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The room’s atmosphere is tense.
Every spectator in the room has their eyes on the two alphas with their gazes locked on each other. The king’s eyes are fierce, and the general stares back with clenched fists. Their expressions are set, unwavering, as they match stances.
No one makes a move, breath caught in anticipation of what’s about to happen next. It’s silent enough to hear the wind whistling outside the courtroom and all the other ministers let out shallow breaths to preserve the quiet. Until the general speaks.
“Your Majesty, please try to understand. Meeting King Heewon is crucial to strengthening the ties between our kingdoms. After your…incident last week, the chances of us going to war are inexplicably high and you know we cannot afford that.”
The king stares at his general in utter disdain, wondering what his father saw in him. A part of him wonders if he’s right, but Taehyung’s pride has always been his biggest strength and weakness. He waves his hand in dismissal. “I refuse to apologise for what happened that night. Heewon won’t stop exaggerating the damage caused and that is simply not my problem.”
Jeongguk sighs, rubbing his temples gently. “You punched him, your Majesty. Broke his jaw, almost.”
Taehyung bristles at the reminder. “Well, he insulted my reign and way of ruling. Just because he is a king too doesn’t mean he can get away with it.”
“Yes, but was there a need to—”
“Are you trying to go against me, General Jeon?” Taehyung stands up abruptly, his rich red robe swaying in the breeze. His deep voice booms with authority and fear flashes on the ministers’ faces. They know all too well not to question him and his capabilities.
Jeongguk doesn’t seem too affected, though and it frustrates Taehyung. “Not at all, your Majesty. I am just saying a war would not bode well for our soldiers and wealth.”
Taehyung walks over to him, a few pieces of his hair falling loose from his top knot. Jeongguk lifts his chin higher, unwavering under the emperor’s feline gaze. “My father might have been the one to appoint you, general, but do not forget that I am the king now. My word will always be the final one. I am not, in any circumstance, apologising to King Heewon.”
The two stare at each other for another tension-filled moment. Taehyung desperately wants to know what’s going on in his head, whether he’s cursing him or silently curbing the urge to scoff or talk back.
“Very well,” Jeongguk concedes with a slight bow of his head, jaw clenched tightly. “I will begin with preparations in case a war breaks out.”
Taehyung doesn’t reply and walks out of the court with a feeling of satisfaction simmering in his chest. He might be a king but he isn’t above feeling human emotions like pettiness. Every time he wins against the general his day slightly gets better. He can’t help but love getting under his skin and rivalling him up knowing Jeongguk cannot do anything to get his revenge simply because of their difference in status. Taehyung will always win and there’s nothing Jeongguk can do to get back at him.
ααα
Taehyung lets out a sigh as the omega palms over his cock.
He spreads his legs wider and crosses his arms behind his head, relaxing on the soft mattress. His mind can’t focus on the sensation of soft skin playing with the tip but on the argument he had with General Jeon earlier. Was he right? Should Taehyung keep his ego aside and apologise? It might prevent a war from happening, after all. He should be thinking about the welfare of his people as a king instead of his petty fights.
He feels nothing. Even as the gorgeous little thing touches Taehyung as he usually does to himself, there’s no rush of blood to his length, not even a twitch of interest.
The young man gazes up at him with sultry eyes, his pheromones smelling sweet as nectar. “Your Majesty,” he drawls out, dainty little hands playing with his flaccid cock, “am I making you feel good?”
Taehyung huffs out in annoyance. “Clearly not, since I’m still limp as a wet fucking noodle.” He runs a hand through his hair. Not an ounce of pleasure courses through him. He might as well be attempting to masturbate while watching paint dry. “This is a waste of my time. Get out.”
The omega flinches, stopping his hand movements. “But, Your Majesty—”
“I said get out!” his voice booms in the room, prompting the man to run away after grabbing his garments off the floor.
Taehyung lets out a frustrated groan. This is the 11th courtesan he’s had this week but none of them seem to be able to please him. He’s tried everything; men and women, from the most dainty-looking omegas to the most rugged ones, even betas. But nothing has given him what he’s desperately craving for these past few weeks, a satisfying knotting. Hell, even he wasn’t able to get it up most nights and fails to understand why. He’s always been great in bed since the day he lost his virginity. But these past few days were troublesome, where his sexual performance was at his lowest and there seems to be no solution in sight. The pent-up sexual frustration and the arguments he has with General Jeon every day are taking a toll on him and he might explode if he doesn’t let out all that steam soon.
He dons his silk night robe, grabs his smoking pipe and walks towards the huge palace balcony overlooking his kingdom. The night is quiet, the only company he’s getting are the crickets chirping in the garden below him and the stars lighting up the sky. He takes a long drag from his pipe and closes his eyes.
“I thought I might find you here, Your Majesty,” he hears an annoyingly familiar voice break the peaceful silence.
Taehyung clicks his tongue but doesn’t turn around, just takes another long inhale from his pipe. “And why were you searching for me?”
Jeongguk walks towards him, in the same clothes he’s worn all day. Does this man ever sleep? “I just saw a pretty omega running away, looking as insulted as ever. I assume that tonight was no different?”
Irritation spikes in Taehyung but he doesn’t let it show. Why give Jeongguk exactly what he wants? He’s aware that the servants have started talking about his disappointed companions who leave every night. People notice everything to the minute detail, especially if you’re a king who has only made silly mistakes since his reign started.
“What do you want?” he asks, trying not to snap.
Jeongguk chuckles, noticing the change of topic. “Well, I came here to ask you to reconsider your earlier decision. You should think about your people once in a while.”
The taunt doesn’t go unnoticed by him. Normally, the person would be imprisoned for making such a statement against him but Taehyung knows, in his heart of hearts, that he cannot function without General Jeon’s guidance. His father passed away without being able to teach him the ropes and suddenly he was sitting on the throne at the age of 22 without knowing anything, his only means of knowledge being a recently appointed 25-year-old General Jeon Jeongguk, who never saw him fit to rule the country, even after three years of ascending the throne.
He takes another drag of the pipe and scoffs. “Ah, is that another valuable lesson from the great Jeon Jeongguk’s handbook?”
Taehyung sees Jeongguk’s jaw tick in irritation and feels a twinge of petty satisfaction. “No, just a suggestion. The final decision is up to you, of course.”
“You think you would do a better job at ruling the kingdom than me, don’t you?” He challenges, fed up with Jeongguk’s constant, unasked-for advice.
Jeongguk stares at him for a couple of moments, contemplating his answer. He tilts his head, stepping closer to Taehyung until he can faintly smell the sweat mixed with his natural amber scent, a little soured. “Not at all, Your Majesty,” he whispers, his tone deepened and gaze darkening. Taehyung’s breath hitches and he can’t move away. Jeongguk corners him against the railing and smirks. “You just need to learn how to listen .”
