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tinietaehyun · 16 days

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Forsaken [XVI]

[Sorcerer!Taehyun x Royal!Reader] [Series] [Finale - Chapter Sixteen]

Pairing: Sorcerer!Taehyun x Royal!Reader

Genres: Fantasy, romance, fluff, angst, action, royal!au, supernatural, enemies to lovers.

Contains: Profanity, suggestive/mature themes, mentions of injury, punishment, death.

Links: Forsaken Masterlist || Masterlist

Summary: Thousands of adoring gazes peer up at you as you stand in your stone balcony. Your words leave your lips loudly as you make your grand speech. Blood rushes through your body in anticipation and nervousness. You were going to become the ruler of the Kingdom of Fortuna.

This was what you had worked so hard for. To earn your rightful place as the heir to the throne. You peer back behind you momentarily for reassurance. You spot the familiar billow of a black cloak and your gaze meets his sharp eyes which held nothing but admiration and pride. Taehyun smiles at you reassuringly.

You truly felt complete in this moment of time. All the hardship you faced, was completely worth it. You were honoured to become a monarch, but you were more so honoured to have such a man who you could call your own.

With shaky breaths you peer down as the golden, jewel-encrusted scepter and orb within your hands. The roar of the people fill your eardrums with a ferocity that you’ve never heard before. The kingdom of Fortuna had been through a lot of peril these last few months having lost their longtime monarchs, their prince, and their princess on the run. It was all finally settled, it is finally time for Fortuna to enter a new era, a new dynasty. An era in which your name would be the determining factor.

With a deep exhale, you finish the remnants of your speech, “With utmost resilience and honour, I shall uphold the rules and commandments set by my forebears, and exalt my nation, the land of innovation and sorcery, Fortuna, and thrust forth this land into one of prosperity and developments for all it’s people.” A mighty roar emits from the crowd below your balcony. The people from the kingdom have gathered in the courtyard, through the gates and beyond to witness the long-awaited coronation.

Well, that was the end of your rehearsed speech. Your treasurer smiles, “The scepter and orb, your majesty? You’re done?” You hesitate for a moment, you want to say something genuine to your people. You truly did fight long and hard for this position. “One moment, treasurer, I wish to speak a few more words.” He nods with a bow stepping back as you hand him the scepter and orb.

With a might bellow you call out, “Fortuna! Can you hear me?” A gargantuan sound of applause and cheer responds back to you sending chills down your body. “Louder!” You call out with glistening eyes and shaky hands; these were truly your people. The people who had their hopes and sights set on you to henceforth lead the kingdom. Your parent’s wishes could finally be honoured.

“I am honoured to be your Queen. Your ruling monarch. I will do my utmost best to ensure fairness and ensure prosperity for everyone in our nation. I ask that you look after me, take me in as not only a ruler, but a guardian, a caretaker. I wish to support you all, and become a ruler whose name you can speak with pride for ages to come.” A supreme cheer erupts at your words and your eyes water as you peer at the adoring eyes of the people below. You felt loved, adored, looked up to.

As the people are escorted out by the knights you peer around seeing a figure leaning against the stone wall with his arms crossed, dressed in pure black as usual. His cloak flaps elegantly in the breeze as his blonde hair strikingly grabs your attention against the grey background. His beautiful visage peers back at you; a smirk lining his rosy lips.

“Huh, well look at that. You did it,” Taehyun hums amused. You can’t help but grin like a fool rushing over to him and wrapping your arms around him. A chuckle escapes his lips, “Where’s the woman who said she’d mess up her speech? What was that at the end? A little bit of improvisation even? Impressive, sweetheart.” You nuzzle into his chest, a content feeling blossoming in your chest. You really hoped the people resonated with your words.

“I suppose…when I saw all their faces, I just had to say something. Something meaningful, from my heart,” you murmur against his chest. He cups the back of your head with a smile, “It was sweet, sappy, but I suppose sweet.” You roll your eyes, “You liked it.” “Maybe,” he hums.

