croaked.

You groaned in his arms, hand lifting to your forehead. Taehyung cradled your head, pulling you into his arms more comfortably for you.

“It’s alright, I’ve got you,” Taehyung whispered,

“Where is she?” The palace physician’s voice echoed through the hall.

“Here! Elaine, go take the evening off, I’ll watch over her,” Taehyung said, picking you up in his arms and carrying you to bed.

“Yes, your highness,” Elaine said stiffly, turning and walking out of the room.

“Now, what seems to be the problem?”

“She fainted, I think she just over exerted herself,” Taehyung answered.

Elaine felt her heart hammering against her chest as she flew down the hall. She had to let him know. Their plan was failing. Taehyung was going to marry you and everything was going to go up in smoke if they didn’t do something.

Now.

Rushing down the hallway she stumbled into the eerily familiar room. Elaine was panting, chest heaving as her fears and anxieties culminated into an ugly monster that roared within her.

Taehyung was hers...

He always had been.

T-There was no way some beastly woman from the Nightcrawler tribe was going to take him from her.

“What seems to be the matter,” the dark voice of her counterpart asked.

“T-The prince, he won’t listen to me anymore. H-He says we must stop meeting, he doesn’t want to be with me anymore. You-You said that she wouldn’t come between us! You promised me that in the end I would wed Taehyung!” she cried.

“Silence you insolent brat!” his voice practically turned her blood to ice. Elaine remained silent as her partner looked across the books in the room with muted interest. “What did he say?”

“He said we can’t be together anymore. That he won’t disrespect her by being with me as well,” she whimpered. “Please fix this. Tell me you can fix this.”

“My dear, I can fix several problems. But, I can’t stop him from losing interest in you,” the voice warned.

“H-He’s not losing interest! It’s his sense of duty,” she said, frowning at her skirts.

“Sense of duty you said,” her partner murmured. “Perhaps we need to give him a different person to be faithful too.”

“What do you mean?” Elaine questioned.

“When was the last time you and Taehyung were intimate?”

Elaine choked.

“We-well... Um, perhaps a little over a month ago? Perhaps longer? We haven’t been intimate since before he left for the Nightcrawler tribe,” Elaine mumbled.

“A good time frame, you wouldn’t be showing yet,” their voice murmured.

“Showing what?”

“Do you take the tonics regularly?”

Elaine blushed yet again.

“Y-yes I do,” she answered.

“Does he see you take them?” they asked.

“No, usually he’s gone before then,” she said, face pulling down in sadness.

“So even though you’ve taken it, he wouldn’t know for sure. Say the apothecary gave you a poor tonic. Say you believe to be with child,” the cruel voice urged.

“I-I can’t lie to him,” Elaine refused. Suddenly, a hand was gripping her throat. Elaine struggled, gripping the hands with desperation.

“You want him to be yours, right? You want to send that Nightcrawler filth back where she belongs? Then you’ll do whatever I say, and I will ensure that Taehyung and you are together,” they promised, slowly letting the pressure of their grip go.

Elaine rubbed her tender throat, swallowing harshly.

“Y-Yes, I’ll do as you ask,” she said, placing her hands on her stomach.

“Good, tell him soon.”

“I will.”

--

The next week you had been feeling better. You were still a little shaky when it came to walking for long distances and your head still felt a little dizzy when you stood up, but, for the most part you’d made a full recovery.

Taehyung had been oddly attentive the past few days.

He would check on you after your studies, making sure you weren’t feeling ill or too exhausted. He even told the tutors to take it easy on you for the time being, until you were one hundred percent better.

Being babied isn’t something you were used to, coming from where you did. In the Nightcrawler tribe, you took care of yourself unless it was life or death. And if you were sick? You’d work until you couldn’t feel the pain anymore. Or you collapsed. Whichever came first.

Now, it may sound cruel to teach people not to listen to their bodies. Making you push your limits and then some, but it was all for a purpose. To be the best you could. If you pushed yourself when you were weak, then you’d be stronger. Push through the pain to get to the other side where you could rest.

But, it was also about learning your limits. Knowing what you can and can’t take is important.

Today you had lunch scheduled with Taehyung and a few others. Xavier mentioned it wouldn’t require much on your end, just some pleasantries. Sometimes those were the worst things. Exchanging meaningless words with people you didn’t care about. Why did anyone care about saving face when these people made their own assumptions about you beforehand?

It was all so exhausting.

Elaine came in, deathly silent.

She’d been like this for a while.

Only speak when spoken to. You weren’t necessarily close with her, but you didn’t like the silence. It was unnerving.

“Elaine,” you said when she walked over holding your dress in her hands.

“Yes, my lady,” she responded, monotone.

“Are you alright?” you asked, watching as she came closer.

“I’m fine,” she answered, curt and short.

“What’s happened?” you pressed. Whatever she was hiding must be a large burden to carry on her own. Perhaps, you could make a friend in this hell after all.

“It’s nothing to concern yourself with, my lady. Please, don’t put more unnecessary stress on yourself because of a servant’s problems,” she said, turning and gathering your shoes.

“Problems are still problems, no matter who they belong to,” you shrugged. “You don’t have to tell me. But you can if you want to.”

“My lady, it is very kind of you to offer, but please... Please stop asking,” she said, voice cracking at the end.

“Very well,” you nodded, turning and looking at the window.

It was a nice day outside today. You would be having lunch in the gardens according to Xavier, with several elite members of the court (he liked to stress this part in hopes of getting you to behave but it rarely ever worked).

Elaine dressed you, pulling your corset tight against your body. Was it just you, or was it tighter today? She fastened everything and pulled the fabric over your head. You felt it pool around your arms and feet, gently caressing you.

The color was a soft pink, like a flower that grew right by the lake back home. The thought of home made a twinge of pain shoot through your heart, it was likely you’d never seen it again. Especially with the way things were going now...

Elaine finished gathering your skirts and helped you get your shoes on. She didn’t spend too long on your hair, just placing a small pin in before letting the rest fall naturally.

A knock came to the door.

Elaine walked over, opening in and bowing low to the individual on the other side.

“Your highness,” she said.

Taehyung walked in, dressed nicely. You assessed him. He looked okay, if anything he appeared to be tired. Although, that was a common theme for him anyways. The prince approached you, giving an appropriate nod before offering you his arm.

