Work Text:
"I've brought you tea."
Jimin looks over his shoulder when he hears the familiar voice, eyes twinkling after recognizing who it belongs to. "Taehyung!"
"And some sweets," Taehyung says, showing the plate on his hands, with a soft smile that matches with Jimin's. He sits down on the corridor, feet touching the ground and sets down the plate besides him.
"Are they homemade or from the market?" Jimin asks, despite staying on his previous place to inspect his maids who are planting flowers. Prior to Taehyung's arrival, he's received couple of flower plants as a present.
"Does that matter?" Taehyung answers, annoyance clear on his voice, but knowing Taehyung for years, Jimin easily recognizes his playful undertone. "Here I've brought sweets, but there's no omega to be impressed by my thoughtful presents. Perhaps, I should go look for another omega instead."
Jimin giggles at the dramatic response, but orders the maids to leave, deciding to water the plants by himself, and walking over the clover path to sit next to Taehyung. "You're also an omega, Taehyung."
( "They're from the market," Taehyung answers, when Jimin chooses a sweet.
"Lovely." )
"Is it bad that I would prefer an omega than an annoying alpha official so full of himself?"
"No, not bad. I would prefer that too."
Groaning loudly, Taehyung shakes his head. "Ah, that's a lie, Jimin."
"Why would that be a lie?"
"Pups are all you ever talk about… Besides, I know omega cock won’t satisfy you. Even without the knot, alpha cocks are much bigger."
"Taehyung…" Jimin whines, his cheeks easily color in a pink hue.
"Would you even be satisfied with two omega cocks inside you?"
Jimin hisses, elbowing Taehyung's side. "You're so indecent. What if someone hears you?"
"Not today."
"Why not?" Jimin asks, confused.
"I heard that Silla's taken the power over the Southern region."
"I thought Silla's put an end to the continuous attacks. Did father fail the treaty?"
"Your father is greedy, Jimin. I won't be surprised."
"Neither am I." Jimin sighs, deeply. "Will Silla agree to another treaty?"
"Highly unlikely, Silla needs more lands badly.”
"Hoseok told me, that a soldier is expected before night falls, but no one except the royal family and the army know what's happening out there." Taehyung nudges his chin towards the mountains.
"Not everyone," Jimin replies, sighing.
Taehyung casts his eyes to the ground, most likely regretting his choice of words. Though Taehyung isn't far from the truth. Jimin doubts his parents think he's worthy of being called royalty.
Presenting as an omega, brings limitations. Whether someone is poor or noble, doesn't matter.
Taehyung, for example, is stronger than many alphas Jimin's met, most of them being pure blooded. His skills with any weapon is on par with General Hoseok, who Jimin recognizes as the only alpha that hasn't judged them for their sub-gender. Brought up to become the heir of the main house of Kims, until he's presented, Taehyung doesn't lack anything that an alpha has, except for a knot. Yet he is only labelled as an omega.
Jimin is no difference, but far worse.
While Taehyung has freedom and a home that still considers him as family, Jimin has none of it. He never joins the royal family for meals, his are always prepared separately so that they contain enough nutrition to keep him healthy and strong to bear pups, he's never present at any festival or a ceremony, unless it's necessary, and he never has a say in any royal matters. He hadn't known about the ongoing war until Taehyung had told him so.
Jimin bears the pain for his people. He knows they care for him, so does he, and he knows it's his duty to not worry them over something so insignificant. Doesn't want to break the treasured peace.
Adding tea leaves to the water, Jimin stirs the cup until he's satisfied. He pours it into two cups and passes one to Taehyung. "Here."
"Thank you," Taehyung mutters, taking the cup, and continues, "I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize, Taehyung." Jimin lightly blows on the steam. "Was it Hoseok?"
"No, it was all over the place. There weren't many at the market today, so I asked around."
"Oh…"
"They say Commander Jeon had returned from Baekje to lead the war against us."
"Is it bad?"
"The worst," Taehyung stresses. A breeze passes them, their hanboks rustling slightly.
"Who is he?"
"Rumors have it that he's a strong, skilled alpha. Some say that he's younger than other Generals. I'm certain that he's the least experience of them all, though Silla's soldiers never doubt him."
"Goguryeo is strong. We have sufficient manpower, land and wealth, don't we? I don't understand why everyone is afraid."
"Not against him, Jimin. I haven't heard of Commander Jeon losing any war."
"Is there truly no hope for us?"
"We can hope. It's all we can do now."
"Jimin! Jimin! Jimin!!"
Taehyung's loud voice rings in his ears when he wakes him, shaking Jimin violently by his shoulders. He's fallen asleep besides Taehyung while they were waiting for the messenger.
"Why did you wake me at this hour?" Jimin asks him, yawning and rubbing at his eyes, but rather than answering, Taehyung pulls him forward, and onto his feet. "What's wrong? Why--"
"Silla's army is invading our villages," Taehyung deadpans, as Jimin continues to fuss. "Hoseok is at the door. We need to escape now."
"What?" Jimin asks, pulling back as Taehyung pushes him towards the door. "What are you saying, Taehyung?"
As he mentioned, Hoseok is waiting for them on the corridor in front of their room. "There's not much time left, Jimin. We have to go. I'll explain the situation after we've reached somewhere safe."
With his drowsiness fading, Jimin hears them outside. From the sounds, it's apparent that Silla's army has reached the main gate of the castle.
"What's wrong?" Hoseok asks. He's facing the direction of the main gate, lips frowning downwards and an unsheathed sword in his hands.
"We aren't escaping."
Taehyung grabs his hair, frustration clear on his face. "This is not the time to be stubborn, Jimin. You're the prince of Goguryeo… your life is in danger. What do you not understand?"