A moment of silence passes as you continue to hug each other, enveloped in each other’s warmth. “Mm, I’m hugging the Queen of Fortuna, what a rare occasion,” Taehyun muses. You peer up at him with a smirk, “You should be honoured, my dear sorcerer.” He corrects, “Royal Sorcerer, sweetheart. Get the designation right, will you?” You chuckle, “Oh my sincerest apologies.”

His hands slide to your waist, “Mm, have I told you how good this gown looks on you,” his eyes scan down your face, neck, to your neckline where it lingers ever so slightly before his eyes scan further down. Taehyun releases a pleasant hum, “Mm, a sight for sore eyes indeed.”

A warmth overtakes your cheeks as you huff, “Oh hush.” He muses, “As Queen, you’ll have to get used to much higher praise than that, my lady.” You groan, “Oh stop that, I’m still the same to you.” He teasingly smiles at you, peering down and meeting your gaze, “Is that so, your majesty?” You lightly smack his chest.

He nestles into your neck, his lips glide along the curve of your neck as he inhales your scent deeply. His fingers squeeze your waist and he murmurs, “To think I get to have the Queen of Fortuna all to myself, hm.” You wrap your arms around his neck and intertwine your fingers into the back of his hair, “Mhm, aren’t you lucky?”

“Very,” he hums against your neck, placing a quick peck against your skin. He resumes with another few fluttering kisses up your neck before his lips reach your ear, “Though, it amuses me that I’m the only one who can give orders to the Queen.”

You raise a brow, “How so?” Taehyun smirks his hand raising to your cheek as he caresses it with his thumb, “Mm? You don’t remember? I recall how well you followed orders last night.” Heat races up your neck and body as memories of last night, a few nights back and before-

A shiver runs through you; his hands over your body, around your neck, waist, hips, legs, leaving not an inch unexplored. Taehyun seemed to be passionate lover, that particularly in your chambers for the last two, three weeks. You still remember how cautious you two were with your first time, as though newly hatched ducklings exploring new territory.

Though… after getting the grip of things, it turns out Taehyun very quickly learnt what made your body tick and writhe. Fortunately, or unfortunately for you, his sinful touch was something you couldn’t get enough of.

His tongue wets his lips as he peers at you, “Hm, gone quiet? Thinking about anything, sweetheart?” You huff, “No; it’s far too improper to be speaking so crudely here after being coronated.”

Taehyun muses, “Oh is that so? Well, my sincerest apologies, your majesty,” he leans in with a wicked smile, “I’ll make it up to you later. Hm? Consider it my way of celebrating you becoming Queen.” You shiver and Taehyun can’t help but smirk.

“Your majesty! Royal Sorcerer! Please make your way to the dining hall, the other nobles await your presence for the feast,” a maidservant calls out and you nod with smile, “We’ll be right there.”

You take his hand enveloping his over yours, “Come let’s go, that feast won’t eat itself.” Taehyun grins, “Oh it won’t, but I will. I’m famished after hearing you talk on and on in that coronation speech of yours.”

You scoff, “That’s just how things are, it’s not my fault that it’s rather dull.” He shrugs, “Hm, maybe you should change things now that you have the power to.” You roll your eyes with an exasperated smile, “How insignificant of a qualm.”

With a grandiose feast and much chatter, the day passes with much happiness and festivities. Things were looking good for Fortuna. You still had many matters to attend to however, you need to appoint more members for the Royal Court. You need to get up to date with a few more things and modify a few things here and there.

“Your majesty, there’s a latecomer who insistent to see you,” a maid requests as you eat beside Taehyun. You question, “Now? Is it a noble? Surely it can wait until after the feast?”

The maid responds, “Someone by the name of Choi Soobin? He claims to know the two of you personally. He appears to be a sorcerer. He has travelled from Luna. He’s currently by the gates. Should we allow him in, your majesty?”

Taehyun’s eyes widen in utter shock along with yours. Soobin! Taehyun gets up with a clatter alerting the other nobles and he murmurs, “You continue eating, I’ll be back.” Before you could respond, he speeds off. You can’t help but shake your head and smile.