“What is that for?” you asked, raising a brow.

“I thought they were training you on etiquette,” he said, still holding his elbow out to you. “I’m escorting you down to lunch.”

Your brows raised in recognition. “I see,” you said, taking his arm gently. Taehyung nodded to Elaine and took you down the stairs.

You were quiet for the majority of the walk to the gardens. Taehyung kept pace with you easily, guiding you down the halls of the palace with practiced ease. You followed behind, keeping your face level. Guards lined the walls as you got closer to the outside.

Soon, you were walking into the large gardens. There was a table set up, people were sitting around already enjoying some tea and finger foods. Taehyung walked over and the individuals were on their feet fast.

You and Taehyung both nodded in their direction. Taehyung pulled a chair out for you, helping you sit down and pushing your seat in when you were comfortable. He found his spot next to you, and shortly thereafter food was being served.

Small plates came out and the idle chatter started. No one really addressed you, keeping their conversation mainly between themselves and sometimes including Taehyung.

Until, one woman from the back spoke up.

“Lady Y/N, this is your first time dining with the court, is it not?” she asked, leaning her head on her hand.

“Yes, it is,” you agreed, bringing your food to your mouth gingerly.

Your stomach was still fitful at the best of times and you weren’t looking to vomit in front of several people. Even if it didn’t bother you, you would certainly get a lecture about a bodily function you had no control over.

“I’m surprised you speak so well,” another woman announced.

“Did you think otherwise?” you asked. Taehyung could see where this was going a mile away. Quickly, under the table, he grabbed your leg. You almost jumped at the contact, but you kept yourself still.

“Do your people know how to read and write? Or was it only for the leader’s children?” the same woman asked.

“It’s not common for my people to read and write, we don’t particularly have a use for it in the masses. So, we select a few who don’t appear to be natural warriors and train them in it instead. We play to people’s strengths,” you said, trying not to sound too proud.

“Funny. We thought you just killed the weak,” someone said towards the back. Your head snapped to the side, finding the person who spoke. Your eyes narrowed.

“That’s a waste of precious human life. Why would we kill our own people simply because they aren’t meant for one path. No one is meant for the exact same path as another. Being a warrior isn’t for everyone,” you reasoned, trying desperately to keep calm.

“Being a queen isn’t for everyone either,” someone mumbled.

You slammed your hands on the table, tea sets rocking and plates clattering. Taehyung looked like he was going to explode, but you were already boiling.

“You think me to be so simple? You think that I am a mere animal in your eyes. That I know nothing of discipline. Nothing of control. Well, you must think I have some form of control, because you know what Nightcrawlers can do, and you’re still speaking to me like a child. How brave of you. So you know what I’m capable of, but you’re still pushing my buttons. You want to see how tight of a leash they put me on, is that it? Because I can assure you, no amount of collars or restraints will tame me. I am unbreakable,” you growled. “And you are nothing in the wake of me.”

“You’re nothing but a beast! You wouldn’t know cordial if it hit you in the face!”

“We expect some kind of heathen to be our queen? You’re laughable, that's what you are,” someone bellowed from their seat.

“Everyone please, settle down-”

“This is what I think of you and your people!” a woman screeched, tossing a glass of water right on you. You felt the rush of cold water soaking into your dress and you felt the anger double. The guards quickly surrounded the woman who soaked you, making you raise a brow.

Then a knowing smile took over your features.

“I see...”

“Y/N, sit down!” Taehyung barked, your head dropped, looking at the ground with that same smirk on your face.

“Your guards are protecting a member of the court before they’re protecting me. She threw water at me and they’re defending her. This shows me how you view me. What you all think of me. I am just a monster to you, aren’t I?” you said weakly.

“Y/N, please,” Taehyung started.

“I hoped that I would find another home here,” you breathed. “But all I found was a prison.”

Taehyung’s heart stammered in his chest at your tone. You wiped the water off your face, turned towards Taehyung.

“I’m not feeling well, I’m going to my room to rest. I hope you all enjoy your lunch,” you said, walking towards the palace. Elaine was there at the door, wrapping you in a towel and ushering you inside.

Taehyung wanted to bolt after you, make sure that you would take a bath and not further damage your health. But there was a mess to clean up here.

“What a rude woman,” a lord to Taehyung’s left said, wiping his pants off. Some of the water that hit you had also gotten him as well.

“I’m so sorry your highness,” a woman lamented. “She seems horrid.”

“No. She is not to blame for this, you all pushed her. You knew what would happen and you wanted to make sport of her,” Taehyung glowered at his court. “If this were any other woman. You’d all be bowing to her.”

Taehyung started to leave the table in search of you, he was done with the mindless people with nothing but money and greed filling their hearts.

“We’d never bow to the likes of her!” someone shouted.

Taehyung chuckled.

“You will.”

Taglist: @ladyartemesia, @lolalee24, @mawwnsterr, @defenestre-me, @musicalitae, @asifihaveaclue, @midnightsora, @mylifeisafxingmess, @jeonartemis, @coolmusicnut, @daydreambrliever, @chimchoom

Ambrosia - Prologue

Park Jimin (Aphrodite) X Reader

Genre: GreekGod!AU, Genderbent Aphrodite!AU, Romance, Fluff, Angst, Slow Burn and Smut (Future)

Warnings: Mentions of terminal illness, Jimin in a SUIT, Namjoon being a lil nosy, profanity (if I forgot anything please let me know!)

Words: 3.1k (YA GIRL PROCRASTINATED TOO LONG AND DIDN'T GET THE FULL CHAPTER DONE SO WE'RE DOING A PROLOGUE. K? K.)

Summary: Cast out of Olympus with the task to find his one true love, Aphrodite is certain his match will come to him. But as the years drag on, what happens when the God of Love, gives up?

Days in a flower shop in the middle of a decent sized town can pass by fast or slow. There can be days with what feels like hundreds of orders coming through the tiny store, and then there are the days where the employees just wind up looking at their phones the whole time and not one soul passes through the door.

But on special days, all it takes is one person to walk through those doors and everything changes.

This is a story of one of those days.

--

Tuesdays could seriously go fuck off for all you cared. This particular Tuesday was proving to be a test on every ounce of your patience and every single time you heard that door bell ring as the gates of hell opened, your shoulders sagged a little more. Something about their flowers wasn’t right. The blue wasn’t like the sky but like the sea and that’s an issue. The flowers look wilted. Always something.