Jimin shakes his head and grabs Taehyung's wrist, wrapping his smaller fingers around Taehyung's fist. "They won't kill me, nor you. If they deem Hoseok harmless, they won't kill him too. We have a better chance of staying alive if we surrender, rather than being captured while we attempt to escape.”
"They will lock you in a prison, Jimin." Hoseok approaches him calmly. "If King Park has followed his part of the agreement, Silla wouldn't attack again."
"If they caught us while we're escaping, they will kill you and do worse to us. They aren't lawfully allowed to abuse us if we surrender," Jimin explains. He, himself doesn't believe in his words. They aren't aware of what Silla's army is capable of, nor how cruel they are. Escaping would be the best, but Jimin isn't selfish to bring danger to Taehyung and Hoseok by following that decision.
Taehyung sighs and slides down to the floor. "You're too selfless for your own good, Jimin. I pray to the Gods that I won't regret this."
Jimin smiles, hiding how his lips tremble slightly, and sits next to him. He places a hand on Taehyung's knee, stroking him gently to comfort the omega. Jimin presses his wrist against his neck, hoping his scent would calm him. Taehyung leans into his touch, purring softly.
"They're here," Hoseok announces, breaking the moment.
The roar of the soldiers' become clearer and the wooden floor quakes from the vibrations. Hoseok sheathes his sword back before he discards it, hiding it in a corner of the room. He hurries to the omegas next, helping them stand up. "We'll meet them at the entrance. I'll pretend to be Taehyung's alpha rather than a soldier for safety since we aren't certain if they will react to Goguryeo's soldiers differently or not."
Jimin nods, and follows Hoseok along with Taehyung. His heart beat so loudly, the ring in his ears hasn't stopped. Jimin is genuinely scared for himself. All he wishes is to go back to his room and sleep peacefully, to believe that this is a nightmare.
"Do you think that mother, father and Jihyun escaped?" Jimin asks. The question's been in his mind ever since he's woken up to the attack.
Hoseok shakes his head, as he hurries down the final stairs behind the jeon entrance. The wind is harsh, their hanbok flutter loudly. "King and Queen were at the council since evening. Attempting for an escape from there is foolish."
Jimin silently agrees. He begins to question about Jihyun when the sight greets them in front of the entrance, stops him.
A group of Silla's hwarang fully dressed in black with their leader riding a horse, await for them. They're all armed, all of them have either an unsheathed sword or a bow in their hands. Jimin remembers learning a little about hwarang, about how dangerously skilled and merciless they are.
"We are here to surrender," Hoseok states, his voice pleading, before he gets on to his knees, Taehyung and Jimin following his action. "We are unarmed. Please, spare our lives."
"Am I to believe that you weren't attempting to escape?" Their leader questions. His dark hair sweeps with wind but it doesn't affect how undeniably handsome he is, his features rival that of a prince.
"This path only leads us to the arms of the enemy," Hoseok answers, truthfully.
The leader scowls. "Names and ranks," he orders, dismounting from his horse, and walks over to them.
Hoseok nods. "Jung Hoseok, alpha and my omega, Kim Taehyung. Jimin is also an omega."
"I want these two thoroughly inspected. If they're armed, behead them, if they aren't then release them to the nearest village."
"Yes, prince Seokjin."
Jimin's eyes widen at the revelation. He's at the presence of Silla's heir. He casts his eyes towards his knees, even as Hoseok and Taehyung are separated from him, afraid that the prince might notice any change in his expression.
Prince Seokjin walks in front of them and stops before Jimin. He bends down, grabbing Jimin by his chin and tilting his head towards him. His eyes are sharp, as they search Jimin's. Corner of his lips curves up, he says, "You awfully resemble your brother, prince Park Jimin. I applaud your intelligence and your bravery, but your luck truly ran out when we met the rest of the royal family before you could make your escape."
Jimin trembles in his vice grip, tears wet his cheeks. Prior to meeting the group of soldiers, Jimin promised to be strong in front of the enemy, yet he can't fulfill it for himself. Seokjin is ruthless, his scent his pungent, sour like vinegar, and suffocating. The wicked smile on prince Seokjin's face indicates that whatever he plans for Jimin will be vile.
"What do we do with him, your highness?" a soldier asks, eyes not leaving Jimin.
"I've thought of the perfect spoil of war for General Jeon. Prince Jimin will be a pleasant surprise for him."
The festive mood hasn't died despite it been three nights since celebrations for conquering Goguryeo has begun. Eight nights since Jimin's been heavily guarded at any hour of the day, five nights of traveling to Silla and three since he's been locked. Surprising, though they've let Taehyung to be with him, after Jimin's relentless pleads.
Tonight, Jimin's taken to a gisaeng house, where it's much closer to the celebrations. The chatter is distant and he can't decipher anything. His heart beat raises when he hears the occasional giggling, the strong scent of an alpha and the creaking of wood against the footsteps as a gisaeng escorts an alpha official to entertain privately. It feels surreal that within the span of a night, he's been reduced to a mere gisaeng from royalty.
He's seated in front of a small mirror, on a mat. The material of the hanbok that he's dressed in is itchy against his skin.
"Bear it for few hours. If Commander Jeon is satisfied with you, you wouldn't have to worry anymore," one of the gisaengs, much older than most Jimin's seen ever since he's step inside, supplies when Jimin complains about it. "He'll provide you with much more." There's a glint in her eyes which Jimin notices when he looks at her reflection in the mirror. He doesn't know what to make out of it.
Two other gisaengs wordlessly attend to Jimin. The red paint, that one of them paints on his eyelids, is thick and heavy. The final one combs his hair back to adorn with a set of accessories she's laid on the floor. It doesn't take much time for them to be done with dressing Jimin.
