Max Roy leaned back in his chair, eyes scanning the delicate parchment in his hands. The inked words, written in familiar elegant strokes, brought a rare smile to his lips.
"I hope you are doing well... traveling safely. Don't get hurt, and don't get into fights over small things. I'm not writing this letter because I miss you, but ever since you left, I've felt uneasy. I feel like someone is chasing me. If you placed people to watch over me, please tell them to leave.. it feels strange. If your father finds out about us, it will bring trouble for you.
Once you return, I want to meet you."
His smile slowly faded as realization dawned on him. His father. The old man must have discovered something why else would she suddenly feel watched? His fingers tightened around the letter just as hurried footsteps approached.
A guard burst through the doors, bowing quickly before speaking.
Man: Your Highness, your father has sent an urgent message. You are to return to Indila Kingdom immediately. He says it is of great importance.
Max Roy's jaw clenched. His father was never one to summon him unless something significant was unfolding. With a final glance at the letter, he stood, already calculating his next move.
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In Romania
The grand halls of the Romania Kingdom shimmered under the soft glow of golden chandeliers, reflecting off the pristine white floral arrangements. It was an intimate yet majestic wedding Princess Hiranmayee of Thyne and King Hae-in of Romania marking the union of two powerful kingdoms.
Y/N stood at the entrance of the hall, watching the ceremony unfold. The last time she had seen Hiranmayee, in photos when they were just children. Now, the young princess had grown into a stunning woman, her golden gown shimmering as she smiled at her groom.
As the ceremony concluded, Y/N approached the bride with a warm smile.
Y/N: Congratulations, my dear... You look absolutely beautiful in your wedding gown.
Hiranmayee turned at the familiar yet unfamiliar voice, her face lighting up with joy. Without hesitation, she pulled Y/N into a tight embrace.
Hiranmayee: I missed you so much! You never visited me.. I thought you had forgotten about me! ( holding Y/N's hands.)
Y/N sighed.
Y/N: Life got complicated... I didn't know how to handle everything.
Hiranmayee waved a hand dismissively.
Hiranmayee: Forget all that now. I heard you're getting married to King Taehyung? When did that happen?
Y/N hesitated before smiling softly.
Y/N: It happened recently... but he's been kind to me. He takes care of me, respects me... and values me. That's all I ever wanted.
Hiranmayee grinned, squeezing her hands.
Hiranmayee: Ohhh, I'm so happy for you! You deserve someone like him.
Y/N chuckled, but her eyes wandered to the other side of the hall, where Taehyung stood, engaged in what seemed like a serious conversation with Hiranmayee's father. Something about his expression unsettled her.
The wedding had been intimate, but many influential people were present. While Y/N chatted with Hiranmayee, her father approached Taehyung, initially speaking in a friendly manner. However, the mood shifted when he brought up something unexpected.
Hiranmayee's father: King Taehyung, there is something I want to tell you.. Many years ago, I arranged this marriage... with Max Roy.
Taehyung's entire body stiffened.
Taehyung: What?
Hiranmayee's father: At that time, Max Roy's father and I were allies. He promised me protection, power, and prosperity in exchange for my daughter's hand. But times have changed. He is not the man I once trusted. Now, I fear my past decisions will bring trouble upon us all.
Taehyung narrowed his eyes.
Taehyung: Did you inform Hae-in about this?
Hiranmayee's father hesitated.
Hiranmayee's father: No. The first person that came to my mind was you.
Taehyung let out a slow breath.
Taehyung: We need to tell him. Secrets like this only make things worse.
The older man nodded but still looked anxious.
Hiranmayee's father: Max Roy's father has always craved more power. If he discovers that I broke the agreement, he will not sit idly. We must be prepared.
Taehyung's gut told him trouble was on the horizon.
Taehyung: Don't worry. We'll figure a way out of this mess. But we need to be ready for whatever he has planned.
As evening approached, the guests remained in the Kingdom of Romania, waiting to leave in the morning.
Y/N was setting up the bed when Taehyung entered the room, his features tense. He had been deep in thought ever since speaking with Hiranmayee's father.
Before she could ask him about it, she suddenly felt warm breath against her neck. Her body froze as Taehyung's hands slipped around her waist from behind, pulling her close.
Taehyung: You're always so tense
he murmured, his lips brushing against her skin. A shiver ran down her spine.She turned slightly, only to meet his intense gaze. His fingers trailed up her arms before settling on her shoulders, pulling her flush against his chest.
Y/N: T-Taehyung... what are you-
He cut her off with a soft kiss on her exposed shoulder.
Taehyung: Can't I hold my soon-to-be wife?
His voice was deep, laced with something Y/N couldn't quite name.
Her breath hitched when his lips trailed up her neck, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. She felt his grip tighten slightly around her waist, as if grounding himself in her presence.