But, like you did every day you turned to the customer and gave them a huge smile, ready to help them with whatever they needed. Even if it meant losing your sanity little by little.

The day passed this way, going on and the clock didn’t seem to be moving at your desired pace. So, you sat on the chair behind the desk at the front and gazed out the window.

It was a warmer spring day.

The trees were budding and life was returning after a long winter. You loved this time of the year. Everything becoming new again, alive and welcoming. But, it also means more work for you. It’s never been a problem, but this past year has been particularly hard.

Your younger sister passed away.

She’d been fighting a long illness, one with a poor prognosis. At a young age you and Sana were placed in the foster system, living with a decent enough upbringing. The foster parents were never mean or cruel, but they weren’t your parents. Whom you barely remembered now. So when you turned eighteen you asked if you could become her legal guardian. Your foster parents had agreed, wishing you and her the best of luck...

But luck had never been on you or your sister’s side.

Her illness started to rapidly progress, causing more and more doctor’s visits and more money being pulled from your measly savings. It wasn’t enough. You were having to take out loans and everything just to keep the lights on in your apartment.

Sana, however, kept her spirits high no matter the situation. She was the positive one. The bright one that everyone gravitated towards in school. She was your light. And now your life is duller. Your sister loved to go through the streets in her wheelchair, looking at the budding leaves and flowers that were growing on the trees.

“Look Y/N!” she’d squeak. “They’re so beautiful. I want to open a flower shop, and I’m going to sell the most beautiful flowers to people.”

As her birthday present you decided to open the flower shop.

It was her last one.

Looking out at the spring blooming in front of you it was hard to be happy, knowing how much your sweet Sana would’ve loved it. Life often wasn’t fair, but you hadn’t expected it to be so. You weren’t a bad person, but bad things had happened. But you were alive, and had a life to keep living.

As much as the flower shop was Sana’s dream, you couldn’t sell it when she died. It had become your safe haven. A little place to call your own. Even if it was Sana’s dream, you had made it real. Real enough for the both of you, and now you gotta keep it going. Even if the loan to open it made your wallet want to cry, it was enough. Plenty.

Because it was yours.

A single tear fell down your cheek as you thought of your beloved sister, and her cute cheeks and beautiful eyes that never held an ounce of fear or regret. A few petals fell from the blossoming tree outside in the wind and fell to the ground in a swirl of pastel hues that made you smile.

More tears moved down your cheeks and you wiped them away in frustration. She wouldn’t want you to be upset, she’d want you to be happy and to continue with your life. Keep going and make something of yourself.

Sana used to say that you were always Y/N the big sister and never just... Y/N. And you knew it was true. You were supposed to take care of her, but now that she’s gone... T-There was no one to care for but yourself.

You’d have to be enough.

Suddenly, the bell above your door ran proudly, making your teary eyes refocus on the person entering the store. Those tears were quickly replaced with a look of wonder.

A man walked through the door, head held high and his eyes scanned the area like he was inspecting it. Wiping your already sweaty palms on your apron you approached him with a gentle smile.

“Welcome to Sana’s flowers, how can I assist you?” you asked, coming towards him. The man took in your appearance and a calm expression steeled over his face.

“Hi, are you Sana?” he asked, referring to the name.

“No, Sana was my sister,” you said, swallowing hard. The man seemed to understand.

“I apologize, I didn’t mean to impose,” he said, bowing lightly.

“You’re fine, no worries. How can I help you?” you asked, looking at his apparel.

He was dressed in a fine suit, tailored to his every inch, must’ve been expensive as hell. You could probably open a whole new section of your shop with the money he was dripping in.

You weren’t known for having an upper class clientele, not that the occasional businessman came in and asked for a bouquet of your finest flowers. Sometimes two... Shaking your head you focused on the man in front of you as best as you could. But, his features were so striking it was hard to keep your eyes from wander...

“Park Jimin,” he introduced, holding his hand out politely.

“Y/N,” you said, extending your own hand and taking his in yours. Shaking gently he gave a smile that could rival the very stars in the sky. This man was more breathtaking the longer you looked, making your palms start to sweat even more.

“A pleasure, Y/N,” he said. “I’m having an event to celebrate my family's company. It’s the 125 year of it’s business and we are looking to source from the local populace instead of corporations to provide a more intimate setting for the investors and other members of the company,” Jimin said, rambling off a lot of information for your sleep deprived brain.

“I see, so you’re looking for floral arrangements?” You asked, heading towards your book of options. Jimin followed you over, leaning towards you so close you could smell his cologne. A spicy scent that wasn’t overpowering but more... alluring? Inviting?

Shaking your head you pulled up your options of centerpieces and the like, showing him what styles you had available and Jimin paid close attention to each set. Asking questions about what flowers would look good in what vases and if they did better in foam or water.

“For events I prefer the foam personally. Less likelihood of someone knocking a vase over and water getting everywhere. But the flowers are more mobile in the water, so it’s about what you’re looking for in regards to the feel,” you said.

Jimin seemed to weigh his options for a moment. “I like the traditional styles you showed me. The simple little flowers decorating around the larger arrangements, it looks classy and provides the color I’m looking for,” he said, nodding.

Making a note you grabbed a notepad to start writing all the information down.

“So when is your event? A month, two?” You said, throwing out a few different times.

“Two weeks,” he said. You froze, swallowing hard.

“Ah, I see,” you said, biting your lip.

“Is that a problem?” He asked, looking up at your pained expression.

“It’s just, the flowers might take a minute to get here. And I arrange everything by hand, so it takes me a little longer. How many tables were you going to have and the garlands for the stairways as well?” You asked.

“Well as for tables I have 150 dinner tables, 50 cocktail tables and 8 large banquet tables. There are two main stairwells that wrap around to the main area so there will be about 400ft worth of garland necessary,” he calculated slowly.

“Okay,” you said, rubbing your temples slowly.

“How many people do you have on your payroll?” He asked, looking around and noticing the empty space.

“Just me. My friend Namjoon likes to come and help sometimes but he’s a full time nurse so,” you shrugged.

“Would you be able to do this in two weeks with just by yourself?” He asked, raising a brow.

“I can always try,” you said, giving a gentle smile.

“How much would it cost?” He asked.