Jimin's guided to a separate room, much deeper into the gisaeng house. The older gisaeng follows him through the procedure again thoroughly: he's to perform and entertain Commander Jeon. If he's satisfied with Jimin, then he will sleep with Commander Jeon. Otherwise… Jimin doesn't want to know.
"Here, choose wisely," she asks, a flute and a fan on her hands. "You'll use one of these to charm him."
Jimin picks the fan. He's little to no experience of what gisaengs are taught, nor he knows how to technically use both of them in a performance. However, being a prince, Jimin's had the privilege of learning to sing and dance, and he could use it to escape the worst case scenario.
The room they enter has layers on top of layers of off white clothes hanging from the wooden ceiling at the middle. Otherwise, it's empty.
Jimin could see the body lines of another person from the other side. He feels his heart clenches, painfully. It's most likely the Commander. Sitting in the middle of the floor, on a cheap mat, Jimin wonders how quickly his life changed.
He's a virgin: a dedicated worshipper of moon goddess, spending most of his day attending to the shrine of her built for the royalty. It had been Jimin's decision to save himself for only his mate, always refusing help from a beta or an omega during his heats. Years ago, when Jimin had taken the decision, hoping for it to be taken by a mate who he'd care for and want to have pups with, but most importantly love.
"You will perform after I tie this," the gisaeng says, forcing Jimin to close his eyes when she holds a white cloth before his eyes, and ties it around Jimin's head.
Having no prior knowledge about this whole ordeal, Jimin settles with bowing to whoever is in front of him first, and produces the fan from his back. He flashes it towards the audience, standing up and moving around elegantly with quick calculated steps. There is not a spare second for him to worry about the possibilities of clashing against the wall and hurting himself. He's to focus solely on his purpose: entertaining Commander Jeon.
When his performance is over, he sits on the mat again. His chest heaves as he tries to catch his breath.
"He's asking for your name and rank." He hears the voice of the old gisaeng from his side.
"Prince Park Jimin of Goguryeo, omega," Jimin introduces, his voice trembling towards the end. He feels his cheeks color with red, hoping it wouldn't affect Commander Jeon.
The silence continues longer. Impatiently, Jimin turns to his side's, trying to figure out where the old gisaeng is. He needs to know whether his future's been decided or not. Though, once he opens his mouth, there's a tug at his blindfold. Someone unties it, causing it to fall forgotten.
The layers of dull clothes have been pushed to the sides, but there's no one in front of him. Turning over, he only sees the gisaeng behind him. Isn't the commander supposed to determine Jimin's future?
"Has he not decided yet?"
Old gisaeng shakes his head, negative. "He has. He refuses to sleep with you." He slowly blinks, letting the words sink in. Dread fills him slowly, as he tries to calm himself. Hasn't his best not been enough?
"What?"
"He's chosen to be mated to you, instead."
"Please, stand up for Commander Jeon."
The elder's voice is so loud, it rings in Jimin's ears. Momentarily, Jimin wonders if it is necessary to order anyone to pay respect to the alpha, Jimin's soon-to-be mate but most importantly the commander.
Jimin doesn't move from his position, as the guests stand up, his head heavy with the thickness of the white veil and the crown, decorated with pure white gold chains hanging from every direction with diamonds attached to them. It restricts all of his movements but he still keeps his head held high. He knows none of them, nor what they think of him. The thought makes his heart heavy, that so many would be there to represent the Commander while Jimin is left alone in the middle of enemy grounds.
Averting his eyes once they catch the bare feet of his mate on the fresh grass between guests under the willow tree as his mate proceeds to walk towards him, he bites his bottom lip, heart beating loudly.
"Elder Jung," the Commander greets once he's standing behind Jimin. His voice is sharp but soft and surprisingly young, fresh like his minty earthy scent. Jimin's half heartedly expected to see an alpha in his mid thirties or horrifyingly older, despite hearing rumors about the great Commander Jeon who's talents and strategies are beyond his age.
"Commander Jeon, please take a seat next your bride." The cushion dips next to him, warmth radiating from the Commander's body. It's uncomfortably comforting.
"We will begin the mating ceremony of Commander Jeon Jungkook of Silla and Prince Park Jimin of Goguryeo," the elder announces, once the Commander's properly seated, "alpha Jungkook, may take the veil off from omega Jimin." And Jungkook's hands are on Jimin, carefully removing the crown on top of his head, before sliding off the white lace veil off his face. The sudden brightness blinds Jimin, making him squint before he fully opens his eyes, only to be left gasping lightly as he takes in what's in front of him.
The Great Commander Jeon Jungkook, who's lead many wars and won each of them, is not who Jimin expected.
His eyes around round and bright, full of youth and innocence but he's far from it. Jimin knows he's a fearless fighter, he's killed many. Jimin couldn't help but wonder whether he's mating to the son of the Commander or not but the small fading scar on Jungkook's cheek and the athletic body of his leave Jimin with no doubt: this is the Commander. His hanbok has the official royal emblem embroidered to it, a sword on his belt.
His posture demands respect. Jimin could feel a shiver run down his spine, his omega begging to submit to the alpha, bear his neck to be marked. The thought frightens him, but the loud boring voice of the elder brings him back from his thoughts.
"Omega Jimin may feed alpha Jungkook with the portion of rice made with honey and milk," elder Jung says, handing a plate to Jimin. Carefully picking up a rice ball that he's cooked that morning, Jimin does as he's told.
Every tradition that has been performed so far has been new and unheard of, to him. Jimin had been bathed in water from a well at a temple built in the mountains once he's reached the enemy kingdom, maids attending to Jimin had applied turmeric on every inch of skin visible over his hanbok, and finally bathed him in warm milk.
Jimin hadn't questioned them then nor he plans to question these traditions now. If he's even a little luckier, or not, he will be living with Jungkook, and having a bad first impression even as the enemy is not something Jimin wants to deal with.