The young man awaits by the gates with a bored expression and a hint of regret. Perhaps this wasn’t a good idea. Too late, he had already come this far!

“Soobin! Soobin!” Taehyun calls out rushing towards him with glimmering eyes. Soobin is gobsmacked by Taehyun’s genuine smile; a stark contrast to that of his usual cold and icy demeanor.

“Taehyun, wow, I-“ Soobin stammers peering at Taehyun who seems to glow, wearing an ornate black cloak and clothes. He seemed healthier, and most importantly happier. “You…you look happier,” Soobin muses.

Taehyun hums composing himself immediately, “Ah well, that’s because I am. Y/n is finally coronated.” Soobin grins, “Indeed, I’d like to say my congratulations to her.”

Taehyun nods, “She’d be happy to see you. I..I’m surprised. Beomgyu outright refused the coronation invitation. I never thought I’d see you here, in Fortuna of all places.” Soobin smiles awkwardly, “Well you’re going to have to get used to seeing me around a lot more often.”

Taehyun freezes. More often? “Wait? More often? You mean…” Soobin nods with excitement brimming in his eyes. “You’re here to stay? In Fortuna?” Taehyun exclaims joyfully. Soobin muses, “Well, yes. I am. Is there room in the Sorcerer’s Tower for one more?”

Taehyun grins, “Oh well, if you pass the practical entrance exam sure.” Soobin scoffs, “Oh let me guess, who’s in charge of that.” Taehyun cockily hums, “Mm, I’ll make it easy, I promise. So what, you fucked over Beomgyu by leaving? Weren’t you his only sorcerer?” Taehyun snickers.

Soobin snorts, “Ah well, I guess you could say that. Since the both of you teleported out of there, he’s was completely enraged. Threw a whole tantrum for the first few days, took his anger out on the staff. He calmed down and he even started suspecting me of colluding with you both. I figured, I idolised him too much, and found out about his true colours when you both arrived there. I was in denial for quite a bit before making the decision to leave.”

Taehyun hums processing his words, “Surely he wouldn’t let you go so easily?” Soobin muses; “Oh, you’re right about that. He didn’t. So I did what a particular friend taught me by leaving a note with me.” Taehyun’s eyes widen in recollection; he had left a copy of the teleportation spell with Soobin.

Taehyun bursts out laughing, “You fucking teleported out of there? Oh, he must be going insane!” Soobin laughs, “Oh, believe me, he’s still reeling in from the moment he got y/n’s coronation invite.”

Taehyun shrugs, “She wanted to be polite, but I think it came off as petty, which is even funnier.” Soobin snickers, “Honestly it is. I feel free, it feels good to be back home. To see you.” Taehyun smiles, “It’s good to see you too. You made a good choice Soobin.”

“You think we can make up for the years of lost time?” Soobin asks. Taehyun muses, “Well, that depends if you pass the entrance exam. Then perhaps.” Soobin groans, “You’re ruthless, Taehyun.”

After a moment, Soobin speaks up, “About…Yeonjun…” Taehyun frowns, “Oh I’ve got a lot to say.”

“You mind filling me in?” Soobin murmurs. Taehyun hums, “Let’s get you something to eat first, and then I’ll tell you, alright?” Soobin nods, beginning to walk beside Taehyun into the palace.

With much commotion, you greet Soobin brightly and are overjoyed to hear he wishes to join the Sorcerer’s Tower. You all eat with much joy and festivity surrounding you as you catch and fill each other in.

“I’m just going to take Soobin up to the tower, alright?” Taehyun says as Soobin observes the two of you with a smirk. You nod with a gleaming smile seeing Taehyun’s glimmering eyes, “Sure. You look so cute when you’re happy like this, Taehyun.”

Soobin snorts as Taehyun scoffs slightly flustered, “I appreciate the compliment but perhaps in private, next time.”

Soobin dismissively waves and grins, “Ah, no, don’t pay me any attention, your majesty. He’s always been so welcoming to compliments and praise, but it’s intriguing to see him so suddenly shy. By all means continue.” Taehyun deadpans, “Very funny, huh.” Soobin shrugs, “Consider me a mere fly on the wall.”