“Depends on the flowers you want, you already picked the style so one second,” you said, grabbing your calculator and running the numbers really quick. “I can do expedited shipping on the flowers to get them here faster but then you run the risk of stems getting broken and not having enough. But I can order more to compensate but then that’s more money,” you said.

Finally you had a total and you frowned.

“It would be around $2,156 if we did the expedited shipping and ordered more flowers to compensate for the potential broken ones,” you said, biting your lip. That was a lot of money to spend on flowers for a simple dinner event. You knew it, but with everything he wanted and the time frame it was the best you could do... You didn’t even charge him for the probability of Namjoon helping. Because then it would jump up to the 3,000 dollar mark and you weren’t going to push your luck.

After a few moments, Jimin pulled out his checkbook and started writing the check out. Your eyes bulged when he pushed the piece of paper towards you, his pen clicking with a sense of finality.

“What kind of flowers should we get?” He said, a smile on his face. You looked down and almost flung the check right back at him.

$5,500

This man had just dropped over five thousand dollars without blinking.

“Th-This is too much,” you said, trying to push it back towards him.

“You charged me for base flowers, and it’s super short notice. Take the extra as a tip,” he smiled.

“I-I can’t accept over two thousand dollars as a tip. If I get audited I’ll be screwed,” you said.

“No you won’t, it’ll be fine. Please, take it,” he encouraged, placing the check back in front of you.

You swallowed thickly, trying to keep yourself from panicking. You did have a large loan payment coming up, and this would lessen that blow significantly...

But wasn’t it wrong?

“Alright...” you trailed off, taking the check and stamping it before putting it in your deposit bag.

“What type of flowers do you recommend using?” He asked, looking at you with a gentle gleam in his bright eyes.

“Peonies and hydrangeas are a great combo with complementary color palettes. I always love doing grass pieces as a nice natural moment but, baby's breath is a classic and more traditional if that’s what you’re looking for,” you said.

“Can we do the soft blue hydrangeas and white peonies?” He asked, looking at the sample photos you had.

“Yes, the white peonies would bring a nice fullness and the hydrangeas can add the color,” you explained.

“Perfect, let’s do that then,” he said, nodding.

“Okay! I’ll get the order to go in and get the expedited shipping and we should get them by the end of the week. They’ll go into the fridge and that should help keep them fresh,” you said.

“Here.”

You turned around to see a small card placed on the table in front of you.

“What’s this?” You asked, lifting the small thing to your eyes.

“My number,” he said, grinning. “Message me when the flowers come in.”

“O-Okay, absolutely!”

Jimin smiled then, a bright dazzle expression that had your mouth drying in longing.

“I look forward to hearing from you, Y/N,” he said.

“I look forward to it as well, Mr. Park,” you said politely. Jimin tutted and shook his head.

“No, Jimin will do just fine. Have a great day Y/N,” he waved, turning on his heel and heading out the door.

You looked at the numbers and sighed.

God you were so fucked.

—

“So, let me get this straight,” Namjoon said over the phone. “Hot guy in a suit comes in and orders a fuck ton of flowers you know you can’t do yourself and you agree because he dropped an extra few grand in the check? Y/N! You can’t do that, I’ll only be able to help you arrange the bouquets the day of. So you’ll have to put them all together yourself! When will you sleep? Eat? Poop!?!” He yelped.

“Firstly, my bowel movements are none of your concern,” you stated. “And second of all, I can’t refuse that kind of money! The next loan payment is going to fuck me over if I don’t have this padding. Please Joonie, tell me you can help me at least the night before,” you pleaded.

“I really can't Y/N, I’m working night rotation. So, I could maybe stop by in the morning but then the flowers have to sit longer,” he reasoned.

“Yeah I know... Can you switch?” You said, a soft voice replacing your whining.

“I wish I could, but there’s hardly any staff that night as it is. And we’re all pulling hours we don’t like. I can’t ask them to do more. Poor Taehyung has already covered me this month and I would rather throw myself in front of a car than ask again,” he said.

“I’m sorry. I know you’re busy and I’m desperate, but... I’ll figure it out,” you said, rubbing your face in exhaustion.

“What kind of asshat doesn’t come in until last minute to order a huge ass amount of floral arrangements?” Namjoon asked.

“An asshat named Park Jimin apparently,” you said, twisting the stem of a flower in front of you.

“You-You mean the Park Jimin?” Namjoon stuttered.

“I don’t know how many of them there are, Namjoon. I just know what this one looked like,” you said.

“Doesn’t he have like, neon pink hair or something?” He asked.

“Um, no? It was blonde-ish when he was in here,” you said.

“Plump lips?”

“Yeah?”

“Eyes that command the panties of women to drop?” He asked.

“Sir, my panties stayed firmly in place so I don’t know what the fuck you’re on about,” you huffed.

“For now, Y/N, for now. Anyways,” he said dismissively. “If this is the Park Jimin we’re talking about you need to be very careful.”

“What? What are you talking about,” you whispered.

“He’s like a sex God or something. He’s got game better than Jordan, okay? But he never commits to anyone,” he said, seriously.

You rolled your eyes, even though the man couldn’t see you.

“My heart isn’t in danger here, Namjoon. We’ll be fine. I can handle an attractive businessman,” you said.

“Yeah, but can your cum thirsty twat handle it?”

“Sir, I’m gonna hang up,” you warned.

“As a nurse I demand to know the last time you got laid,” he said. “It’s for you health of course.”

“That should be a HIPPA violation,” you complained.

“Yeah, not a friendship violation though. Tell me when was the last time you were left boneless between the sheets my guy,” he said.

“I don’t see how this has to do with floral arrangements,” you sighed. “But since your bitch ass needs to know it was about a year ago.”

“Well, maybe it is time to get back in the ring,” he reasoned.

“Namjoon, there’s no need to get me a suitor. You’re not my dad trying to get another cow on the farm or something,” you joked.

“Do you think Park Jimin would give me a cow if I gave him you?” He asked, sounding too serious for your liking.

“I’m really gonna hang up now,” you said, pulling your phone away from your face.

“Just, be safe Y/N! Don’t work too hard, I love you!” You heard screamed from the receiver.

“Yeah love you too Joonbug,” you said, hanging up and looking at the clock. The numbers glared back at you like they were judging you for being up this late. But you simply shrugged and went and took a much needed shower.

That man had you sweating like a sinner in church.