The respectful silence is broken with the low hum of the guests' voices once Elder Jung passes a gold plate with a red powder to Jungkook. "And finally, alpha Jungkook may kiss and mark omega Park as his mate, in front of the royal family, council of elders, Jeon family and the guests, to seal their marriage."
Nodding, Jungkook dips his fingers into the red and takes some of it on to hand, then he's moving towards Jimin. "The powder makes the healing faster," he whispers, before placing his hands on Jimin's scent gland. As Jungkook drags his fingers from his neck to his collarbone and to rest on his shoulder, letting his instinct decide the perfect spot for the mark, he paints Jimin's skin with the vibrant red.
It only takes a few moments for Jungkook to decide. He moves a little closer, before leaning in as one of his hands keep the robe tugged aside slightly to reveal more skin. Jimin closes his eyes, anticipating the pain of the bite, but the cold lips kissing right next to his scent gland leaves him shivering. The bite comes immediately after, while Jimin is still in a daze: Jungkook's digs his sharp fangs a little too close to the scent gland and bite into the flesh, carving his teeth into his omega forever.
Jimin grits through the pain, his shoulder's gone numb and his eyelashes are wet with tears. Yet he can't bring himself to cry from the immense pain he's feeling, he doesn't want to embarrass himself in front of so many. Warmth bursts through him when Jungkook starts to lap against the bite mark, cleaning the wound clear from blood. When he ultimately pulls back, there's blood dripping from the corners of his lips, onto Jimin's hanbok. It contrasts vividly against Jimin's white.
The cheers that surround them are deafening. Guests have stood up, some singing to the newly mated and some already lining by the food prepared for the ceremony.
Jimin doubt they are happy for him.
Jimin quickly learns that his hope for having some space after the mating ceremony for his personal thoughts, is quite unrealistic, when Jungkook tells him that the ceremony has been extended until night falls, courtesy of the royal family.
If not for the fact that they have to sit on the cushions next to each other and greet the line of guests waiting to congratulate them, the blooming bond makes it impossible to stay away from Jungkook. His omega begs to be closer to their alpha, seeking warmth and comfort from him, yet Jimin is too prideful to initiate the act.
They don't talk, not that it bothers Jimin. Aside from the few questions Jungkook's and the polite answers Jimin delivers, and the traditions that Jungkook carefully explains, they haven't talked since they shared vows after the mating. There's a content smile on Jungkook, however, that bothers Jimin.
Jungkook announces the statement from the royal family, once the bowing and entertaining unknown faces end. The loud cheering he receives, is quite different from anything that he's witnessed before. Not that Goguryeo is monotonous, but Jimin's never been allowed to partake in festivals unless King Park decides that his presence is valuable.
At any given circumstances, Jimin would have enjoyed the moment, but being on enemy grounds, Jimin's high morals conflicts with his thoughts. He could taste bile on the back of his tongue, at the mere thought that he would consider enjoying anything related to the enemies who have killed thousands.
"We should head to the feast." Jungkook stands up, offering a hand to Jimin. Jimin takes it, silently, unable to refuse any chance to be closer to his alpha. His omega yearns to be with Jungkook. Jimin convinces himself that it's the fresh mating mark speaking.
They walk through the path decorated with white wild flowers to match with Jimin's hanbok. He easily catches the eyes of guests, most of them leaning to whisper to another when they see him, but their gaze never leaves him.
He walks with his head held high, besides Jungkook, he's aware of his elegance and beauty. It's something that even his father would gloat over.
They haven't reached much far when a voice calls behind them. "Jungkook."
They turn around at the voice, Jimin merely since the first name basis confuses him. No one's called Jungkook until now.
"Yoongi? Jungkook asks, different emotions blooming across his face. He's surprised and confused, as if he's not expected Yoongi's presence at the ceremony. Jimin silently wonders why, they seem closer.
Yoongi is like the moon. He's graceful, calm and collected. He's beautiful, skin pale, and noticeably shorter like Jimin. His scent isn't strong, it reminds Jimin of bee honey.
"Seokjin is waiting for you by the river. It must be something important, he seems to be impatient. I advice you meet him instantly."
The mention of the prince's name sour Jimin's scent, uncontrollably. He feels ashamed when Jungkook looks over to him, and casts his eyes down hoping to avoid his questioning eyes.
Jungkook turns towards Yoongi. "I will."
"Can I come with you?" Jimin asks. Though the thought of prince leaves a bitter after taste, his omega refuses to be away from his alpha.
Jungkook seems to think for a moment before he nods.
The walk to the river isn't long, they only pass a couple of trees when they reach the river. It's not quite big nor the sound of water flowing disturbs anyone. They can hear the voices from the feast.
Truth to Yoongi's words, Seokjin is between huge roots of a tree, facing the river.
"Seokjin-hyung," Jungkook calls from where he is, before he walks towards him. Jimin hurries behind him with quicker steps, trying to keep up with Jungkook's pace. "Why are you here? Come, join the feast."
Seokjin stands up, his eyes have darken since he saw Jimin next to Jungkook. "I've come to warn you again, Jungkook," he answers, eyes moving to Jimin's neck where there's blood from the mating bite, soaking his hanbok. "Though it seems too late, already."
"I'm not quite certain that I understand, hyung" Jungkook replies, though his confusion sounds fake and it feels more like he's daring Seokjin to challenge his decisions.
"This sudden mating is ridiculous. I gave you a reward to appreciate what you've done."
Jimin can't deny how hurtful Seokjin's words are. They are a stab to his heart but he stands his ground, despite Seokjin addressing Jimin as if he's not present there. As if his feelings don't matter since he's an omega.
"It was my decision to make, wasn't it?"
"You could've disposed him once you're tired of him. Your rash decisions now tie you down to him."