Taehyung gulps, breath coming out unsteadily from the proximity. He’s never been this close to Jeongguk before, where he can see the scar on his right cheek and the small particles of dirt accumulated near his temple. He can’t seem to put distance between them either and his heart beats erratically.
Jeongguk’s eyes roam over his face as silence reigns between them. “I heard you’re having some problems with the courtesans, Your Majesty. They always leave a little…dissatisfied?” His breath smells like alcohol, which is possibly how he’s getting so bold with Taehyung.
“It’s none of your business, General Jeon.”
Jeongguk sighs and shakes his head. “You’re right, it isn’t. But seeing all these disappointed omegas and betas leaving every day, while it was entertaining at first, is a sore sight now. What might the people of the kingdom say when they learn that their king can’t even pop a simple knot?”
Irritation fills Taehyung. He knows the night guards and his closest ministers are already aware of his problem but who does Jeongguk think he is, closing in on Taehyung just to mock him? Has he forgotten who he is? Their ranking?
But Taehyung cannot lose his cool, not when he knows Jeongguk thrives off of his adverse reactions. “If you have nothing important to say, you are dismissed,” he waves him off.
“Oh, but I do,” Jeongguk grins, stare unwavering. It makes Taehyung feel something funny in his stomach and he’s unsure if he likes that. He tilts his head curiously, taking a long drag of his pipe.
“I think you’re looking at this in the wrong way. The solution might lie in the sub-gender. Perhaps you should retire the omegas and betas and try sleeping with alphas instead.”
The inhaled smoke gets stuck in Taehyung’s throat in surprise, causing his eyes to water as he starts coughing it out. Jeongguk laughs and moves back at his reaction.
Taehyung blinks the water out of his eyes. “Are you—“ he gulps in the night’s fresh air, “suggesting I fuck an alpha?”
Jeongguk’s eyes almost have a maniacal look to them as he shakes his head. “No, I’m suggesting you get fucked by one.”
Taehyung opens his mouth only to close it again several times. Rage fills him once he realises what Jeongguk means and he grabs the General by his garments and shoves him into the nearest wall. Jeongguk’s amber scent spikes up and fills his senses. “How dare you propose such a ghastly act to me?” his voice angrily booms around the balcony, possibly alerting all the night guards on duty. “Have you forgotten who you’re talking to?”
Jeongguk looks calm but his eyes are intense. “Not at all, Your Majesty. Maybe you should try something different for once. You never know what might work for your issue.” He offers, feigning innocence.
The two stare at each other, Taehyung heaving with fury. How dare someone like Jeongguk demean him like that? Maybe he’s given him too much leeway. He doesn’t need the general’s advice to that extent, not when his pride is at stake.
“Get out of my sight,” he orders, each word emphasised with a warning. “Get out before I order someone to throw you out of the kingdom.”
Jeongguk still doesn’t look bothered as he bows his head and gets out of Taehyung’s hold. “Of course, Your Majesty,” he says with a hint of amusement in his tone. He starts walking back into the palace but stops after a few steps.
“Oh, and Your Majesty? In case you need an alpha, I’ll always be available,” he winks at him before leaving, leaving Taehyung a flabbergasted mess.
ααα
“You must have gone mad,” Taehyung gasps out, eyes about to pop out of his sockets.
His doctor, who’s more of a friend and is used to his dramatics, simply sighs. “Your Majesty, the suggestion isn’t too absurd. We have tried every root and herb found in our kingdom and I have even consulted doctors from our neighbouring kingdoms. None of the treatments have worked for your lack of sexual performance.”
Taehyung flinches at her words. “Well yes, but receiving during sex? Is that the only option left?”
“Well of course not, but we have tried everything in the realms of my knowledge. If this anonymous person suggested bottoming might work then what’s the harm in trying?”
What’s the harm? Everything. Taehyung is an alpha , the king at that. He refuses to be the one lying pliant on the bed, waiting for someone with his legs spread in submission. Especially if that someone is Jeon Jeongguk.
The thought makes him shudder in disgust, his cedarwood scent turning sour. “Don’t you know who I am? I am the king.” He challenges her because that should be enough to know how preposterous this idea is.
“So you think since you rule our kingdom you can’t take it up the ass?” she deadpans before rolling her eyes. “Look, I genuinely think you should give it a try. Keep your ego aside for once and think logically. I’m sure you have a few alpha friends willing to help you out.”
Taehyung shakes his head stubbornly. “I have no affinity for doing such an uncouth act. Start finding different solutions immediately.”
His doctor grabs her bag with a defeated sigh. “I will try. But if I cannot find one, you should start preparing for a celibate life, Your Majesty.”
A few weeks pass, but his doctor doesn’t return with a solution. As the days turn into nights Taehyung grows more and more restless. He tries his hardest to relieve himself with a handjob but most of the time he can’t even get it up, and when it does it usually ends with a barely satisfying orgasm and unfortunately, no knot. The pressure of running a kingdom along with his pent-up sexual frustration gets to a point where he decides the unthinkable: to actually accept Jeongguk’s proposal.
He thinks of all the potential alphas he’s befriended who can help him out with his situation but none come to mind. Some of them fuck only omegas, some only women and the only lady alpha he knows is already mated. While he could request an alpha from the house of courtesans he doesn’t think he can handle the embarrassment if word got out, especially since all those escorts are notoriously known for their big mouths. Literally and figuratively.
So his desperation leads him to his final, or rather only, option: Jeongguk. Jeongguk will fuck him until he knots. He’ll be on his knees for Jeon fuckass Jeongguk.
It takes him a while to convince himself. It doesn’t need to be dragged on for too long, of course. Jeongguk will try with a quick fuck and if it doesn’t work, he can just leave. Taehyung refuses to listen to any of Jeongguk’s orders; he is a king after all, and he’s already humiliated himself enough with this whole charade. So he will do everything as he wishes, from the time, place and even the position. Taehyung has never bottomed before but he’s far from a virgin so how hard will it be, really?
It’s only when he thinks his testicles might actually explode does he approach Jeongguk, after giving himself a pep talk at least six times in bed the night before.
It’s a sunny morning in the palace gardens where his soldiers usually exercise and perform their warm-up drills before their duties. Taehyung tucks a loose strand in his bun as he searches for the one he dreads to talk to. Normally, as the General, Jeongguk should be supervising the drills but Taehyung finds him working out with them instead and well— his heart might have skipped a couple of beats.
He’s never seen the soldier bare; he’s always decked up in layers of clothing and armour, but he’d never expected Jeongguk to be this ripped. It shouldn’t be surprising given how he’s a soldier and all but again, Taehyung never thought about him or his body that much but now he wonders why. Large biceps, sturdy pecs and perfectly lined abs, what a sight Jeon Jeongguk is at the moment. No wonder he’s heard his omega servants love to stop at this place frequently around this time.