As you bathed you tried to think of your next plan of attack, but the water was too warm and soon you found yourself relaxing into the stream happily. Once you were done you cracked open a can of beer and sat down in your living room ready to start the night right, when a message floated across your screen.

Joonbug: IS THIS THE CULPRIT?!? Jpg.1013

You stared at the screen with an unamused face, but picked up your device anyway. Namjoon had sent you the picture and you could tell the fucker picked the first one off of google images like the lame hoe he was, but you looked regardless.

And, surprisingly, it was him.

The cherubic cheeks and wide smile, bright eyes and an alluring body. You sighed and texted him back.

Y/N: Yea, that’s him.

Joonbug: OH REAAALLLLYYYY???

Y/N: I hate you so much.

Joonbug: You can’t resist. THIS.

Y/N: I’ve resisted your rat poison for years, I think I got it.

Joonbug: EXcUSE MEEEE??? I am at least some kind of like, sexy poison???

Y/N: I’m dying either way, why do I care if it’s sexy or not?

Joonbug: :((((((

You left the conversation at that, but your mind began to wander. How were you going to finish this order and not embarrass yourself in front of a multimillionaire?

Maybe you bit off more than you can chew...

hii can you add me to the taglist for baby talk please? tysm 😀

Absolutely love! I’ll add you right now 💕

Oh my God the second chapter of taming the beast was nothing short of incredible. Like I never saw a lot of things coming. I'm glad that taehyung finally understood that she is as vulnerable and human as him but still try to hold on and do her best for her people overcoming whatever situation was thrown at her. I understand Like this story is set in the past and sexism was pretty much prevalent then but still mu blood boiled and felt indignation when the oc saved taehyung and the response she got from others was that she was purposefully trying to humiliate him. Like do they not have brains at all? Why would someone risk their own life just to humiliate another person like it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. My heart also goes out for teahyung who is forced to pretend he is not weak even when he almost died and i truly agree with what you said there, it is really a strength to acknowledge when you need help and to let others help you then, it shows maturity and humbleness. And the secret plotting against taehyung? That was somehow something I expected and never expected simultaneously does that even make sense? And I have a sneaking suspicion it is either Xavier or seokjin but that's just my gut feeling tho. And I really hope Elaine wouldn't go as far as to fake a baby, because as far as I can understand where she is coming from, she is going to really loose taehyung once he finds out it was not true (which he will if after 3 months she still doesn't start showing and I hope Elaine and the plotter won't plan another things to rectify that) and I'm happy to see taehyung actually being fond of her and taking care of her feelings. And I am absolutely in love with the oc in this story she is just so amazing.This is just a really beautiful story and I'm very excited to see what more you have in store for us. Sending lots of love your way 💗

This is the longest ask I’ve ever received and I’m so soft 🥺🥺🥺🥺

I’m so glad you’re enjoying the story and this kind of comment just makes me melt tbh.

And I love thinking through the story and what is in store for the future! You have some interesting observations and things you picked up on 👀 but thank you so much for reading, it truly means the world to me ❤️

hey bestie! i love baby talk so so so much, could you add me pls to your tag list 🥺 you're writing the story beautifully and I'm so curious about what's gonna happen next. all the love💜

Bbbaaaabbbbeeeee 🥺🥺🥺🥺

You’re the sweetest, of course I could add you!

Thank you for reading!!

Vegas Baby - Part IV

Pairing: Kim Taehyung (V) X Reader

Genre: Mafia!AU, Accidental Marriage!AU, Romance, Smut (Future)

Rating: 18+

Warnings: Explicit language, kinda unwanted advances (it's nothing too bad I promise just be aware), cuteness (if I forgot anything please let me know!)

Words: 4.3k

Summary: They say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. What happens when there’s a little more legality to it than that?

The next couple of days passed uneventfully.

Besides a harsh wringing from your mother for not telling her sooner, about being in Vegas longer, she let it go with her blessing.

You felt terrible for lying to her, but it was the very thing that would keep her safe.

Taehyung had eluded you. But that was fine by you, every time you were in his presence it only brought confusion. But you found the library fairly fast, making it your little hang out spot shortly after. If anyone wanted to find you, you’d be there, reading.

It was on your fourth day at the house that a knock came to the library door, something you hadn’t been expecting. You walked over and opened the door to see Taehyung standing there. You looked at him warily, but opened it further to let him in.

“I came to see how you were settling in,” he said, looking at the book you were reading with interest.

“I’m fine, thank you,” you said, folding your arms over your chest.

“Hmm, you like to read I’ve been told. Mrs. Blight says you leave here to eat and sleep,” he said.

“I do like to read, but I didn’t have time for it much when I was working,” you said.

“Well, you have nothing but time now. Read as much as you want,” he smiled.

“What do you want?” you asked, knowing that he wasn’t here for the reason he said.

“How brutal, I can’t see my wife to see how she’s doing?” he asked, holding his hand to his chest in mock offense.

“You can, but if you wanted to see how I was doing you would’ve done it sooner, not four days later,” you explained.

“Smart, you are observant,” he smirked.

“I like to know what’s going on around me,” you explained.

“To tell you the truth, my dear friend, Min Yoongi, wants to meet you. I’ve never been public with women before. And now to say that I’ve married, well... He isn’t pleased, but he wants to have a meal, tonight, with him and his friend Jimin. They’re good people, Jimin is a flirt, and Yoongi is a hard ass, but, they mean well,” he stated.

“Okay,” you said easily.

“You can decline, I can tell them you weren’t feeling well or something to that effect,” he offered.

“It would be weird for me to fall ill the night they want to meet me, plus, I’m going to have to meet people eventually, no point in avoiding it,” you stated.

Taehyung seemed slightly taken aback, but the moment you noticed it, it was gone.

“Very good, I will send for the car,” he informed.

“What?” you asked, looking at him for clarification.

“We’re going shopping,” he said, as if it were obvious.

“What?” you said again.

“We’re going shopping, I’m sorry to say, but the clothes you wear here will simply not do. Although I am impartial to the little bargain end dress we met in, it won’t impress anyone,” he said.

“I don’t have any money,” you squeaked out.

“You expected to pay for it?” he asked, turning.

“Well, I-”

“Listen to me, I promised you a life of comfort. You won’t want for anything under this roof. I will get you whatever you desire, shoes, clothes, jewels,” he said.