Jungkook's eyes narrow, hands finding Jimin's. "We will head back to the feast. I don't see why there's a need to worry about this matter. It's already happened. We aren't the God above to change the past." He swiftly turns back to where they came from, tugging Jimin lightly towards the direction, and proceed to walk forward without waiting for Seokjin. Jimin feels his heart tug at the action instead.
"I wouldn't be surprised if you betray your kingdom in future," Seokjin says through gritted teeth.
"I wouldn't betray my kingdom, hyung, but with my life being tied, I won't hesitate to protect my mate, too."
A maid follows Jungkook and Jimin along the corridor leading to the jeon, reserved for mating ceremonies. A plate of steaming porcelain cups on her hands.
Moonlight seeps in through the closed windows. Lamps that have been lighten beforehand, illuminating the otherwise dark room. The jeon is empty except for the thick white mattress on the middle of the floor and long white net hanging from the paljak roof to the wood floor, tied in the middle with strings so that they fall freely on each side.
Jungkook silently guides them, gesturing to Jimin to sit in front of him as he takes a seat on the middle of the mattress. The maid kneels to the wood floor, gently placing the plate on the floor, holding each steaming cup with a white cloth and proceeding to position the cups between the newly mated couple.
“Why did you want to mate instead of using me as a reward? Is it not what I’m supposed to be?” Jimin asks, ignoring the presence of the maid who silently continues to place the cups. Most likely a tradition in the kingdom, a mating ritual.
Silence falls inside the room as Jungkook ignores the question. Jimin knows he had somewhat humiliated the alpha, asking the question in the presence of a maid. He couldn’t care less about the alpha’s reputation, he’s spent too much time pondering over the question only to meet with a conundrum each time: whether he’s escaped the doors of hell as he won’t have to serve as a whore for the General or whether he’s fallen deeper, mating to the man responsible for hundreds of deaths of Jimin’s people.
Once the maid stands up to leave, bowing to Jungkook and Jimin, Jungkook bows back to her, thanking her for her work. When it’s certain, that unlike Jimin, Jungkook wouldn’t utter a word in the presence of another, Jimin worries his lower lip between his teeth.
“Well?” he asks, again, impatient.
Jimin’s a little intimidated, probably managing to anger the alpha but Jungkook doesn’t show any signs of it.
“I had a choice”, Jungkook answers, calmly. “And I assumed, you didn’t.”
“Maybe I chose it.”
“No one chooses to whore themselves unless the situation leaves them no choice.”
“You don’t think that perhaps this is a ploy, that it’s part of a bigger plan to get our hands on the General?”
"No, I wouldn't assume so."
"...And why is that?"
“Now that you’ve brought it up, I don't think I have to worry about the possibility of it happening.” Jungkook smiles, amused.
"Maybe that is what I wanted, to purposely blow the chances of the situation happening and to take advantage."
"If you worry so much, I'll give more thought to my surroundings, omega."
"That's-- that's not--"
Jungkook chuckles, seeing how flustered Jimin's become, from his words. But his eyes darken seconds later, adding an afterthought, he says, “though I won’t hesitate to silence anyone who challenges me."
Jimin rolls his eyes. “Are you perhaps assuming that you could take me out so easily because I’m an omega?”
“No,” Jungkook denies, with no hesitation. “I’m aware of what I’m capable of.”
“Is that why you didn’t hesitate for a mere second before ordering to kill hundreds, maybe thousands of my people?”
“Your soldiers were there for the same reason. To kill.”
“You could’ve spared their lives when it was apparent that they’ve lost.”
Jungkook sighs, exhausted. “If you didn’t want to mate then you should’ve told that before I’ve put that mark on you,” he says, gesturing to Jimin’s bare neck, reddened around the clearly visible teeth mark.
“How was I supposed to know that I had a choice?” Jimin bursts out in anger, hands curled into fists, resting against his sides. “I was told to consent to all of your needs and to warm your bed until you get tired of me.”
“Jimin--”
“No, you wouldn’t understand.” he says, through gritted teeth, his chest heaving and a lump in his throat stressing his breathing, “I didn’t expect to be mated; nevertheless had a choice in it.”
“Omega.” Jungkook’s voice, stern and sharp. It's not his alpha voice, though it does abruptly stops Jimin from his outburst. Much to Jimin's amusement, he pumps out more of his scent induced with pheromones to calm him. Why wouldn't he use his alpha voice instead? Isn't that much more effective and quicker?
Suddenly, Jungkook feels too close, as if he's reaching out to Jimin through their bond.
Jimin expects his omega to feel uneasy from the scent, yet he only finds warmth and comfort. "We don't have to consummate the marriage, if you aren't ready, if that's not your choice."
"I--"
"If you--"
"I need to think about it," Jimin states, standing up in a hurry to rush out of doors, to the wooden corridor.
Stars have bloomed across the dark sky where there's no clouds for the moon to hide. Spring breeze isn't as cold as it is few full moons ago.
Digging his heels onto the grass glistening with dew, he carefully sits on the floor with his back towards the door to their bedroom. Jungkook hasn't followed him, but he could feel his eyes on his back. His omega could feel Jungkook's wolf, restless and anxious, reflecting how Jungkook genuinely feels. There's suddenly a huge urge to comfort his mate but Jimin stops himself seconds before he would actually give in. He's gotten the much needed space, since the mating ceremony and Jimin desperately wants to clear his thoughts.
He surprises himself with how he doesn't mind that Jungkook, will take his virginity instead now, who doesn't love Jimin but is willing to mate him.
For a moment, Jimin thinks through it. Jungkook cares about consent, he wouldn't do something forcefully, or so Jimin assumes. Perhaps he already has that someone, a tragically forbidden love. Perhaps not. They have already mated, and Jungkook had wanted that.