Rolling his eyes, Taehyun bids you well as he escorts Soobin towards the tower and up the winding staircase. “Goodness, it’s been so long since I’ve climbed these stairs,” Soobin reminisces slightly out of breath.

Taehyun murmurs, “That’s exactly how I felt climbing up here again, after-after everything that’s happened.” Soobin frowns, “Must have been surreal for you.”

Taehyun nods with a melancholy expression, “It’s all my father’s hardwork, his legacy in this tower. How could it not be?” Soobin agrees, “Well, you’re back in your rightful place.”

“Oh yes, where’d I leave off at the table?” Taehyun questions, “Oh right, I just finished telling you all about me confronting Yeonjun in the throne room.”

“Yes, how deranged he was,” Soobin grimaces with a shudder. “Yes, well afterwards, he got treated by the healers and then promptly whisked into the dungeons below. He still awaits trial since the selection of new court members is going on at the moment,” Taehyun explains drearily as he pushes open the wooden door. Soobin’s eyes widen as he takes in his surroundings. Nostalgia slams into him as memories flash in his mind.

“Oh, we also rescued y/n’s personal knight and commander, Hueningkai. He was in terrible condition truly, Sehun did a number on him with the wardens and their whips. I felt bad, he…no one deserves such a punishment for staying loyal to the right person.” Soobin nods solemnly.

“Have you…spoken to him since then?” Soobin tentatively asks. Taehyun shakily hums as he takes a stool and sits down beside the desk. His eyes flicker to the famous spellbook - his father’s spellbook. It was finally within his possession, as it rightfully should be. A faint smile appears on his lips as he gazes upon it.

“I have. Two weeks after the incident occurred, I went down to the dungeons to see Yeonjun,” Taehyun finally responds. “I can’t imagine it went down well,” Soobin dryly muses, taking a seat beside him. Taehyun snorts, “Well it went better than expected, he didn’t lunge at me, which was better than what I had initially predicted. He seemed pretty dull, lifeless almost.”

“Well I would be too, if all my life’s work and effort got singlehandedly torn to shreds and ripped away from me,” Soobin muses. Taehyun shrugs, “Well it’s not my issue that he took such a tumultuous path.”

“What’d he say?” Soobin leans forward, curiosity brimming in his eyes. “Well…” Taehyun begins as he looks back on the bitter memory.

With begrudging steps, Taehyun walks down the grim hallway through the dungeons. The echo of his footsteps resound as he walks past the guards and a few other convicts. He remembers this place well, he was locked in here briefly with his father all those years ago.

He continues to walk forward and his breath hitches seeing a pale, unfortunately familiar face. His blonde locks sticking to his forehead from the humidity down here. Yeonjun had grown paler, weaker and had most noticeably lost weight. It pained him to see him like this; it was odd, most may think Taehyun would be happy to see such a person getting their well-deserved punishment. However the sight stung for Taehyun.

Yeonjun peers up, finally taking note of the sleek boots that stood outside the bars of his cell. His jaw clenches and his gaze darkens malevolently. “…tch,” escapes his lips bitterly. Taehyun steps forward and murmurs coldly, “Are you open to talking to me?”

“Do I have a choice?” Yeonjun spits harshly. Taehyun scoffs, “You do. If you don’t want me to, or if you’re going to ignore me, then I won’t waste my breath here.”

Yeonjun looks away with a bitter laugh, “It doesn’t matter. You’re here to boast your victory. I see you’re all dressed up, has the princess been spoiling you, Taehyun?”

Taehyun grits his teeth, becoming increasingly agitated by Yeonjun’s condescending speech. Even after he’s locked up, going to soon face a terrible trial, he has the nerve to be acting this way with no remorse!

“I am not here to boast, or declare victory. There’s nothing to be pleased about. I’ve lost someone who I called my best friend,” Taehyun mutters. Yeonjun laughs sharply, “Best friend? You lost him ages ago.”

The words sting Taehyun, “I know. But it feels like I’ve lost you again. I don’t even know who you are anymore. You’re so caught up in trying to become someone better, more powerful, superior.”