“Books will suffice,” you smiled.

“But the others will be necessary,” he reminded.

“Okay, let’s go,” you said, grabbing your book and walking towards the door.

“So ready for adventure, I like that,” he said, walking beside you.

“You think shopping is an adventure?” you asked, turning to look at him.

“Well, since I’m not a professional at female clothing, I did enlist the help of one of my dear friends, Yeri, she doesn’t know we accidentally got married, so play the role. She’s clingy, and very girly, but has a good heart. She’ll get us the things we need,” he said.

“Yeri,” you said, sampling her name on your tongue.

Walking out the front door you saw a large SUV parked with a driver at the ready. Taehyung took your hand and interwove your fingers together, helping you into the back.

Shortly, the two of you were on your way.

The ride went quickly, and soon the two of you were in the front of a very large shopping mall. But this one was much different from the one that you, Jessi and Lily had gone to earlier. This was full of designer stores, you could tell because the CHANEL sign almost made you faint.

“Are you alright?” Taehyung asked, looking at you.

“Yes, I’m fine,” you commented.

“Here she comes, show time,” he said, taking your hand again and heading towards Yeri.

“Vante!” she smiled, wrapping her arms around Taehyung’s neck and hugging him.

“Hi, Yeri,” he said. You wondered briefly why she called him Vante, but didn’t question it. You merely went along with it.

“And the woman of the hour!” Yeri smiled, but you could tell she was examining you. The way you walked, how you acted and the very perfume you’d put on this morning. It was all an ant under a microscope for her, but you curled into Taehyung’s side and smiled at her brightly.

“Yeri, it’s so nice to meet you. I’m-”

“Y/N!” she smiled, and showed off her almost too perfect teeth. “Of course, Vante wouldn’t tell me of you until after you were married! Typical him, but come on! I want to put you in everything these stores have to offer!” she said, dragging you forward towards the mall.

Taehyung was close behind, smirking the whole way.

When Yeri said she wanted to put you in everything, she wasn’t lying. One store you swear she had you try things on twice!

But when it came down to the accessories, you were lost.

“So what do I pair with the Chanel bag you picked out in the last store?” you asked as she scoped along the racks of scarves, bags and other items while you trudged along behind her.

Taehyung managed to stick with the pair of you fairly well, going up to the counter when it was time to pay, making sure you didn’t look at the prices.

He told you it didn’t matter anyway.

“Obviously you pair it with those heels we got from versace. Or the ones from Gucci, although that would be a bolder pairing,” she said, grabbing random scarves, accessories and the like and throwing them at you.

“She’ll tire herself out, eventually,” Taehyung said, moving to grab a couple of the things she’d thrown at you.

“She’s so fast,” you whined.

“Yeah, but you’re not too fast either,” he smirked.

You pushed his shoulder, making him chuckle. When you turned back, Yeri was looking at the two of you, a soft smile on her face. It didn’t seem forced like the one she gave you earlier, it seemed... Genuine.

“Alright,” she said, after a while of throwing accessories at you.

“Are we done yet?” you asked, looking at Taehyung.

“We just have to be done in time for you to go home and get ready, I cleared my schedule for you today,” he smiled. It was big and boxy, like a little kids. It made your heart clench in your chest for a moment before Yeri was linking her arm with you.

“Well, that just means we have time to spend more money,” Yeri smirked.

She was also testing Taehyung. Although he wasn’t as easily shaken as you.

“Go for it, whatever my baby wants,” he said, smiling.

“Are you sure Vante? I don’t want you to go broke just to humor me,” you said.

“Do you really not know how loaded your husband is? Well, and you by association,” Yeri said.

“I have an idea, but we never really talk finances,” you said, stumbling over your words lightly.

“It’s a lot to take in,” she said.

“Yes, well. It’s almost time Yeri, Y/N needs at least two hours to get ready before dinner with Yoongi and JImin,” Taehyung said, looking at her handful of bags.

“Alright, just one more store and then I promise we’ll be done,” she said. You nodded, following Yeri dutifully down the escalator.

Taehyung came up behind you and took your hand, interlacing your fingers. You smiled and continued down. Yeri spotted the two of you and gave your hands a look.

“How did you two decide upon those rings?” she asked, looking at them with unhindered disgust.

“These are just placement rings until we decide which ones we want for the final piece,” Taehyung said smoothly.

“Well, then no better time than the present to find the ones you want. Come on, Dad’s store is just down the way,” she said, leading the pair of you to the shops.

You walked into a vintage looking jewelry shop. The walls were a rich emerald, and the drapes and deep plum, but what caught your eye was the kind man behind them, working at polishing a ring that was set in his palm.

“Daddy!” Yeri cried, running forward and embracing the older man.

“Hello my flower, how are you?” he said, brushing the stray strands of hair from her face.

“Doing good, but we have an emergency,” she said seriously.

Her father keyed in.

“Yes, what would that be?” he asked, looking at her.

“Vante and Y/N need wedding rings!” she squealed.

He rolled his eyes, but smiled anyways.

“Alright flower, calm down. I will help them. Vante, my boy, you look scrawnier, have you been eating enough?” he asked, coming over to pat Taehyung on the shoulder.

“Yes Mr. Wing. My wife makes sure of that,” he smiled, bringing you into his side.

“I see, very good then. Well Mrs. Kim, come look at our selection,” he said, gently putting his hand on the small of your back, leading you away from Taehyung. You perused the selection, not finding anything really of interest. It was all either too gaudy or too basic, too many jewels or not enough. If this was going to be your wedding ring, you wanted it to be perfect, even if the marriage was an accident...

“Vante, have you found one you like?” you asked, looking at him.

“Perhaps, but I want one that matches yours,” he said, looking down at the assortment before the two of you.

“Let’s start with the basics, do you want silver? Tungsten or platinum, white gold, rose gold or yellow gold? What do you think would suit you best?” Mr. Wing asked.

“I think... White gold?” you asked, looking at Taehyung for approval.

He smiled and patted you on your shoulders.

“Whatever you want darling, tell me and it’s yours,” he declared.

“You guys are gross, you know that?” Yeri complained.

“Can I see some white gold settings?” you asked. Mr. Wing nodded and brought some out. You looked and didn’t see anything. Until, in the corner of the case, a closed box seemed to call out to you.