The sun falls on Jeongguk’s body as he leads all his soldiers through push-ups, causing it to glisten with sweat as he effortlessly pushes himself up from the hard ground. There’s barely any exertion on his face and he doesn’t grunt out in pain like the rest of them. Taehyung can see the muscles in his arms pop as he carries his body weight and has to gulp a couple of times.
Whew , Jeongguk might be an egotistical asshole but he’s surely an attractive one.
“General Jeon,” Taehyung calls out to him, folding his arms.
Jeongguk’s head turns to him mid push-up and he raises an eyebrow, a bead of sweat trailing down the side of his face. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
“I’d like to have a word. In private.”
It takes him a mere second to jump on his feet and grab a cloth to dry him off. Taehyung tries not to stare at the sweat droplets dripping down the planes of his body. He’s never found alphas alluring and he’s sure as hell not finding Jeongguk alluring either. He tries to shake himself out of his daze. It’s because he hasn’t popped his knot for a long time. That’s all.
Jeongguk towels off quickly before bowing to him. Oh, that sight will never get old. It’s probably the only time the General treats him with respect.
“Follow me,” he instructs, gilding him to his quarters after ensuring no one is eavesdropping.
Jeongguk waits for him expectantly and tries not to ogle around, given how it’s his first time here.
“So, about the suggestion you proposed to me that night,” he gets right to the point, not wanting to prolong this extremely uncomfortable discussion, “do you think it will work?”
Jeongguk studies him for a couple of seconds before shrugging. “I wouldn’t know for sure, of course. But I’d heard of someone facing the same problem as you long ago and this worked for them, I suppose.”
Taehyung scoffs. “You suppose ? So you’re going to fuck me based on an assumption?”
“So I’ll be the alpha who’s fucking you, then?” Jeongguk grins. Dammit. “Guess it’s my lucky day.”
Taehyung ignores the mockery. “That is yet to be decided,” Taehyung declares, watching him grin wider. “But if I let someone fuck me, you can’t even guarantee it would work?”
“To be truthful, no. But again, if you’re out of options then I don’t see any harm in trying.” And Taehyung is completely out of options. No matter how many nights he spends thinking, the only solution that comes up is this. Unless his knot suddenly decides to pop for shits and giggles.
“Alright, thank you. I will let you know if it helps.”
Jeongguk still has a stupid smirk on his face and Taehyung wonders how it appeals to him all of a sudden. Is it because Jeongguk is going to fuck him? Is his mind trying to trick him into thinking another alpha is attractive? His breath hitches when the soldier steps closer to him. “Ah, you don’t need to, Your Majesty. I won’t leave that room until I make you come, and I can at least guarantee that .”
Taehyung hates the heat that settles in his abdomen at his words.
ααα
It’s been a couple of weeks since Taehyung accepted his fate to bottom for Jeongguk but absolutely nothing has happened yet. They’ve seen each other almost every day but he hasn’t made any contact or an arrangement for their…night together. He might be still in denial about the whole thing altogether and their daily arguments only push the whole thing further back in his mind.
He and Jeongguk are on a hunting day trip now, a way to cool themselves off from the royals who stayed over for a couple of days at the palace. Usually, many more soldiers would accompany him on his hunt but Taehyung ordered them all to stay home, wanting to spend some time alone in nature. But Jeongguk insisted on coming along, saying that as his general it will always be his utmost duty to ensure the king’s safety and well-being.
They were supposed to catch a couple of deer or, if they were lucky, wild boars and return before sunset. But the sky has started to darken and they haven’t hunted down a single animal. Taehyung has missed his aim thrice and once even let an entire herd of deer get away.
Jeongguk, whose patience seems to have reached a limit now, groans behind him. “Your Majesty, we should return to the palace now. The sky has started to turn orange and clouds have gathered above us.”
Taehyung clicks his tongue in irritation. There is no way he’s returning without catching at least one deer today. Hunting is usually his favourite pastime and his archery skills are one of the best in the nation. But he seems more on edge today, missing all his targets by a hair and trying not to explode from the frustration. “No, not until I shoot this one,” he mutters looking at the deer in front of him, loading the arrow in his bow and stretching the string.
His breathing slows as he focuses on his aim, the doe innocently eating from a bush, unaware of its fate. He releases a shallow breath, readying his fingers to let go of the arrow before Jeongguk speaks again. “Your Majesty, it’s not safe for you to—”
“Oh, will you shut it already?” he yells as his concentration disappears. The animal, now alerted by his shout, runs away from them, causing him to let out another loud grunt. “Now look what you’ve done!”
“Your Majesty, we need to get home, now!” he shouts back, making Taehyung flinch. He watches Jeongguk’s eyes soften at his reaction and his mouth opens, but before he can speak, Taehyung instructs his horse to start running towards the opposite direction in anger. He hears Jeongguk call behind him, his horse not far behind. It doesn’t deter Taehyung, who speeds his horse towards an unknown path. It might be childish or dangerous but he’s had it with everyone today. He will get that needed alone time.
It’s been too long since he’s done things however he wished to do so; it has always been Your Majesty, don’t do this or Your Majesty you should think about the welfare of your people. For once, he’s going to stay in the woods for as long as he wants, even though he’s aware that they aren’t the safest after sundown.
Just as he thinks he feels a couple of droplets fall on his skin the rain starts to pour, leaving him soaked in seconds. He sighs, stopping his horse and admitting his defeat. So much for doing things his way. Seems as though the universe is also against him.
“Your Majesty, our horses cannot travel back in this weather. I suggest we head to one of my friends’ nearby cabin until the rain dies down a little.”
Taehyung scoffs, knowing he has no choice but to cooperate, as usual. Sometimes he wonders who truly runs the show here. Jeongguk leads him carefully through the rain down a muddy path, pausing a couple of times to check his compass. The rain soaks through his clothing, highlighting the toned muscles that Taehyung has not forgotten about since the last time he saw them, along with the flattening of his dark hair. Taehyung shivers atop his horse, a weird warmth enveloping his body. A wave of nausea takes over him and lets out a little groan.
“Is everything alright, Your Majesty?” Jeongguk shouts through the pour.
“Y-yes, I just need to get out of this rain.”
Thankfully, he can see the silhouette of a small cabin in the distance. They reach it in the next 10 minutes and by that time Taehyung has started to feel a little faint. Jeongguk gets off the horse first and after surveying the area, goes to Taehyung, who’s trying to get off his horse with difficulty.
“Your Majesty, are you alright?” he asks as Taehyung almost falls off, grabbing his waist to keep the king steady. Warmth takes over him again.
Taehyung nods, trying not to linger on the pressure of Jeongguk’s hand on his body. It’s a foreign feeling, but not an entirely unwelcome one. It makes him feel weirder, bringing up a confusing myriad of feelings in his stomach.