Yeonjun scoffs, “Power is the key to being respected. To be admired. No one can look down on you when you’re at the top.”

Taehyun snaps, “All because your father demeaned you? Are you excusing the fact that your father falsely accused mine of assassinating the King and Queen? That you knew everything that was happening? That we got exiled because of that? That your father, and then you, stole everything that he worked for?” Yeonjun icily glares at Taehyun who seethes. He nonchalantly murmurs, “You were lucky, they didn’t execute him.” Taehyun snarls gripping the bars of the cell door, “Shut your fucking mouth.”

Yeonjun’s lips curl into a feeble grin, “Still, I see your temper hasn’t changed, old friend.” Taehyun’s jaw clenches as he realises he’s succeeding in getting a rise out of him - a final attempt at asserting power over him.

Taehyun breathes, calming himself, “It didn’t have to be this way. None of this could have occurred, if we just talked things out. If you told me about what your father planned to do. You could…you could have been raised with me. I considered you like a brother. We’ve seen each other since we were children, Yeonjun.”

Yeonjun remains silent peering away with a bitter remark, “As if. You were so self-absorbed. As if you cared what I was going through with my father. You’d have told me to tough it out, like everyone else. That he was merely trying to raise me to be an excellent sorcerer,” Yeonjun’s hands form fists as he shakily snaps, “How the fuck do you expect me to talk to you? When you were the sole cause for the way I was being treated? It’s always been you. Favoured by everyone. A prodigy, excelling in everything you do. Even my father wished I was more like you.”

Taehyun remains silent processing the words; a tense sadness permeates in his chest. Yeonjun had felt inferior for a long time, especially at such a vulnerable age. His father utilised that insecurity; bastard. Yeonjun runs his fingers through his hair agitated, “Do you know how fucking sickening it was to be constantly compared to you? To be told I’d be made your apprentice after you took over your father’s position. To practice a spell for hours, only for you to grasp it within half an hour or less.”

Yeonjun shifts glaring at Taehyun, “Everything about you, just fucking infuriated me.” The words cut deep into Taehyun as he stands blankly. Taehyun murmurs, “I… Yeonjun. I’m sorry, I’m sorry you had to go through all that. Admittedly at some moments, I enjoyed the rivalry we had, sometimes, I knew you were jealous. But I didn’t know the extent to which you were affected by it.”

Yeonjun sneers, “Of course you wouldn’t.” A sharp laugh escapes his dry lips, “Oh the look on your face when I started hanging out with Sehun. Oh, that day I realised how good it felt to see you yearn for me. To see you frown. To see you miserable, not me for once.” Taehyun reminisces bitterly, the terrible nostalgia filling his senses once more.

“I put up with that idiotic stuck-up piece of shit for years, built my reputation, my skill, my connections so carefully, all towards my final goal. A goal in which even my own fucking father would have to bow to me, all for you to ruin it. You always do. You always snatch everything away.”

Yeonjun snarls clambering at the bars startling Taehyun, “Why couldn’t you just let me have this one fucking thing? I wouldn’t rule as a tyrant. I’m not a fool, I would have maybe even had mercy and let you two run away together. If you had jusr let me have the damn crown.”

Taehyun processes his words and a smirk lines his lips, “Let us run away? I’m not a fool, Yeonjun. You’re paranoid. You’d have killed me and Y/n the moment we let our guards down. You always think I’m out for you when I’m not.” Yeonjun’s gaze darkens as his grip tightens around the bars, “Fuck you.”

Taehyun resolutely responds, “I feel like I’ve gotten to understand you better. You’re broken, as harsh as it is to say, your father really did a number on you. Regardless of your upbringing it does not excuse the murder of Y/n’s parents, Sehun, treatment of Hueningkai, the manipulation of the people of Fortuna. Especially my father’s exile. My exile. None of this is worth what you wanted, Yeonjun.”

Yeonjun mutters darkly, “You’ll never get it.”