“What is it Y/N?” Yeri asked, following your eye line.

“What’s in that box?” you asked, looking at Mr. Wing.

“Ah, well... It’s the oldest ring in my possession. It’s from 1912, and it is a floral design. Would you like to see it?” he asked, moving toward it.

You nodded numbly, and watched with rapt interest.

He opened the box and it’s like it clicked in your head. This was your ring. You knew it.

“Can I try it on?” you asked, looking at him sheepishly.

“Of course! Of course,” he said, coming over and handing the ring to you.

Turning around you looked at Taehyung.

“Mind doing the honors?” you asked, holding the ring out for him. Something flickered in Taehyung’s eyes, but you let it slide, and held out your hand.

He took the ring and then looked at you. With a soft smile, he placed the ring on your finger. A perfect fit.

“Well would you look at that. It’s never fit anyone before. At least, not anyone who has come in here,” Mr. Wing said.

“Oh Y/N! It’s beautiful!” Yeri cooed, coming over to look at the ring with you.

“Is it the winner?” Taehyung asked.

“Yes,” you smiled.

“Yeri, help me pick out one that matches?” Taehyung asked, looking through the case. You stared at the ring and smiled, touching it gingerly.

“You know,” Mr. Wing started, “the last woman who wore that ring, was my grandmother,” he smiled.

Gasping, you moved to take it off. “I’m so sorry,” you stammered, trying to get the ring off.

“No no,” he said, holding your hands.

“But I-”

“I put the ring up here and wanted people to see it. To see the craftsmanship that goes into these things, but I never put it up for sale. I told people I could make a replica, or something similar, but never the real thing,” he explained.

“So, why me?” you asked.

“Because, you remind me of my grandmother. So confident, yet unsure. Fiery, yet gentle. Kind, above everything else,” he stated.

“But you hardly know me,” you said softly.

“Ah, but your eyes. Your eyes tell me everything. And I saw the way you looked at that ring. It’s the one,” he smiled.

“Are you sure, I really don’t want to take a family heirloom from you,” you said.

“I would not part with it if I were not ready, and now, I am. Please, take it,” he said, patting your hands comfortingly.

“Y/N! Vante found one!” Yeri’s voice rang out.

“Oh yeah? Let me see,” you said, walking over.

Taehyung had a simple white gold band with a large diamond in the middle molded into the setting. It looked like the ring was trying to swallow the diamond. But the beauty of the stone shone through. You smiled. It was perfect for him.

“I love it,” you nodded, looking at Taehyung with happiness written across your features.

“I’m glad,” Taehyung said, moving to go pay for them. When Mr. Wing surprised you yet again.

“No charge my boy,” Mr. Wing said.

“But Mr. Wing, I can’t just walk off with thousands of dollars worth of goods. That’s not good business,” he said, taking his wallet out.

“It isn’t good business, but it is good friendship. The way your wife looks with that ring is payment enough, and knowing my grandmother’s ring will be well taken care of, well, that’s just extra isn’t it?” he said, a smile creeping across his features.

“Vante, you two are going to be late for dinner!” Yeri warned, pointing at the clock.

“It appears you don’t have time to argue,” Mr. Wing said, smiling.

“This isn’t over,” Taehyung warned, no real malice in his voice.

But Mr. Wing smiled and waved as the three of you exited the shop, new rings on hands.

“It really is lovely Y/N, I know my great grandmother would be pleased you have it,” she smiled.

“Thanks Yeri, that means a lot,” you said, genuine.

“Well, I’m off. Thanks for a day of shopping Vante, and Y/N, if he bullies you, call me,” she said, handing you her number. “He’s got a thick head and can be a bit of an asshole, but don’t let that dissuade you,” she said softly.

“It hasn’t yet,” you reminded.

“It’s early,” she smirked, heading down the street. You took Taehyung’s hand.

“Do you think she caught on?” you asked, looking at him.

“Maybe. She’s smart, smarter than people give her credit for. Anyways, get your stuff in the car, we gotta get going, dinner is at seven o’clock sharp!” he said, climbing into the back.

“You aren’t gonna help me?” you asked, raising a brow.

“David, get her bags in the back please,” Taehyung said.

You watched as a man came from the passenger side seat and carried all your things to the back, while Taehyung watched you from behind his sunglasses.

“Get in,” he said, holding his hand out to you.

You grabbed his and got in, ready for the rest of the day.

--

You and Taehyung were dressed to the nines. You were in a knee length powder blue dress, with dark navy heels to match. Taehyung was wearing a powder blue dress shirt with black slacks. The two of you strutted into the restaurant, smiles on your faces.

You thought back to what Taehyung had said in the car...

“They’re going to try to get you to betray me, in any way possible. They’ll use money, threats, whatever to get you to show your ‘true’ self. They hate that I married you, because they couldn’t control it. But, don’t let their little jabs go, give it back to them, tenfold if you have to. They can take it, they’ve had much worse.”

You sat down first, looking across the table to see the two most handsome men you’d ever seen.

One, was wearing a red velvet blazer, a black diamond rose pin on his breast. The next was wearing a white blazer, with a bright purple pin to accentuate his skin. They were both breathtaking.

Taehyung sat down next to you, smiling at the two men.

“Jimin.” Red jacket man.

“Yoongi.” White jacket man.

“This is my wife, Y/N,” he said, introducing you to them.

You bowed your head slightly, looking up at them through your lashes.

Jimin was handsome. Lush lips that looked ready for a kiss at any moment, and Yoongi had eyes that could stun a horse still. He, was also very handsome.

“So this is who you married Taehyung-ah?” Jimin said, looking at you up and down. You coughed lightly and tried to hide your embarrassment.

“Yes, this is my wife,” he said again, tone remaining level.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” you said, trying to keep as calm as Taehyung.

“Well, at least she has manners,” Yoongi sighed.

“How about her family? Wealthy members of the circuit I’m presuming?” Jimin said, taking a sip of his water.

“No, she’s an outsider actually. New to the circuit,” Taehyung said, looking at the menu with interest.

Jimin choked on his water and started coughing harshly. A waiter came over to ensure he was alright, and you had handed him a cloth to dab his mouth with.

“A-An outsider?” Jimin asked.

“That’s what I said, yes,” Taehyung confirmed.

“And you just, married her, because...?” Yoongi asked, looking at him.