Jeongguk helps him walk into the cabin, which is a little dusty but perfect to stay until the rain stops. Taehyung scans the place and spots one huge room with a small fireplace, a mattress and two doors, one leading to another room containing a small mattress and the other room with a bucket and no bath . He might not survive if he doesn’t take a hot bath immediately.
“Are you truly alright, Your Majesty?” Jeongguk asks with concern in his gaze.
Taehyung yanks himself away from Jeongguk’s hold with an eye roll, but his stomach flips. “I’m fine , General Jeon. You do not have to treat me like I’m a child.”
“I don’t treat—” Jeongguk starts, but interrupts himself with a sigh. “I’m going to heat some water for you to bathe.”
Taehyung doesn’t reply but he appreciates the gesture. He can’t wait to get rid of these soaking clothes and get his body back to a normal temperature.
But the bath doesn’t help in the slightest. Taehyung’s body temperature alternates between extremely hot and cold and his breathing gets heavy. The warm coat Jeongguk provided him to cover his naked body while their clothes dried by the fire didn’t help in the slightest. He worries that he might be getting seriously ill when it hits him all at once, right when he sees the General get out of the bathroom with a flimsy cloth around his waist. A wave of heat crashes his body along with a disastrous realisation: his rut has started.
Shudders rack his body and he has to grip the ends of his coat to compose himself. This is bad. Really bad . Because he’s going into a rut right now, his pheromones must be out of control. Which means it’ll trigger—
“Oh, fuck,” Jeongguk groans out suddenly, clutching his stomach. Rich scents of amber and cedarwood fill the room. Taehyung feels suffocated, his eyes watering and lust clouding his senses. Jeongguk’s alpha pheromones, which would normally disgust him, now cause heat to curl in every part of his body.
“This cannot be happening right now,” Taehyung clenches his eyes shut, taking deep breaths. “Anytime but now.” This explains the irritation since morning, lack of focus and the nausea. His body just had to choose today of all days.
“Your Majesty, are you— alright?” The question annoys Taehyung more than usual. Why the fuck would Jeongguk care about his well-being now when he’s going through the same hell?
Taehyung just grunts in reply, arousal taking over his rational thoughts. All he wants to do is scent, bite and mark the closest person to him which happens to be Jeongguk. Just as he’s about to take a step towards him, Jeongguk lets out a sinful moan. “Tae— Your Majesty, I’m going to be outside, alright? I don’t think we should be in the same room when we’re like this.”
Anger flares in Taehyung. Jeongguk was practically begging to fuck him all those weeks ago, so why chicken out now? “What’s wrong?” he challenges, taking another step towards him. He sees Jeongguk grip the cloth around his waist tightly. His hungry gaze surveys all that milky skin in front of him, droplets rolling down those well-shaped pecs and abs. He’s going to go insane. “I thought you wanted this?”
Jeongguk’s nostrils flare, redness pooling in his irises. “Yes, but not like this. We can’t fuck when we’re both in ruts.” His jaw clenches, ticking at the corner, and it adds to Taehyung’s growing desire.
“Why?” Taehyung chuckles, their faces inches apart, “afraid you can’t handle another alpha at his peak?”
He barely finishes his sentence before he’s flipped around and shoved into the nearest wall. He lets out a surprised gasp, eyes widening at the grip Jeongguk has on his bare waist, fingers almost bruising. A pleasurable shudder runs through him. “I’m afraid that once I start, I won’t be able to stop.”
“Who says I want you to?” he whispers before crashing their lips together.
Their first kiss isn’t soft or slow by any means. It’s rough, demanding and borderline animalistic. Jeongguk pants in Taehyung’s mouth as he’s pulled closer by his waist, the cloth finally falling. He hurriedly pulls off Taehyung’s coat and now they’re naked and bare in front of each other for the first time. Both of them barely pay attention to that, however, since they’re too busy fighting for dominance during the kiss.
He finds himself engulfed in Jeongguk’s intoxicating scent, coupled with the smooth membrane inside his mouth and the exhales of pleasure tickling his skin; Taehyung feels nothing but exhilaration and want.
Jeongguk grabs a fistful of Taehyung’s hair, loosening the knot as Taehyung tries to push his tongue into his mouth. He grunts and bites his bottom lip harshly, causing the king to let out a long moan as he tastes his own blood. He’s always liked it rough, and it seems it hasn’t changed even when he’s being dominated.
Jeongguk pushes him towards the bedroom, snarling when Taehyung pushes his tongue out of his mouth. His other hand trails down Taehyung’s defined abdomen until it reaches his half-erect cock, already sensitive and begging for attention. The realisation makes him stop the kiss as Jeongguk chuckles in his mouth darkly and starts stroking. “Look at you, Your Majesty. I thought this wasn’t working before?” he smirks as Taehyung’s cock comes to life in front of his own eyes, sensitive and leaking more come by the second. The royal involuntarily moves into the sensation, raising his hips, jaw slackening as the pressure in his stomach alleviates just a bit. “All it needed was a few kisses from me, it seems.”
Shame courses through Taehyung, both painful and pleasurable. It’s fucking embarrassing that Jeongguk out of all people has that effect on him. The other alpha looks at him with his eyes red and lustful, his amber scent so strong and thick it makes him choke. It’s like he’s about to devour him, and Taehyung is unsure if his inner alpha likes that. Or is ready for it.
“Shut up,” he hisses, tightening his hold. “You’re nothing special, I’ve done it myself multiple times. Make me knot, then we’ll see.”
Jeongguk grins and leans closer to whisper, “I’ve always loved challenges, Your Majesty. And I never disappoint with the outcome.” His lips attach to Taehyung’s neck, licking and sucking and biting all skin that he finds. Taehyung exhales, irritated at the fact that Jeongguk knows just where to tease to up the ante. His tongue feels heavenly against his skin, soft and soothing after the harsh bite of his teeth.
He’s slowly led onto the mattress on the floor and their cocks brush against each other, making them moan. Taehyung feels completely at his mercy, neck laid out for him as he tries not to let out a sound embarrassingly close to a whimper.
His inner alpha howls in agony as his natural dominant instincts are forcefully buried, at how pliant he’s being for another alpha. His eyes shoot open. This won’t do. He’s a damn king , after all, and he will do this however he wants.
Grabbing Jeongguk’s loose hair, he pulls him back and glares. “You don’t get to push me around, General. We’re doing this my way.”
Jeongguk tilts his head, slightly panting. “Is that so? Do you even know what you’re doing?” His eyes trail down Taehyung’s front salaciously.
“How hard will it be, really? I’ve fucked plenty of omegas before.”
“But you’re not an omega, are you?” he grins, untying Taehyung’s knot. He stifles his gasp. No one has ever seen his hair loose aside from a few trusted family members. He should be berating Jeongguk for invading his space like that but why doesn’t he mind in the slightest?