Y/N: We're not married yet. What will people say if they see us together?
Taehyung: Let them see then. Those who have problems can come to me, there is plenty of space to bury them in the So Land, I will also do the last rites well.
Y/N: Wai- what?
Taehyung: You have no idea how much I need you, Y/N
He whispered against her ear. His words sent a rush of heat through her body.
She turned in his arms, meeting his gaze, searching for something in his eyes.
Y/N: Taehyung, is something wrong?
He sighed, resting his forehead against hers.
Taehyung: I:ll tell you soon. But for now... just let me stay like this.
Y/N nodded, wrapping her arms around him.
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Author POV:
In the Kami Kingdom, Jimin and Disa were walking through the marketplace, gathering supplies for Y/N's return.
Jimin glanced at Disa.
Jimin: Can I ask you something?
Disa: yes!
Jimin: Why do you never wear gowns or dresses?
She shot him an annoyed look.
Disa: I just don't. Don't ask why.
Jimin held up his hands in surrender.
Jimin: Okay, okay... Do you at least like flowers?
Disa hesitated.
Disa: I guess... Roses. I like roses.
Before Jimin could respond, Disa suddenly stiffened. Her eyes followed a figure ahead.
Disa: Hey, Jimin. Is that Lotus by any chance?
Jimin turned and spotted her.
Jimin: Yeah, that's her... What's she doing here?
Disa's expression darkened.
Disa: Look behind her. There are people watching her.
Jimin's eyes sharpened.
Jimin: You're right. We need to talk to her.
They approached the young woman, who immediately recognized them.
Lotus: Miss Disa... General Park
Lotus greeted with a bow, though her face looked pale.
Jimin: What happened to you? And how is your grandmother?
Lotus sighed.
Lotus: I did everything I could, but the doctors said nothing could save her. She's old... we've accepted it. I left the palace to be with her.
Disa placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Disa: You've done all you can. She must be proud of you.
Jimin nodded.
Jimin: If you need anything, let us know.
Lotus gave them a weak smile.
Lotus: Thank you, General Park.
But as Disa and Jimin exchanged glances, they both knew something wasn't right. Lotus was being watched, and danger was lurking closer than she realized.
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Indila Kingdom
Max Roy stormed through the dimly lit corridors of the Indila Kingdom's grand palace, his boots echoing ominously against the marble floors. The scent of burning incense lingered in the air as he approached his father's chamber.
Pushing open the heavy wooden doors, he found Lord Vexar Roy lying on his grand bed, looking frail yet sharp-eyed, his presence still commanding despite his failing health.
King Max Roy: Father, what happened to you?
Lord Vexar Roy scoffed, his voice laced with bitterness.
Lord Vexar Roy: As you see, I am aged, you fool. My body refuses to obey me, and now... now people have started to betray me!
He clenched his frail fists, his sharp eyes burning with rage.
Lord Vexar Roy: Have you heard? Thyne's Princess Hiranmayee got married. Her father.. that traitor.. promised me that she would be ours! But now? She is married to the Romania King! Do you realize what this means?
Max's expression remained unreadable.
King Max Roy: Father, there is nothing like betrayal. Our relationship with them was already strained. She loves him-
A sudden, sharp SLAP echoed through the chamber.
Max's head snapped to the side, his cheek burning as his father's trembling but forceful hand lowered.
Lord Vexar Roy: Love?! Hah! How many times must I tell you?! Love is nothing but an illusion, a weakness! At least she loved a king... But you..
He let out a mocking laugh before sneering.
Lord Vexar Roy: You! Who do you love? A beggar?!
Max's jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists. His voice was low, controlled, but his eyes burned with defiance.
King Max Roy: Enough.
Lord Vexar raised a brow, intrigued by his son's tone.
King Max Roy: She is not a beggar. She earned her own wealth, built her own life. What is so wrong with that? If I choose to marry a poor girl, does it matter? I am the King. I hold the power. I can shape fate itself to my will.
Silence fell between them. Then, a slow, eerie smirk crept onto Lord Vexar's lips.
Lord Vexar Roy: So... you would do anything for her?
Max's eyes darkened, his breath steady.
King Max Roy: If you accept her, I will do anything you ask. Everything.
Lord Vexar's smirk deepened, his frail fingers tapping against the sheets. His voice dropped to a whisper, yet it sent chills through the room.
Lord Vexar Roy: Invade. Annihilate. The Kingdom of Romania.
Max's breath hitched slightly, but he remained still.
Lord Vexar Roy: Wipe them from existence. Show them what betrayal costs.
A sinister gleam flashed in his eyes.
Lord Vexar Roy: And one more thing... The Princess of Mani. She and her people must kneel before us. Break them, Max. Only then... will I consider your request.
Max stood there, his mind racing, the weight of his father's words pressing heavily upon him.
War was inevitable. But now... it was personal.
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