“Neither will you, Yeonjun, I can see that now,” Taehyun murmurs solemnly. He resumes, “I wanted to talk to you, to see how you were doing. If…If you felt anything, any guilt, remorse. Anything at all. A hint of wanting redemption.”

Yeonjun remains silent; Taehyun’s words echoing in his mind. “Even the moment we fought, I felt terrible about it. That I had to hurt you, your hand, I…I couldn’t sleep for a week. Despite all you’d done, I still felt guilty. I wished I could have done more for you, Yeonjun,” Taehyun says with a pained frown.

“I…I- it felt like my mind was searching for any fucking reason to forgive you; maybe give you another chance. But no, time and time again you made it worse. I had to stop you. Stop you before you hurt even more people, before you hurt yourself further.” Taehyun shakily grits out.

“Save your fucking pity,” Yeonjun seethes. Taehyun shakes his head sighing, “I wanted to forgive you, Yeonjun. Being the better person. But in this circumstance, I don’t think I can. You’re not deserving of the salvation that is being forgiven.”

Yeonjun slouches back; a hollow look in his eyes. His eyes held so many mixed emotions, none that Taehyun could clearly identify.

Taehyun steps back from the cell with a deep sigh and murmurs, “I think we’ve talked enough. It’s clear where we stand.” Yeonjun stiffens; a hint of plea and desperation now coating his features.

“We’ll next see each other at your hearing,” Taehyun coldly hums with a heavy heart that sinks as though it were an anchor. Taehyun turns to walk and begins to take a step before the clatter of the cell startles him. Yeonjun grips the bars once more with wide-eyes, his eyes watering, “Taehyun, wait!”

“Wait…” Yeonjun shakily yells, “You’re leaving already?” Taehyun hums, “What else is there to speak about? You’ve made your opinions and thoughts quite clear.”

Yeonjun’s eyes flicker, scrambling to say something, anything! “I…I do feel some regret. I- I didn’t want to admit it, I fucked up, I- was so hostile because-“

Taehyun faces him with a chilling smile catching onto his sudden ploy within seconds. “I know what you’re doing, Yeonjun.” He sighs, “It’s pitiful to see you like this. Changing your tune, in a moment of desperation. Your chance to have my sympathy is gone.”

The already dim light in Yeonjun’s eyes seems to now be extinguished completely, making them look lifeless. His hands slide down the bar pathetically as he gazes at Taehyun.

“You’ll be here for a long time. You can truly learn to feel remorse then. Not just for the sake of reducing your sentence or gaining my fervor at the last minute,” Taehyun murmurs.

With a final step, he swivels away and begins walking away from Yeonjun’s cell. Yeonjun silently watches Taehyun’s retreating figure. A new horrifying and ominous sense of the depravity of his actions and the consequences that are going to follow now setting into the crevices of his mind. It was well and truly over.

Taehyun even granted him one small kindness, yet he also foolishly threw it away. Perhaps, Yeonjun was more similar to his father than he cared to admit. Not that anything mattered anymore, his life would now be confined to the same four walls.

Truly, a fate worse than death.

Soobin sits beside Taehyun with an empty expression, “That’s…a lot to take in.” Taehyun shrugs, “I’m glad I did it though, even if it left me feeling restless for the first two days afterwards, it…it gave me the end I need, although sad but necessary.” Soobin nods in agreement, “Definitely. But still that’s a bitter way to go out.”

Taehyun hums dryly, “Unfortunately there’s always a price to pay.” The two sit peering outside the window; in a comfortable but solemn silence, mourning the loss of their friend. Alive still but not the same.

—————

Meanwhile, you yawn as your footsteps clatter against the sleek stone floor. Your back aches from the numerous curtsies, bows, greetings you’ve given today and your cheeks were relatively sore from smiling so much today. The crown on your head though rather heavy, feels oddly light on your head today.

Your eyes widen upon seeing a beloved familiar face. The brown haired male bows deeply with a playful smirk, “Good evening, your majesty.” You bashfully smile, “Oh hush with that nonsense, Kai.”