“Of course not,” he declares, pushing Jeongguk on the mattress. His body falls on the softness with a thud and an oof . “So stop treating me like one.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty,” Jeongguk smiles, sitting up on the mattress with his legs spread and hands behind his head. The sight is so attractive that Taehyung gulps and stares at his heavy cock, red and curled towards his abs. How will that thing fit inside of him? Does he truly know how to bottom? “What’s wrong? You having second thoughts? Want some assistance?”
Taehyung is nothing but a man full of pride. He scoffs and walks over to him, kneeling down until their lips are inches apart. “You’re going to do just as I say, General Jeon. And that’s an order.”
Fire blazes in Jeongguk’s eyes as he grabs Taehyung’s face and pulls him into another bruising kiss, lifting his hips so their cocks slowly grind against each other. Pleasure zaps through him like a current, making Taehyung moan right into his mouth. Jeongguk uses that as an opportunity to insert his tongue inside, wrapping around his swiftly. Spit drools down Taehyung’s lips and it’s all just so filthy but so good . It’s never felt this good.
Jeongguk uses his free hand to slide down Taehyung’s back until he reaches his ass, gliding over the curve of it before squeezing. Taehyung lets out a surprised sound, breaking their kiss to scowl at him. “What the fuck are you doing?”
Jeongguk’s expression is amused, eyebrow raised. “I’m grabbing your glorious ass, Your Majesty.”
His unabashedness causes heat to rush into Taehyung’s cheeks but he rolls his eyes. “Don’t be smart with me.”
“Do you expect me to finger you without touching the nearby area?”
The thought that another alpha’s fingers will be in his entrance greatly offends his inner alpha. “Your filthy fingers are going nowhere near it,” he makes a face before putting two of his digits in his mouth. He licks around his fingers, thoroughly coating them with his spit. “I’ll be doing that to myself.”
Jeongguk’s mouth is set in a hard line as he watches Taehyung sit further away from him, placing a cushion under his hips. “Come on, Your Majesty. Just let me fuck you.” He tries once more, bordering on a beg yet still too confident to fully stoop down.
“As much as I love the sound of you begging, I’m only interested in your cock to make me knot. The rest, I can do on my own. I’d rather go celibate than let another alpha do this to me.” He wets his fingers again before inserting his first into his entrance, hissing at the strange feeling with the pain.
Most of his courtesans were already prepped before coming to his quarters, so he doesn’t really know what he’s doing. The feeling of his fingers being thrust into his walls is painful and far from pleasurable and he fails to understand how omegas deal with this every time. Jeongguk watching him carefully is another disadvantage but his dick twitching as Taehyung fingers himself is kind of entertaining. His alpha howling and complaining at him going against his nature isn’t helping though and this idea seems more stupid with each passing second. Is it the lack of oil? Is it the angle? Maybe he does need Jeongguk’s help.
“Jeon,” he calls out, suddenly embarrassed. Jeongguk just gives him a bored hum. “You may assist me.”
The general chuckles, shifting closer to him. Hunger and anger flash in his gaze simultaneously. “Oh, may I now? What about you not letting my filthy fingers go anywhere near your hole?”
“Mind your language,” Taehyung snaps, removing his fingers and wiping them on the bed sheet. “Don’t forget that I’m your k—mmph!” he’s silenced by Jeongguk shoving his digits in his mouth.
“Now be quiet and get them all nice and wet for me, yeah?” he whispers, his voice deep and authoritative. Taehyung curbs the urge to shudder as he, unfortunately, does as he’s told, tongue swirling around Jeongguk’s thick fingers. He has a slight smirk the entire time and Taehyung can’t wait to punch it off him.
“How dare you silence me in such a manner, General Jeon?” he yells but Jeongguk only rolls his eyes. “Your disrespect towards me will be punished as soon as we get— fuck ,” he interrupts himself yet again as Jeongguk slowly inserts one of his fingers, slower and gentler than Taehyung did earlier.
Taehyung’s breath gets stuck in his throat as Jeongguk moves his finger in and out, leaning towards his ear. “You need to go slow since you’re doing this for the first time,” he explains, pressing a kiss behind his ear, making him shiver.
“Don’t try to teach me,” Taehyung argues, even though he knows he’s right. The pain has almost disappeared now, leaving a tingly sensation growing with every stroke. Jeongguk seems to have found a spot that makes his cock twitch and leak like anything. “I just need to get this over with quickly.” He hisses when he feels a bite on his neck.
“That’s not possible, especially if you won’t stop whining and bitching about everything.” Jeongguk’s tone is almost stern, as if he’s scolding Taehyung for his bad behaviour. He isn’t sure if he likes it or hates it. “Just let me help you.”
Jeongguk slowly adds another finger while he keeps kissing the column of Taehyung’s neck, who’s trying his best to keep his moans in. He somehow can’t let Jeongguk know how good he’s making him feel. The pleasure has started building in his abdomen and it’s been so long since he felt it that he leans his back and closes his eyes with a sigh.
“This feels good, Your Majesty? You’re going to finally let me take charge now?”
“Never,” Taehyung whispers stubbornly, evoking chuckles from the other. Suddenly the fingers’ pace increases and his eyes shoot open from sensitivity. “Jeon— ah— what are you—“ he lets out a low moan as the fingers go deeper and faster, massaging that sensitive spot. It feels so fucking good, surprisingly, but he won’t last much longer. He clutches Jeongguk’s wrist. “Stop, or I’ll come!” he orders but gets ignored.
A high-pitched sound of pleasure emits from him which only encourages Jeongguk. “But I thought that’s what you wanted,” he taunts in his ear, biting the shell gently, “to come, didn’t you? So what’s wrong now?” he laughs meanly. “Or do you want to come on my cock? By me fucking you?”
Taehyung shudders as he dry-orgasms, feeling extremely unsatisfied and even more pent-up. He needs to knot immediately or he might go insane. Jeongguk finally removes his fingers with a smug expression. “No knot yet, eh? You’re a tough cookie to crack.” He licks his fingers clean, gaze dark and intense.
“Or maybe you’re just incapable,” Taehyung huffs out, ridding himself of the post-orgasm daze. “Sit back and lie still. I’m going to have to do this myself.”
“So you’ve said multiple times,” Jeongguk remarks but still listens, sitting with his back against the wall. His cock is still glaring red and Taehyung doesn’t know how he’s controlling himself while going through a rut too. He just wants to fuck into something warm and wet but he knows that’s far from happening today.
“I’m going to ride you now and you’re going to sit still like a good boy.”
Jeongguk lets out a hearty, condescending laugh and Taehyung seethes. “Oh you’re going to ride me, are you? That’s going to hurt like a bitch.”
“I’m an alpha king ,” Taehyung reminds him yet again. “I think my pain tolerance can handle that after I’ve trained and fought for years.”
