Chapter 17: A Stepmother's Desperation
Lady Haejin was seething.
The dinner had been an absolute disaster.
Not only had Taehyung embarrassed her again, but the nobles-who were supposed to be on her side-had laughed. Some had even whispered that perhaps Taehyung was exactly the kind of Luna their kingdom needed.
Unpredictable. Sharp. Feared.
That was not the outcome she had planned for.
No, if she wanted to secure Jungkook's future (and her own power), she needed to act fast.
---
Plotting in the Shadows
Lady Haejin paced her private chambers, her mind racing.
I can't remove him politically. Not yet. Jungkook is too loyal, and Taehyung has too much public favor after that stunt.
Which meant she had one option left.
She had to break them apart from the inside.
And she knew exactly where to start.
---
A Visit from an Old Friend
Taehyung was enjoying a peaceful morning-well, trying to-when a familiar and very much unwanted face appeared at the palace gates.
Minah.
Taehyung groaned as the guards let her in. What now?
Minah approached him with a polite smile, the perfect image of grace and dignity.
"Good morning, Luna," she said, bowing slightly.
Taehyung raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Luna? So you can acknowledge me as Jungkook's mate when it's convenient for you."
Minah's smile twitched. "I wanted to... clear the air. I think we got off on the wrong foot at the feast."
Taehyung crossed his arms. "Minah, if I cared about your feelings, I'd ask. What do you want?"
Minah hesitated. "Lady Haejin sent me to-"
"Ah. There it is." Taehyung smirked. "You're not here to 'clear the air.' You're here to stir it."
Minah flushed. "That's not-"
"Let me guess," Taehyung interrupted. "She wants you to convince me that I'm not good enough for Jungkook? That he deserves a proper Luna?"
Minah opened her mouth, then closed it.
Taehyung laughed. "Wow. I almost feel bad for you."
Minah stiffened. "Excuse me?"
"You were sent here thinking you had a chance," Taehyung said, shaking his head. "Like you're some main character in a romance novel where the poor, helpless girl gets the powerful Alpha."
He tilted his head. "But reality check, sweetheart. You're a side character at best."
Minah gasped. "You-"
"Listen," Taehyung said, stepping closer. "You and I both know that Jungkook wouldn't touch you with a ten-foot pole. And even if he wanted to, which he doesn't, I'd sooner set the entire kingdom on fire than let him."
Minah's face went scarlet.
"You think you can replace me?" Taehyung whispered, leaning in. "Try."
Minah stumbled back, humiliated, before she ran out of the palace.
---
Jungkook Learns the Truth
Jungkook returned to their chambers later that evening, only to find Taehyung lounging on their bed, smirking.
"Your stepmother sent Minah to manipulate me today," Taehyung said casually.
Jungkook froze. "What?"
Taehyung examined his nails. "She thought I'd be dumb enough to doubt our bond. Cute, right?"
Jungkook's jaw tightened. "She dared-"
"Relax," Taehyung interrupted. "I handled it."
Jungkook exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "I swear, if she tries one more thing-"
"You'll what?" Taehyung teased. "Burn the kingdom down for me?"
Jungkook didn't hesitate. "In a heartbeat."
Taehyung blinked. He hadn't expected Jungkook to answer so quickly.
Jungkook stepped closer, his voice low. "You and our pups are the only things that matter to me, Taehyung. If anyone-anyone-tries to take you from me, I won't just destroy them."
His eyes darkened.
"I'll make sure they never get the chance to try again."
Taehyung's heart pounded.
Jungkook rarely showed this side of himself. In public, he was the composed, disciplined Alpha King. But behind closed doors?
He was his.
And he was terrifyingly, dangerously devoted.
A slow smirk crept across Taehyung's lips.
"Good," he whispered, pulling Jungkook closer. "Because I'd do the same for you."
And as their lips met in a fierce, possessive kiss, Taehyung knew-no matter what Lady Haejin planned next-she would never win.
---
To Be Continued...