Hueningkai grins mischievous straightening up, “What? You are our new ruler, it’s only appropriate I treat you with utmost respect.” Rolling your eyes, you reply, “Yes, yes. I’m aware. But you know we’ve never been a fan of maintaining etiquette around each other.” He smiles shaking his head, “Suppose not.”

“Finished your patrol? Your duties?” You ask gleaming. Kai nods; your eyes drift to the scar on his cheek; a last reminder of what he went through alongside the numerous unforgiving scars from the whipping on his back. You shudder; you still remember finding him barely conscious bleeding, wounds infected, starved and beaten. You had burst into tears upon the cruel sight.

“Yes, I have,” he gently smiles. He hums, “Would your majesty care for a stroll with her favourite knight? Or would you like to be escorted back to your chambers to rest from all this dreadful socialising?”

You chuckle; he knew you well. His eyes shimmer peering at you; a longing feeling in your heart as you think about your memories with him. How kindly, graciously he pushed his feelings down and let you go.

“I don’t mind a stroll,” you muse. With that, you both take a walk through the grand hallways of the palace beside each other in an initial comfortable silence. You truly missed moments like this. You were glad he was alive, happy and still by your side.

“Your precious lover won’t be too offended if he sees me by your side will he?” Kai hums amused. A giggle escapes your lips, “Ah, he may be a little annoyed but he’s far too cocky to be insecure. He knows we’re close friends. I noticed you two getting along quite well too, what’s all that about then? Gossiping about me?”

“Oh I was just telling him everything about you, your embarrassing moments, and-“ Kai begins and you scoff, “Oh you did not!”

He laughs, “Fine, fine. He’s got a good head on his shoulders. To be honest when I initially met him, he was a little cold. I wondered how you grew to like being around such a man, but he spoke respectfully to me. He didn’t sugarcoat anything and kept it blunt. I liked it. He asked me fully whether I still had feelings for you.”

Your eyes widen. Ah, so the two men aired their queries towards each other. “Well?” Kai flushes slightly, “Well, honestly there’s tiny lingering pieces, but the more I’ve seen the two of you these few weeks. It’s really settled in. Seeing you so happy with him. It…it makes me happy to see you that way. You have a specific glow around him, if that makes sense.” Your heart races, you did?

“The look in your eyes, the way you talk to him, flutter around him, even the way he communicates with you in contrast to others. It’s clear, you two are incredibly in love with each other.” Hueningkai describes it with a bright smile.

He resumes, “It’s rather endearing. It didn’t…hurt as much as I expected it to. I suppose I had time to reflect on such emotions whilst I was back in the dungeons, after leaving you back in Luna.”

You give him a genuine smile, “I couldn’t have asked for a better companion and protector like you. Thank you, Kai.” He snorts, “For what? My goal is to see you happy, your majesty.” You hum, “I’ll personally see to it, that your goals and future wishes are all fulfilled to the brim.” He grins at you, “I’ll hold you to it.”

Both of you continue to chatter and laugh whilst walking beside each other like old times. It felt good and you truly felt content with life.

The evening passes by with the palace ruckus morphing into a comfortable and familiar sense of quietness as the staff and maids slowly begin retiring from their duties.

A long groan escapes your lips as you nuzzle into the warmth of Taehyun’s bare chest. Your fingertips trace down his shoulder to his chest delicately drawing random designs. “Comfortable?” He muses dryly. “Very,” you huff contently as you feel his strong arm slide around your waist.

“Here I thought I was going to reward you tonight, but it seems we are both exhausted,” Taehyun snickers. You sigh, “Indeed today was both physically and socially tiring. My face hurts from smiling so much.” Taehyun peers at you with an endearing expression, “Mm, I suppose you nobles always have to keep up appearances.” You hum fatigued, “Even in front of people we despise, how grueling.”

Taehyun muses satirically, “Truly, what a terrible set of circumstances. Mm, the nobles were certainly a handful. I still don’t like the barons and chancellors.”

You grin, “Whenever have you ever liked any noble I’ve introduced you to, thus far?” He shrugs, “Fair point, I just don’t like nobility or royalty in general.” You raise a brow and he coos, “Except you, of course, sweetheart,” he sarcastically drawls, “How could I ever forget you?”