He doesn’t wait for a reply before seating himself over those muscular thighs and grabbing his leaking cock with a gulp. Jeongguk lets out a sigh when Taehyung pumps it a couple of times before slowly positioning himself over it. He takes a deep breath and lowers his hips.
The pain is excruciating. There’s no other way to describe it. Taehyung feels a sharp ache as the tip breaches past his entrance and no amount of stretching or wetness lessens it. A voice in his head tells him that he’s going too fast and has no idea what he’s doing but his pride quietens it, desperate to maintain his kingly composure.
Tears are starting to form in his eyes when the cock is halfway in. “Your Majesty, please stop. This is hurting you,” Jeongguk says softly, pushing back the strands of Taehyung’s hair stuck to his sweaty face.
“I’m fine. Just stay quiet,” Taehyung orders through gritted teeth and Jeongguk simply sighs before grabbing his shaky thighs and flipping him over to the mattress in a single second.
Heat surges through Taehyung’s body as he blinks in surprise. There’s something so sexy about Jeongguk manhandling a man as muscular as him. Of course, he knew his General was strong but strong enough to flip him over without breaking a sweat? Desire ignites in him and overrides the pain he felt moments ago.
“I’ve had enough of your stubbornness, Your Majesty,” Jeongguk nearly growls in his ear, evoking goosebumps on his skin. He grips Taehyung’s face, not hard enough to hurt but enough to grab his attention. “Now it’s time for you to listen to me .”
Taehyung lets out a defeated sound as his heart flips in excitement. He tangles his fingers in Jeongguk’s hair, forcing their gazes to meet. “Oh yeah? And what are you going to do?”
“I’m going to prep you well enough for my cock to fit inside you,” He whispers with a smirk, hissing when his hair is pulled. “And then I’m going to fuck you so good until you pop that fucking knot.” He squeezes Taehyung’s jaw. “Do you understand, Your Majesty?”
Taehyung has no choice but to nod, and he’s rewarded for his answer with another one of Jeongguk’s borderline desperate kisses. Teeth nibbling his bottom lip, tongue tasting his mouth’s membranes, their spit filthily mingling. “You’ve thought this out—” Taehyung gasps between kisses, “way too well. You think about fucking me often, General?” he taunts, not expecting the response.
Jeongguk separates their lips, gasping and face red. “You’ve no idea how many times I’ve thought of this,” he admits with a shameful expression. “Especially during our arguments. You think you know it all just because you’re the fucking King.” He tilts his head, gaze pouring desire. “You think you can do whatever you want because of your rank. Fuck, the times I’ve thought of bending you right then and there during those arguments, until I’ve fucked that arrogance out of you…” he mutters, setting Taehyung’s face aflame.
Normally, Taehyung would be enraged at these words. How dare his subordinate think of him in such a nasty manner? How dare he degrade him with such disrespectful words? But he’s on a different high since his rut started, begging to be pleasured and to come. He knows Jeongguk is skilled in bed, making him come from just his fingers. So the thought of him bending Taehyung over and having his way with him doesn’t sound so repulsive right now, especially now that it might happen at any moment. His body almost craves for it, to be filled up and fucked beyond comprehension. He knows he will question these urges when his mind clears up but for now, he only longs for one thing: Jeongguk’s cock.
“Then do it now,” he says, his alpha fully surrendering to him. “Fuck the superiority out of me.”
Jeongguk’s stare visibly darkens at his words and he knows he’s in for the dicking of his lifetime. The general smashes their lips together once more, barely letting Taehyung catch up as he repeatedly connects their lips in hurried desperation. His fingers trail down to Taehyung’s chiselled torso, toying around his taut nipples before catching one in between and twisting it gently.
Taehyung’s back arches as he moans into their kiss. Fuck, he didn’t even know he was sensitive there. Precome dribbles down his cock as Jeongguk keeps playing with it, abandoning the swollen one for the other. “You like that, Taehyung?” he whispers, completely forfeiting the honorifics and fuck, does he like that . He would hang someone for not treating him with respect usually, but today all that doesn’t seem to matter because Jeongguk is just making him feel so good.
He can only hum contentedly in reply as his sensitivity is at an all-time high, every little touch or caress making him shudder and moan in pleasure. Jeongguk finally pulls away from their kisses to catch his breath, gazing hungrily down Taehyung’s red chest and abs. He coats his fingers again with spit before thrusting them inside Taehyung without warning, leaving him grasping the bedsheet with his eyes clenched shut.
He lets out little pleased sounds as Jeongguk expertly opens him up better than Taehyung ever could, being gentle but precise. With each thrust he goes in deeper and deeper, changing his angles repeatedly as if searching for something. Tears have gathered in Taehyung’s eyes but this time they’re from pure ecstasy running in his veins, toes curled and back permanently arched. He never knew bottoming could feel this good but it might also be because Jeongguk knows damn well what he’s doing. And now he actually can’t wait for his cock to be inside him either.
“I think I’m rea—fuck!” Taehyung lets out a loud moan that probably reached his palace but he can’t think over the pleasure overtaking his entire body. Jeongguk’s fingers have found that spot inside him that makes him see stars every time they press against it. The general must’ve realised this too because he chuckles at his reactions. “Didn’t realise you were so sensitive. This feels good, yeah?”
Taehyung can only let out a high-pitched whine in reply as Jeongguk relentlessly rams into that spot. He hears him click his tongue before stopping his movements suddenly. “Words, Taehyung. Use your words with me.”
“It feels— great,” Taehyung gasps, partly in shame and partly in relief when he resumes his fingers before pulling them out altogether. “Why did you stop?” he sniffs, blinking the tears in his eyes away.
“Because I’m going to fuck you now,” he grins, squeezing his ass before slapping it. It’s insane how much Taehyung likes that too and for someone who’s been a dominant top all his life, he’s sure loving all this a little too much, too quickly. “Get on your knees, pretty. Come on.”
It should be embarrassing how quickly he does as he’s instructed and it is when Jeongguk calls him out on it. “Look at you, so obedient all of a sudden,” Jeongguk laughs, landing another smack on his ass as Taehyung gets into position. “Fuck, this ass,” he whispers to himself but the royal hears it, face starting to burn. A part of him is smug about it too, how the smallest things he did affected Jeongguk this much for so long. And how he couldn’t do much about it, only fantasise about having Taehyung and maybe jerk off to them during his most pent-up moments.
Just as he’s about to yell at him impatiently Jeongguk spits on cock, slathering it with his saliva before wiping the rest on Taehyung’s hole. Thick rivulets coat his already soaked and gaping hole, clenching expectantly around nothing. Taehyung can’t see much but he feels Jeongguk align his hips against his ass, shivering in anticipation as he slaps his tip on his entrance once before penetrating, causing them both to let out deep moans simultaneously.
