Chapter 19: A Kingdom Reclaimed
With Lady Haejin finally gone, the palace was peaceful for the first time in years.
Well-almost.
Because while the political chaos had settled, Taehyung still had to deal with the social chaos.
And by social chaos, he meant the desperate, shameless wolves who still thought they had a chance with Jungkook.
It was honestly getting embarrassing.
---
Taehyung vs. the Desperate Wolves
It started at breakfast.
Taehyung had just sat down when a random noble Omega draped herself over Jungkook's arm, voice obnoxiously sweet.
"My King," she purred. "You must be so exhausted from dealing with all this stress. Maybe I can... relax you?"
Taehyung, mid-bite of his toast, paused.
Jungkook, terrified, carefully peeled her off. "Uh-no thanks."
But the girl wasn't done.
She turned to Taehyung, smug. "Luna Taehyung, don't you think our Alpha deserves a real Luna?"
The entire room went silent.
The guards took a step back.
Jungkook started praying.
Because Taehyung smiled.
And a smiling Taehyung was a dangerous Taehyung.
"You know," Taehyung mused, tapping his chin, "you're right."
The girl smirked, victorious.
Jungkook panicked. "B-baby-"
Taehyung turned to Jungkook, all sweet innocence. "My love, she says you need a real Luna."
Jungkook swallowed hard. "I-"
"So," Taehyung continued, still smiling, "should I go? Pack my things? Take the pups?"
The noble girl froze.
Jungkook-pale as death-shook his head aggressively. "No. Absolutely not. Never. Don't even joke about that."
Taehyung nodded. "That's what I thought."
Then he turned back to the girl.
"I understand now," he said, feigning sympathy. "You're not stupid-you're just blind."
The girl blinked. "W-what-"
Taehyung patted her shoulder.
"It's okay," he whispered. "Not everyone is blessed with fully functioning brain cells."
Jungkook choked on his drink.
The guards failed to stifle their laughter.
The girl gasped. "You-you're so-"
"Correct?" Taehyung offered.
She stormed out.
Jungkook sighed. "Baby, one day someone's actually gonna fight you."
Taehyung sipped his tea. "They can try."
---
Peace at Last?
Despite the occasional desperate fool, things finally felt normal.
Jungkook ruled with strength, Taehyung kept the court in check with his sharp tongue, and their pups thrived.
Their eldest, Jiha, continued training. Their eldest son, Jisoo, was excelling in strategy. Their middle child, Areum, had already mastered Taehyung's sass, and their youngest ones-Haneul and baby Taegukk -were growing fast.
Life was good.
But deep down, Jungkook knew...
This peace wouldn't last forever.
Something was coming.
And when it did, he would burn the world to keep his family safe.
---
To Be Continued...