The King's Arrangement (BTS X Reader)

Chapter 37

Y/N POV:

Ever since we left the palace, I had been lost in thought.  Although I could see Jungkook wanted to talk, he left me to my silence, letting me process everything that had happened, try to understand where everything went wrong during the opening ceremony.  I had know about Soobin's mistress, Mina, but I didn't think he would be dumb enough to actually bring her into the village, be crazy enough to get caught.  I couldn't help but wonder what was happening in the palace right now.  What was going to become of the coronation?  Without me by his side, Soobin would be unable to take the throne.  I couldn't help but think how different things were just a few short months ago.  I had this silly notion that eventually Soobin and I would fall in love, but now?  Now I never wanted to go back.

After we had traveled quite a distance from the palace, Jungkook slowed his horse and I came up even with him.  The late afternoon sun was shining on him, turning his beautiful skin to gold and I couldn't take my eyes off of him.  "Jungkook?  Can you tell me what is going on?"

Jungkook hesitated and I could see the topic made him uncomfortable, but it was something we needed to talk about.  "Um... Emira knew you were miserable with his highness.  She knew about the affair that he flaunted with Mina.  She... she didn't want you to be trapped in that life any longer.  After the discussion of you having to provide an heir, Emira knew she had to help you.  Prince Taehyung... he offered to help.  This... this entire plan was his.  He's the one who had the contact in the village that provided the security footage."

"You... you knew about the footage?"  I couldn't stop the shock that filled my voice, that was evident in my face.  "Why... why didn't you tell me?"

Jungkook sighed then ran a hand through his hair.  "Just in case things didn't work out the way they were supposed to.  Are... are you angry with us for this?"  I shook my head at his question.  "Do you... do you love him?"

Shaking my head again, I gave Jungkook a small smile.  "No.  When we first became engaged, I had hoped that it could eventually turn to friendship, to respect, to love.  That is what happened with my parents."  I looked down at the reins in my hands then gave Sugar Holly a quick rub, the mare's coat soft underneath my fingers.  I knew Felix had been taking good care of her.  "I found out about Mina on the day of the wedding.  I... I walked in to find them kissing."

Jungkook's eyes widened in surprise.  "You knew all along?"  I nodded my head in confirmation.  "I'm so sorry princess.  So sorry that you had to deal with all of this, that you've have to go through so much.  You deserve so much better than this."

I could feel the heat spread across my cheeks at his words.  "Um... who... who else knew about this plan?"  He had told me it was between him, Taehyung, and Emira, but I was curious who else was willing to put their positions on the line to help me.  The more important question was why?  Why would they be willing to risk so much?  This was essentially an act of betrayal.  What would be the consequences of it all?  Were their lives in danger?  Although executions had been abolished in the kingdoms for small crimes, this was nothing small.  It was something that could destroy Soobin's chance of becoming king.

Jungkook rubbed the back of his neck.  "Besides Prince Taehyung, Emira and myself, there was Jimin and Jin."  Jungkook turned on his horse and looked behind him.  "Jimin should be joining us shortly.  Kai found out about what was happening and offered us a safe space.  That's where we're going now."

"What is going to happen now?"  The idea that all of my friends were so willing to help me filled my heart with love.  I hated that they risked their jobs for me, but I would be forever grateful to them for it. 

Turning his attention back to the path we were taking through the forest, Jungkook shrugged.  "I'm not entirely sure.  The security footage shows much more than what was shown at the ceremony so it's enough for you to dissolve the marriage, should you choose to do so.  Once everything settles down at the palace, Jin will be resigning from his position.  He wants to leave with Emira."