Nothing could’ve prepared Taehyung for the feeling of Jeongguk’s bare cock slowly pushing against his walls. Tears start to well up again and he grips the pillow for dear life as he’s filled. Jeongguk places his hand on his lower back to arch it further and raise his hips more and it allows Taehyung to take in more of him comfortably. Pleasure clouds his mind completely and he knows no courtesan can compare to this feeling. Filled so perfectly that it feels borderline wrong yet so, so right.
“Jeongguk, fuck,” he cries, tears now dribbling down his cheeks as the other fully bottoms. “Feels so good.”
“Yeah?” Jeongguk asks, teeth gritted. His sounds fucked up and pride flares in him. “Always knew you would take my cock like a good boy.”
Taehyung preens in his daze. He thinks he likes being praised more than praising. He’s learning so many things about himself today. “Just fuck me.”
Jeongguk clicks his tongue. “Is that how you ask for things, Taehyung?” He keeps his hips still, gripping Taehyung’s waist so he doesn’t grind back into the exhilarating sensation.
“Fuck you,” Taehyung spits out, turning his head and glaring at Jeongguk through the tears.
“That’s not the word I’m looking for,” he sighs exasperatedly, leaning to whisper. “Say it or I pull out.”
Taehyung lets out a grunt. “I’ll make you pay when we’re back at the palace, you bastard,” he whispers back.
Jeongguk just chuckles. “You might be the king Taehyung but here, you’re at my mercy. So beg for it.”
Taehyung clenches his fists, giving up for the sake of finally popping this godforsaken knot. “Please, Jeongguk,” he says, voice dripping with shame, “Please fuck me.”
“So polite,” Jeongguk grins satisfactorily, kissing his jaw before moving back. “As you wish, Your Majesty.”
The pace is slow at the start but builds fast, barely giving Taehyung time to adjust before he’s fucking harshly into him, the sound of skin slapping against skin dirty and loud against the quiet pitter of the rain outside. Taehyung can’t stop the deep moans emitting from his mouth as Jeongguk thrusts deeper and deeper, ecstasy numbing his entire body as his tears continuously flow. Their scents, which were bitter at first now smell sickly sweet, mixing into the most heavenly combination as pleasure takes over them. Taehyung lets out little sounds with each thrust, his long hair bouncing and sticking to his forehead.
Any thoughts that previously lingered in the back of his head disappear completely, replaced with nothing but the overwhelming euphoria that flows in Taehyung’s veins like blood. He sinks down on the mattress and takes it, letting Jeongguk take him to that razor thin edge once more.
Jeongguk’s grunts and pleasured sounds mix in with his, sweat pouring down Taehyung’s back as he grabs his hips to fuck into him. “Fuck, so tight,” he moans, breathing laboured. “You’re so tight and perfect.” He wraps his hand around Taehyung’s neck but doesn’t press, pulling him up instead until his back meets Jeongguk’s chest. His hand splays on Taehyung’s abs. “So sexy.”
Taehyung lets out another moan, mumbling incoherently about how good he feels while he leans back into his embrace. Jeongguk has developed a perfect pace by now, ramming into him like a fucktoy and angling his hips until he finds that spot. “See what happens when you listen, Taehyung?” he mocks, biting his shoulder. “You should try it more often.”
And with how fucked dumb Taehyung is, he can’t do anything but agree.
His fingers claw and grab Jeongguk’s arm around his waist with each punishing thrust, tears continuously falling. It should be embarrassing how overwhelmed he feels right now. He never thought he would ever cry during sex but he just can’t help it. “Y-your cock is so big. You fuck me so good,” Taehyung wails.
“Yeah?” Jeongguk’s fingers dig into his flesh, pull at him like a sculptor with a slab of clay, bending and moving Taehyung to his own will. Usually the sheer thought would anger Taehyung but what he feels is far from anger. He’s never felt this satisfied in his life, even when he beds the most talented courtesans. “You like feeling this big cock pumping inside you?”
He nods deliriously. “Don’t stop. Please, please, don’t stop.”
A couple of thrusts later Taehyung feels a pleasure never felt before, and he falls limp in Jeongguk’s hold as euphoric shudders run through his body. He’s found the prostate in some of his courtesans before but he could’ve never imagined how good it actually felt until Jeongguk’s cock continuously brushed it, making him sob in overstimulation. He might give up topping forever after this. Jeongguk doesn’t stop peppering kisses to his jaw and neck, holding him up with one arm while the other wraps around Taehyung’s leaking cock.
And that’s when Taehyung feels it. The base of his cock swelling up.
He lets out a loud cry, not having felt the sensation for months now. Jeongguk must’ve also realised it because he starts stroking him faster, matching the pace of his hips too. The kisses, Jeongguk’s cock hitting his prostate without abandon, and the rough, calloused hand he’s fucking into as the knot fully swells. It’s all too much for Taehyung who lets out a mewl before coming, squirts of white ropes painting his stomach as the orgasm high hits him all at once.
“That’s right,” Jeongguk encourages, his thrusts now erratic as he nears his own orgasm, “pop that knot, pretty. Let me know how good I made you feel.”
A couple of thrusts later Taehyung feels a sharp pain near his sphincter, Jeongguk letting out a loud, low moan as he fills him up with his come. Taehyung is too overstimulated to notice Jeongguk’s knot caught in his hole and tries to move away, but is stopped. “It’ll hurt if you move now,” he whispers, carefully turning him to his side and lying next to Taehyung. “Let our knots disappear first.”
The king lets out a disbelieving laugh as Jeongguk wraps his arm around his waist. He’s too high to care at the moment. “Fuck, you really did it, huh? You out of all the people made me come when no one else could.”
Jeongguk chuckles before placing a kiss on his shoulder. “I gave you a Jeon Jeongguk guarantee. If you don’t believe me, I’ll be glad to prove it again and again until you do.”
Taehyung rolls his eyes and smacks him. “If you ever do this to me again, I’ll kill you.”
“Our ruts have just started, Your Majesty,” Jeongguk’s voice is smug, “We’ll see how long this threat of yours lasts.”
Safe to say, it barely lasted for the next ten minutes.
ααα
The room’s atmosphere is tense.
Every pair of eyes in the room is fixed on the two alphas whose eyes are locked in an intense staring context.
Taehyung and Heewon glare at each other, neither wanting to break the tension. They are at the annual gathering of all the royals of the allied neighbouring kingdoms; although the pact might face some changes if they both don’t put aside their differences soon. Most of the other royals have stopped their conversations to witness their interaction after what happened at last year’s gathering. Jeongguk stands behind Taehyung with his lips pursed, all his senses alert just in case past incidents reoccur. Heewon’s guards behind him give Taehyung the nastiest of scowls and he has to clench his fists to stop himself from gouging their eyes out.
Heewon lifts his chin haughtily. “Don’t you have something to say to me, Kim?” It has been a year since the last time they saw each other and his jaw looks completely healed, although a little dented towards the right side where the alpha had punched him.