Courage doesn't come easy to him. Jimin breathes until his racing heart calms down a little, and he's clear and positive of what he wants.
Walking back into their bedroom with trembling legs, Jimin isn't surprised at the sight that greets him. Jungkook hasn't changed from where he was before, and Jimin sits at his previous seat next to Jungkook.
"Have you thought about it?" His voice is calm and reassuring.
"I have."
Jungkook hums. "Before anything, there's something you deserve to know. There's a tradition that we are expected to partake in tomorrow morning. The sheets we have slept on will be inspected by a healer and an elder." Jimin scrunches his nose in disgust. "An alpha of my caliber can take care of that without a doubt, if we don't consummate our mating tonight, but there are cons. They will expect a pup within the first year of our mating."
"That wouldn't change my decision… but I need to know, why would you treat me as if I'm not your enemy?"
"If I hadn't accepted you… you don't want to know where you would've ended up. No one would dare to hurt you when you're tied to me, but without a mating mark, no outsider would survive here."
Jimin flinches, visibly, tears gathering at the corners of his eyes. Quickly, he wipes them with sleeve of his hanbok. "What about the consent?" He sniffles.
"I wouldn't treat an omega any different from how I would treat the omega prince of Silla. That's how I was brought up."
"I understand."
A moment of silence falls upon them, neither of them speaking. Jimin allows Jungkook's words sink in. Everything is a little too much to process.
Only after a long time does Jungkook finally decide to break the silence. "About tonight, do you want to--"
"I do. I-- I… I want to proceed with the mating rituals."
Jungkook nods, taking a steaming cup into his hands. His cheeks a little flushed, possibly from having to explain each of them, as he says, "it's a tradition. Each of these herbal drinks with help… making the process easier. To help the muscles relax," Jungkook carefully sprinkles something to the next drink, before he passes the porcelain cup to Jimin, intensely watching as Jimin drinks, and, "to keep your womb healthy for our pups." Nose scrunching at the bitter taste, Jimin finishes the drink.
Jungkook silently stands once the cups are empty, putting the plate besides their mattress and discarding his sword along with it, before adding a little force to push them further, the noise of metal clattering against porcelain resonating inside the room. Then he loosens the strings tying the nets together, letting them fall around their mattress. A content sigh falls from his lips as he sits beside Jimin who has been waiting for him silently, playing with the golden string that ties his hanbok together.
Jungkook when he raises his hand only to lower it back, noticing Jimin’s wavering eyes.
"I'm going to kiss you."
"Huh?" Jimin questions, shaken from his stupor. He hasn't expected Jungkook to ask again.
"I'm going to kiss you now," Jungkook repeats, patiently, thumb stroking Jimin's cheek lightly. "Is that fine?" he adds at the sight of Jimin's widened eyes and mouth partially opened gasping.
His words leave a space for Jimin to imagine if the situation was different, that if they had met at different circumstances where Jungkook would have courted Jimin with no arrangement tying them down together.
When Jimin nods, Jungkook leans closer, their breath mingling together. His rough, calloused hands finding their way to Jimin’s slender waist, finally closing the gap. He tilts his head for better access, nose pressing against Jimin’s cheeks as he kisses him. Jimin gasps, shuddering at the touch, ears thrumming as his heartbeat quickens.
Not knowing whether he is allowed to touch Jungkook, Jimin places his hands in his lap, fidgeting with the string binding his hanbok together. He licks on Jungkook’s bottom lip experimentally, following Jungkook’s action, tongue sliding into his mouth, eager to taste him.
They kiss, slow, nothing like Jimin's imagined. It’s sweet, almost too sweet.
When Jungkook pulls back, Jimin unconsciously follows him, pliant in Jungkook’s hands, whining. Jungkook hums in response, pressing his nose against Jimin’s scent glands, taking in deep breaths of Jimin’s scent. It’s flowery and soft like Jimin, not a tinge of stronger scent underneath. Jimin whines, baring his neck for easy access. “Sweet, so sweet,” Jungkook slurs, his voice rough and deep, almost like he’s drunk on Jimin’s scent.
"Alpha," Jimin whines, sitting on Jungkook's lap, as slick trickles past his twitching hole, aroused. He grinds down, unable to control himself, mind clouded with the need for a cock filling him to the brim, and the friction leaves him gasping for more. Feeling nasty that he's falling apart from a kiss, he nuzzles Jungkook instead trying to hide his face, though he continues to grind down on Jungkook's thighs.
"You're more impatient than I thought," he whispers, his lips brushing against Jimin's earlobe, "aren't you?"
Jungkook presses his nose against Jimin's slightly tousled hair, breath warming his neck. Moving his hands from Jimin's waist to rub circles against Jimin's hips, Jungkook pulls Jimin closer so that they're chest to chest with Jimin grinding directly against Jungkook's crotch instead..
Jimin's hanbok aren't harder to undress, rather it is the complete opposite. The embroidered white satin of the hanbok and the layers of silk and lace are only tied together twice with a thin string of gold. Though the two ties kept the hanbok together and didn't cause any malfunction and unnecessarily humiliate Jimin, they come undone with one hard tug.
The hanbok fall off Jimin's slender shoulders, their mating bite on display and showing his otherwise unmarked milky skin. Instantly, Jungkook's lips are over the bite mark, tongue lapping around the healing skin and nose pressing directly against Jimin's scent gland. Briefly Jimin wonders if it affects Jungkook as it does to Jimin. He assumes it does from the way Jungkook visibly shudder at each breath, he's a newly mated alpha and his instincts must be forcing him to be as close to his omega everyway as he can.
"Jungkook," Jimin calls him, continuing to grind his ass over his wet hanbok for more friction, more slick has slipped through soaking his hanbok transparent and sticking to his figure.