“Because I love her. She’s very loyal to the people she cares about, and she loves to learn and to grow, and, she’s smart,” he smiled, looking at you and taking your hand. You smiled back, rubbing your thumb over his fingers.

“How did you two meet?” Jimin asked, calming down.

“At his club,” you said, truthfully.

“Ah, yes, where hookers, cheats and liars frequent,” Yoongi stated.

“It’s also where Taehyung frequents, are you telling me he’s a cheat and a liar?” you asked, looking at Yoongi.

He scowled and continued looking at his menu.

Taehyung squeezed your hand.

‘Good job’

“What looks good to you darling?” Taehyung asked, peering over their drink menu.

“Maybe the house special, I don’t know. Jimin, what are you looking at?” you asked, wanting to include the other man.

“Well, the bluefin tuna is excellent here. I might get that,” he said, staring directly at you.

You coughed in discomfort and continued looking at the menu.

The waiter came by and took everyone’s orders, bringing a bottle of wine to the table as well. You all took a sample and decided it was the one you wanted, so he set it down and said he’d be back with your food when it was ready.

“So, Y/N, what do you do for a living?” Yoongi asked, arms crossed over his front.

“I worked in a financial firm for about four years, but, recently was let go,” you said, keeping some of the truth to yourself.

“I see, so you’re currently mooching off of Taehyung then?” Jimin asked, just as simply as Yoongi had.

“Jimin,” Taehyung warned.

“What? Is that not what she’s doing? Not contributing, taking two slices of one pie? How else would you like me to put it Taehyung?” Jimin said.

“I’d like for you to remember that your previous girlfriend didn’t have a job either, so maybe don’t be so quick to judge my wife when you had a partner of a similar background,” he growled.

Taehyung seemed genuinely angry at that comment, but you just sighed and took another sip of wine.

Tonight was going to be a long one.

The food came and everyone started eating. The jabs didn’t stop, but you returned with your own fire, and gave them a run for their money.

After three glasses of wine, you felt the urge to use the restroom.

“I’ll be right back,” you said to Taehyung who nodded, finishing up his meal as well.

Walking into the bathroom you dabbed some more powder on, checked your lipstick and used the restroom. After washing your hands and spraying some perfume on yourself, you walked out, only to run into-

“Jimin?” you asked, looked at the man before you.

“Hello, Y/N,” he said, smiling.

This was odd, and it already reeked of mischief.

“Can I help you with something?” you asked, looking at him with curiosity.

“Yes, I believe you can,” he said, coming forward to trap you against the door.

“Um, how is this going to help you?” you asked, looking at him uncomfortably.

“You’re very beautiful, Y/N,” he whispered, his voice sounding like silk against your ear.

“Thank you,” you squeaked, trying not to do something awkward.

“But, it’s a shame that you’re with Taehyung... But, he wouldn’t need to know about, one little kiss would he?” he asked, playing with your bottom lip with his thumb.

Your mind set off red alerts.

‘They will try to get you to betray me.’

Taehyung’s words echoed in your mind.

Jimin was getting closer.

“What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him right?” he said, his breath fanning against your face.

“Jimin, stop,” you said firmly, putting your hands against his chest.

He scoffed, but backed up as you asked. Just as you were about to move away, he gripped your wrist and pulled you back against his chest.

“I can give you what you want,” he promised, head resting against your shoulder.

Just like Taehyung had done with you the night you’d met.

“I found what I wanted,” you said, moving away once more.

A tsking sound came from behind you, as Jimin started to follow.

“Alright, I didn’t peg you for this type of girl, but I guess it’s the ultimate persuader. How much do you want?” he asked, pulling out his wallet.

SMACK

Just as Lily had done to Taehyung earlier, you glared at Jimin fiercely.

“If you think I can be bought, you are fooling yourself. My love for Taehyung has no price,” you stated.

Jimin sighed and came closer once again, rubbing his cheek.

“You should’ve taken the offers deary, because now, I won’t be nearly as nice,” he said.

“You can threaten me, but I know Taehyung will never let anything happen to me or my family. You have nothing here,” you said, turning to go back to the table.

“He can protect you from me, but can he protect you from everything? Think about it. He’s a mafia member, there are going to be bad deals, people are going to get hurt. Do you really want to stick around to find out if you or your family is going to get caught in the crossfire?” he tried to reason with you.

“Jimin, let me say this plainly. I love Taehyung, he is my family now. I’d like for us to be family as well. But I can’t do that if you don’t trust me to take care of him. He’s been under your protection for a long time, but now, it’s time for him to be under mine,” you said.

Jimin looked at you in disbelief.

You turned and finally walked back to the table.

Yoongi and Taehyung were watching something on his phone when the pair of them looked up. Taehyung came over and smiled, wrapping you up in his arms. You were confused, but the hug was nice.

“What’s all this for?” you asked, brushing a stray strand of hair from his face.

“Yoongi thought it would be nice to watch a video while we waited for you and Jimin to come back. Little did I know that it was a live feed of the security camera outside the women’s bathroom,” Taehyung said, looking at Yoongi with a smirk.

“Oh, so...”

“We saw it,” Yoongi confirmed.

“Ah,” you said, trying not to cringe from the idea.

Jimin returned to the table, sitting down across from you.

Taehyung exchanged a few pleasantries with them, but besides that, the dinner was over.

“Well gentleman, I think it’s time we head home. But thanks for meeting with us,” Taehyung smiled.

“It was a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Kim,” Yoongi acknowledged.

‘The pleasure was mine,” you smiled.

The two of you began to head back to the house when Taehyung turned around unexpectedly.

“Jimin, if I ever see you near my wife like that again. I’ll shoot you dead,” he said, sounding so calm that it made your skin cover in goosebumps.

You were led out to the awaiting car and Taehyung helped you load in. Taking off your heels you rubbed your feet, but before you could do much else, Taehyung was in your field of view.

“Yes...?” you asked, looking at him with confusion.

“Why didn’t you do it?” he asked.

“Why didn’t I do what?” you asked.

“Why didn’t you kiss Jimin? Why didn’t you do any of that?” he asked.

“Because, I’m married to you. I can’t kiss another man when I’m married to you, that’s wrong. Even if it was an accident, I’m still your wife, I want to honor that,” you said.

Taehyung smiled and leaned back in the seat.

“You’re something else, Y/N, really. You are,” he stated.

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