Taehyung shrugs, gaze fiery. “Not that I know of, Yoon. “
“Did not expect anything less from you, Kim. You have never shown any semblance of courtesy or anything but uncouth rowdiness, really. After the scene and damage you caused last time, I’m surprised you have shown your face here today. But again, having shame was another quality you don’t possess.”
Jeongguk takes a sharp breath. Heewon is showering Taehyung with non-stop insults in front of everybody and he got punched last year even before he could finish his first one. His king might snap at any moment now and he needs to be prepared to drag him out of here when the time comes. He takes a quick scan. By now, everybody in the room is staring at them in anticipation. This type of gossip will last them for the whole year.
Taehyung, surprisingly, looks calm and collected. “You should be the last person lecturing me about shame, Yoon. Given how you manage to show your face here every single year in King Han’s kingdom while you fuck his omega behind his back, every chance you get.”
Pin drop silence. Not a single one of them moves or speaks, trying to absorb the information they just received. Even Jeongguk is taken by surprise but he doesn’t let it show. What Taehyung has done can have adverse consequences and he needs to be ready to face them.
Heewon turns redder by the second, mouth opening but no words coming out. Jeongguk dares to look at King Han, who has turned deathly pale, eyes wide as saucers as he stares at his wife, who is visibly shaking. “How— how dare you insinuate such a ghastly allegation—”
“Come on now, Yoon,” Taehyung laughs and it sounds cold. “This isn’t news to anyone here. Except maybe King Han, of course.” He turns to the man in question with a sympathetic expression. “I apologise that you found out this way, King Han. I greatly respect and admire you, which is why I choose to accept your invitation every year. But I cannot stand here and let myself be lectured by someone who lacks all the morals he preaches about.” He bows his head. “It was nice reconnecting with everybody. See you next year, if there is a gathering, that is. My carriage awaits.” He exits after pointedly looking at Jeongguk, his gorgeous blue robe fluttering.
The room erupts in not-so-hushed whispers, their expressions scandalled. Han is still too stunned to move or speak, his gaze alternating between Heewon and his omega. Jeongguk surveys the chaos Taehyung caused and has to curb his smile as he turns to follow him. Only he can cause a stir so big, it’ll be talked about for generations to come.
“General Jeon,” Heewon’s voice stops him and the mutterings simultaneously.
Jeongguk turns to him and tilts his head. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
Heewon is seething as he takes a step towards him. “Tell Taehyung he’s not the only one harbouring others’ secrets. Everyone here knows about the nature of your relationship with him.”
Jeongguk’s body goes rigid and he ticks his jaw. Heewon grins at him as if his hunch is confirmed. “It’s true, isn’t it? He wasn’t able to knot until he took it up the ass.” The general sees red and clenches his fists to stop himself from doing something rash. “How does it feel to serve an alpha king who bottoms for another alpha? Must be feeling good for you though, since you’re that alpha.” Fucking hell, this guy needs to stop before he explodes.
Everyone else is staring at Heewon in horror while he continues to chuckle mockingly. “It’s hilarious, really. How he acts all high and mighty when in reality he’s just your little slutty bitch—”
Crack. The sound of bone crunching echoes around the decorated court. The scene is identical to last year; everyone’s expressions are horrified and Heewon’s painful yell is loud as he grabs his barely healed jaw that is once again, undoubtedly, broken.
“I would highly appreciate it if you kept my Taehyung’s name out of your mouth.” He meets everybody’s gaze, making sure he’s heard loud and clear. “What happens behind closed doors is nobody’s business but ours. His Majesty’s sexual preferences have no correlation with his excellent ruling.” He takes a deep bow. “We would prefer it if there is no further discussion about this, especially in His Majesty’s presence. Thank you.”
He leaves without further discussion, his fist starting to bruise as he makes his way to the carriage waiting for him outside the palace gates. Taehyung is already inside looking deep in thought when he opens the door, chin propped up on his fist. He looks absolutely breathtaking bathed in the moonlight and Jeongguk always wonders how he got so lucky. He always had his eyes on Taehyung for years now, even when he frustrated the wits out of him. So when the chance arose to have him in a way no one could while also solving his problem, Jeongguk couldn’t pass on it. It took a few months after they started fucking for Taehyung to warm up to him while the general kept falling deeper, and even though they haven’t put any official label on their absurd relationship yet, they both know it’s not just purely physical anymore.
Hell, Jeongguk might be in love with him already, given how he risked everything to protect Taehyung’s dignity back there. He pretty much exposed their relationship and while he wouldn’t want anything more than to let everyone know how he feels for Taehyung, he isn’t sure if he feels the same.
“What took you so long?’ Taehyung asks him once he’s seated and the carriage moves. When Jeongguk doesn’t answer right away, he sighs. “Of course, you must be clearing the mess I made back there. Fuck, why couldn’t I just keep my mouth shut? Now I know you’ll lecture me about patience but I just—” he interrupts himself with a little gasp. “What happened to your hand?” He delicately caresses his purple knuckles with a frown.
“I punched Heewon,” he sighs in embarrassment.
Taehyung only raises his eyebrows. “Did something happen after I left?”
“Heewon told everyone about our relationship, about how you couldn’t knot until you bottomed for me.” Taehyung’s caressing hand stills for a second before resuming. “He called you filthy names and I just couldn’t hold myself back and punched him in the jaw.”
The king stares at him for a couple of seconds before bursting into laughter. “His jaw just can’t catch a break.” Jeongguk is so mesmerised by his boxy smile that he forgets about his guilt for a moment. “Why do you look so sullen?”
Jeongguk looks away. “How could I not? I put our kingdom in serious danger. And with my reaction, I practically confirmed those rumours and might’ve ruined your reputation by letting everyone know we’re together.”
He blinks when he feels a kiss on his cheek. “You’re so sweet,” Taehyung smiles genuinely. “I don’t care about those idiots or the fact that we might be going to war soon. Let them know that I love you.”
Jeongguk’s mouth hangs open and his heart envelopes with warmth. “You— you love me?”
Taehyung nods as if it were obvious. He still can’t believe that someone like Taehyung loves him, that he belongs to Jeongguk. “I love you too,” he smiles shyly.
“I know,” Taehyung grins, intertwining their fingers together. He looks out of the window with a radiant glow on his face.
“Is that all I get for defending your honour back there? One quick cheek kiss?” Jeongguk protests, voice bordering on whiny.
Taehyung rolls his eyes. “What would you like then?”
“A proper kiss would be nice. Especially since it’s the first time we confessed our love for each other.”
The king pretends to think. “Fine. But only if you let me top you tonight.”
Jeongguk lets out a hearty laugh, leaning closer. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Not a chance in hell, baby,” he says before joining their lips, heart fluttering when he feels Taehyung smile into it.