You give him a light, playful smack on his bicep and he chuckles. “Truly though, you are the only tolerable noble. I cannot stand their stuck up and pretentiously obnoxious attitudes.” You hum drearily, “Mm, well you’re going to have to get used to such things whilst here. Unless you prefer to hide yourself away in the confines of the Sorcerer’s Tower.”

He muses, “Oh never, sweetheart.” You both shift lightly; with you facing him. Your eyes meet and you can’t help but smile softly at him. His disheveled locks and intense gaze. You move some strands out of the way and he suddenly grabs your hand, bringing it towards his lips. Taehyun kisses your inner wrist delicately sending a shiver up your arm and down your spine. It was an intimate but sweet gesture.

“I always think at the end of the day, what if none of this occurred. Would I have still crossed paths with you? If I wasn’t exiled and still remained in the palace and became the royal sorcerer, would you have paid me any attention?” He questions. You playfully murmur, “Oh, probably not. I never went to the Sorcerer’s Tower, I’d have probably not even recognised you.”

Taehyun rolls his eyes, “Oh how lovely.” You hum, “I merely jest, Taehyun. Well, perhaps, if fate meant for our paths to cross this time, I don’t see why we were not fated to cross if you were still in Fortuna’s palace.” Your eyes glance over his face, “After all, who could pass by such a handsome sorcerer…”

Taehyun's lips quirk up into a smirk, “You’ve got that right indeed. Handsome, strong…” His lips briefly gaze at your parted lips. You continue, “…intelligent, powerful…” he resumes, “…determined and ever so passionate,” his lips near yours.

“Mm, and you. No list in the world could be long enough to describe your attributes,” he utters, his voice just above a whisper. You press your lips to his softly. Your lips move against his in an alluring rhythm, a rhythm you often both found comfort in.

Your hand slides up his neck and your fingers run through the locks on the back of his hair. Both your legs interlock as you press yourselves against each other as close as possible. His own hands skim against the thin fabric of your nightgown trailing up and down as you kiss.

Parting for breath, you breathlessly utter, “I love you,” he smiles as he repeats the words back, “I love you too, sweetheart,” before returning his lips back onto yours sweetly.

You both lay in each other’s arms contently; his thumb draws circles on your waist and he murmurs, “Haven't your council been pestering you to get engaged? What was it again- oh yes, ‘to assert your right and maintain your stronghold over your position as queen by showing that you plan to have an heir in the near future.’”

You scoff, “Oh yes, yes. Their silly little concerns.” Taehyun hums, “What, finding their idea silly or are you not interested in getting engaged, or to say, betrothed? We are already courting are we not?” You stiffen, is he implying what you think he’s implying?

Taehyun muses with a subtle smirk, “Well, let me know when their silly little concerns begin to concern you.” Your eyes widen snapping to meet his, “Taehyun.”

“Y/n,” he echoes amused. You gawk at his insinuation, feeling your heart race.

“Not now, I personally wish to feel more settled and take some time to get more acquainted with things. As do you with your new duties and responsibilities. But in the near future…” he alludes.

“For now, I am content to court regardless of whatever scandalous thoughts the nobles may have,” Taehyun muses. You smile feeling flustered; you both of course had the intention to marry soon - well, you definitely had to as a ruler. But it gave you much needed comfort that he was just as eager to go through with such a big step as you were.

His fingers interlock with yours, “Are you okay, sweetheart? Didn’t startle you into shock did I?” You gaze lovingly at Taehyun as you respond and lay your head against his chest, “I’ve never been better.”

With a final smirk (that you’ve grown to adore ever so much), he peers at the candles around the room and with a snap of his fingers, the flames extinguish allowing for the blanket of sleep to overtake you both.

“Goodnight, Taehyun.”

He presses his lips against your forehead, “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

- END. -

|| Thanks everyone for the support on this series truly! <3 It feels great to be able to end it on a such sweet note. As always keep an eye out for more on the way from tinietaehyun!

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