His hands cup Jimin's ass, he's pulling at the soaked hanbok with a low growl and not caring whether he would rip the expensive material. "God… you're so wet for me, omega. Do you want my cock so bad you wet your hanbok for it?"
Jimin mewls, feeling shy from the choice of words. "I… I do.
"What do you want?"
"You." Jimin whines.
Jungkook slips his hands inside Jimin's hanbok, he spreads Jimin's cheeks and presses a dry finger against Jimin's twitching hole. Jimin gasps at the foreign feeling. "Go on. Tell me more." he asks, spreading the dribbling slick over Jimin's rim, teasing.
"I want you."
"Say it, properly. What is it that you want? What is it that you want from your alpha?" He asks as he peppers Jimin's shoulder blades with short wet kisses.
Jimin's cheeks color deep red. "I want your cock… Want to feel you inside me… Please."
Jungkook gives a final kiss to their mating mark, slaps his ass and nods towards the direction of the pillows, "go on, present yourself to your alpha."
Jimin does as he's told, his omega eager to please. Carefully, sliding his hanbok down to get on to his hands and knees, to submit to his alpha. Self consciousness being pushed aside with his omega's thoughts clouding his mind, desperate for praise.
With legs trembling slightly and ass up in the air, Jimin arches his back and spreads his ass cheeks apart. It's a sight to see. Slick drips from his twitching hole and leaves a glistening trail down his thighs. He looks back at Jungkook over his shoulders, the color of his ears rival the healthy flush on his cheeks.
Jungkook's eyes meet his naturally. Dark red blooming around Jungkook's pupils, a sign that his alpha is taking control.
A deep, almost animalistic, growl erupting from his throat, resonates inside the room. Jimin flinches at the sound, not quite used to it yet, and hurries to tilt his head to the side so that Jungkook can see their mating bite. He brings his head to rest on the pillow between his elbows, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth. His omega is unhappy with the reaction they received, upset that they have disappointed their alpha.
Although they are proven wrong when Jungkook removes Jimin's hand, replacing it with his own. He digs his thumb into the meat of Jimin's asscheeks and spreads them wider simultaneously stroking Jimin's slicked thighs with the other, trying to gather slick. Once he is satisfied, he is pressing against Jimin's puckered, untouched hole with a slicked up finger, before he finally adds pressure and thrusts into Jimin.
Jimin gasps at the coldness of the slick coating Jungkook's finger, and the strange feeling of it slowly moving in and out. It's not pleasurable or painful. It's new and unsatisfying. Jimin pushes his ass back into Jungkook when he continues the action for longer than Jimin desires. "More, more."
Jungkook slaps his ass at his eagerness, halting Jimin's movements. "Feels good?" Jungkook asks, as another finger joins them as he scissors Jimin thoroughly, his other hand leaving to slick up his cock instead. Jimin wants to disagree. It's painful and he regrets being eager to ask for more. Instead he moans when Jungkook inserts them fully, teasing so close to a spot that has Jimin's cock twitching in response. His moans get louder as Jungkook's knuckles meet his cheeks continuously.
"Use your words," Jungkook commands. His movements abruptly stop when he's utterly satisfied with Jimin's gaping, inviting hole.
Unknowing, Jimin hurries to please, thinking that Jungkook's stopped as a punishment. He shakes his head and sticks his ass back, desperate to tell his alpha that he's misunderstood. "More… need more, alpha, don't stop," he answers incoherently, in a haze, unable to build up a proper sentence.
"Better. Always so desperate and eager to please too, aren't you?" Jungkook whispers, above his ear, and he presses a kiss on Jimin's shoulder. His hands fall next to Jimin's elbows, as he settles above him, his loosened hanbok covers them both as they slide to the mattress.
Jimin preens at the praise. Nodding, he answers, "Want our alpha to feel good. Want to please our alpha." Though, once Jungkook's slicked up hardened cock rubs between his asscheeks, it's all he could concentrate on.
"My good little omega." Jungkook's warm breath blows against the back of Jimin's neck. Then, his whole body presses Jimin down as he moves a hand to line up his cock against Jimin's hole. "When I first saw you at the gisaeng house, wanted nothing more than to have all of you to myself, to have you carry my pups and be right beside me. Your beauty is unworldly. Why haven't they built shrines to worship you?"
Jimin whimpers when he feels the head of Jungkook's cock pressing against his hole, it's bigger than Jungkook's three fingers combined. He moves forward on instinct, a poor attempt to escape the pain when it barely breaches in but Jungkook catches him by his hips. "Alpha, alpha. It's too much."
Jimin wiggles his hips, but Jungkook thrusts in, till his cock is fully sheathed inside him. His balls presses against Jimin's ass. Jimin bites the pillow beneath him, his vision blurs as tears fall down.
"It hurts. I can't, I can't, Jungkook," he sobs.
Jungkook tilts Jimin's face towards him, bends down and kisses him. He pulls back, only to fuck back in, at the same time, grazing Jimin's prostate and balls slapping against Jimin's ass at the force. Once, the drag isn't too tight or uncomfortable, Jungkook continues to fuck him with renewed vigor. The sounds of skin slapping against skin, moans and grunts fill their bedroom.
White pleasure takes over Jimin's lithe body. It leaves Jimin's mouth open in a silent scream, saliva dripping from the corners of his mouth. His whole body jerks forward from the force of Jungkook's jackhammering into Jimin. None of his thrusts misses Jimin's prostate, continuing to abuse it, causing shivers to run up his spine. Broken moans fall from Jimin’s lips, in a series, now with pleasure and not a trace of uncomfortable pain.
"Does my little omega want more?" Jungkook whispers, his knuckles press against Jimin's cheeks, and wipes Jimin's tears.
Jimin nods. "I do. Wants more," he answers, leaning against Jungkook's palm, seeking warmth.
Jungkook’s calloused hands slide against the planes of Jimin’s back as he arches off the bed. One hand stops at the small of Jimin’s back, just a little above his back dimples while the other cards through the slightly long soft strands of black hair.
"An omega like you… I should have you carry my pups all the time. Then no one will doubt who you belong to when I'm not home." Nuzzling against the collarbones where Jimin’s scent is the strongest and breathing in the addicting scent of flowers, Jungkook pushes Jimin further towards himself till their bodies are completely flush against each other.
Jimin whimpers. "Want pups… always wanted to carry pups."
Jungkook pulls back out completely, and Jimin looks back, confused by the action. His hole gapes over nothing, the obscene sounds of squelching filling their room. "Ah, alpha, more, more...” Instead of carrying on, he turns Jimin over so that he lies on his back, diligently raises Jimin's hips, and placing a pillow under his ass.
There's sweat budding on Jungkook's neck, glistening from the light of the lamps, his hair damp from sweat and sticks to his forehead, his stare is intense, his body looks as if it's sculptured, biceps bulging when he's fucking back into Jimin. He can't help but wonder if Jungkook is a dream.
Jungkook’s thrusts are messy, more faster and less harder with the new position, as he tries to find his orgasm. Jimin could feel a knot forming at the base of Jungkook's cock. The drag eventually becomes slower as it grows bigger.
“Want your knot. Please-- Haven't I been a good omega?" Jimin whines, unsatisfied when Jungkook’s knot catches his rim again but latter answers in a deep growl rumbling in his chest.
"Yeah, 'm going to knot you…and fill your womb with my come, but before that you're going to come for your alpha." Jungkook’s thrusts become harder, calculated, always hitting against Jimin’s abused prostate but continuing on a faster pace. Jimin takes all of it in silent whimpers, with his lips partly open and nails digging deeper into Jungkook’s shoulders, leaving crescent shaped marks temporarily on the reddened skin.
His cock twitches, come spurting out onto their abdomens in thick ropes. Pleasure blinds him, when his walls hug Jungkook's cock impossibly closer. Jungkook grunts into his neck as his walls milk him dry. He pauses before he picks up his rhythm but it's not long before he rams his knot into Jimin fully, locking them together.
The first rush of come, warms Jimin, eventually has him whimpering when it doesn't stop. Jungkook continues to come, with his cock twitching every now and then. He doesn't lift his head from their mating mark, he sucks on Jimin's skin greedily, and tongue laps over the punctured teeth marks.
Their chests heave as they breathe heavily, exhaustion clear on both of them.
When Jungkook lifts his head up to look over Jimin, he's stopped coming inside Jimin. A devilish grin blooms on Jungkook's lips when he pulls his hips back a little harsh. Both of them wincing when Jungkook's knot tugs against Jimin's rim, causing Jimin's hips to lift, to reduce the pain.
"No, stop that." Jimin groans, tilting his head to the side as he pushes at Jungkook's chest.
Jungkook grunts above him. "It arouses me, how you are practically immobile," he answers, with a lopsided grin.
"You're unbelievable."
"Haven't anyone told you how irresistible you are? If the circumstances were different, I would have courted you."
"Haven't you ever knotted someone before?"
"Haven't been inside anyone worthy of it." Using his elbow as leverage, Jungkook shifts them. He graciously changes their positions so that Jimin is on top of him. Lazily dragging a sheet over them, he wraps an arm securely around Jimin's waist.
"Are you demeaning omegas?" Jimin asks, his tone accusing.
Jungkook chuckles. "Omegas weren't the only ones I've bedded."
Jimin stirs awake when he feels Jungkook shifts underneath him. He has his hands securely wrapped around Jimin’s hips, stroking the bruised skin with his thumbs.
Sunlight streams into the room through opened windows, the occasional breeze is cold but not as harsh as it was the night before, and birds are chirping outside. They've slept through until it is almost noon.
"Did I wake you?" Jungkook asks, propped on his elbows.
Jimin nods, looking around. Their sheets definitely have been changed to fresh ones and few plates of fruit, sweets and tea are placed next to their mattress.
Jungkook sits up, setting Jimin on his lap prior to pull out his cock from Jimin's hole, but Jimin whimpers, clawing at Jungkook's arms. "No, no, keep it in. Feels too empty without you inside," he pleads.
"Apologies. I wasn't planning to but the tea started getting cold. It would be a waste to throw them away when you need to be hydrated," Jungkook answers. He picks a grape and puts it between Jimin's lips. "But we can have breakfast in this position."
Jimin hums, content, and asks the question that lingers in his mind. "How did--"
"Elders brought the fruit when they got the sheets back." Jungkook is unbothered from it, he carelessly peels a banana and bites on to it. The tradition makes him feel uneasy. It leaves a foul taste.
“Doesn’t it scare you?”
“Hm?”
“You’re at a vulnerable, almost pitiful state with your knot inside me. It restricts most of your movements.”
“So are yours, aren’t you also tied down to me by my knot?”
Jimin shakes his head. “I’m at the enemy’s kingdom, ...at the hands of the General who’s responsible for the wars they’ve won against my kingdom. I have nothing more to fear about… but you, don’t you have anyone who’s waiting to take advantage of you?”
“Oh! Haven't I already answered and given you reassurance? You wound me, omega. Do you think I’m that helpless?”
“You… you're quite arrogant.”
“I’m aware,” Jungkook answers, voice heavy with arousal. He moves Jimin back, until Jimin’s sitting on Jungkook. He runs his fingers on Jimin’s stomach, slightly bulging being filled. “Think you could give me a litter of pups or should I fill you up once more?”
Jimin shudders at his words. “Please…”
“As you wish.”