Ciel et Soleil

Chapter 3

Looking up from the scroll to find the soldier's disdainful glare fixed on himself, the omega couldn't help but feel intimidated. In the moments that followed, things were more or less a blur. He'd walked through these corridors a number of times, cleaned them plenty, and in those moments, the space had seemed huge, but now, one moment, he'd been outside, and in the other, he'd been in the opulent hall, on his knees.

Jungkook had heard of the royal assembly hall being magnificient, but never had he been fortunate enough to see it in person and appreciate the beauty that it was until today. Looknig back, after he'd been handed the summon, he'd had moments to spare. The alpha guards had scrutinized him under their gazes and unwilling as he'd been, he had no choice but to abide by the order.  And now things really felt odd. He wondered if he'd make a fool of himself in front of the monarch or if this would be a one-time ordeal that he'd never look back upon after today.

The assembly hall had been deserted when he'd arrived. The guards had simply walked to stand by the pillars near the royal throne, they belonged here. They looked fierce, and trained, ready to strike and kill. They were reasonably part of the royal guard, the creme-de-la-creme of the land, in service of the royals. His mind took him back to the earliest seasons of his life," Someday, my son, you'd wield it as good as I. I'll guide you through all stages until you become the best warrior of the land." His father used to say. Jungkook stopped his train of thought right there. This was no time to show vulnerability.

Trying to distract himself, the omega's attention shifted to the throne, cast in gold, decorated with intricate work of gems, it was an excellent example of craftsmanship. The base of the throne reminded him of the root of old study trees, he likes to climb in the forest. The painting of the dragon in gold and green right behind the throne was the next subject of his interest. Jungkook took his time observing the hall he knelt in, awaiting. The praises he'd heard of the hall were not enough to justify its beauty. There was a repeated pattern of unique leaves that were present in abundance, decorated with well-cut gems in red. Those, he decided, were his favourite parts in the hall.

"His Majesty, the lord of the eastern kingdom, arrives. Bow in respect!!

Her Majesty! The mother of the land arrives, bow in respect!!"

Jungkook finds himself bowing, " Perhaps they would be proud of me for once."

The king and queen exude an aura of dominance. The royal couple are both alphas. They do not mask their scents, unlike many others, and the omega felt most intimidated in their presence. The royals take a seat on their thrones, and after what feels like an eternity, they ask him to rise. Jungkook wished to look at them, but he wondered if that would offend the king, for he was rumoured to have a temper these days.

"Tell me, omega Jeon," a voice breaks him out of his stupor," are you prepared to serve your land?" The queen addresses him directly, and it has him wide-eyed, staring her right in the face. He immediately casts his eyes down.

"Yes , your majesty."

"Its good to know that .Your mother would be proud."

The statement has the omega looking up yet again, even if it was for a moment, the tone of the queen implied as if she'd personally known his mother.

"Don't be surprised, boy," she adds, looking him in the eye. "She used to serve me and was the very best at her job."

Jungkook feels warmth unfurl in his chest. Where the world pities him, and everyone avoids the subjects of the Jeons as if they never existed, it was for the first time in a long while that someone had spoken of his mother with such fondness. A small smile forms on his lips as he feels his nervous energy settle down, albeit slowly.

'Perhaps this would not be so bad.'

"May I ask his majesties a question?"

"You may child."

"My lord may I know what responsibility it is that I'd be fulfilling for my land?"

"Its a responsibility of utmost importance. You will be informed soon." says the queen, shaking her hand, as two guards come and stand flanking Jungkook on both sides. The sense of dread that had just begun to settle flares anew.

Jungkook was taken to a small room that was devoid of anything but a couple of pillows and a small table. There were no windows, just one door that he'd found was locked from the outside. He was essentially held captive, but not in the most brutal of ways. In the time that passed in the room, the omega simply paced around the room, wondering if it would be wise to try and escape and if it was even possible.

The sun seemed to be setting for the day for someone had entered the room a while ago and changed the lamps and added oil to the others. When the king and queen graced Jungkook with their presence again. A look at them filled Jungkook with dread.

Things probably would not go well. He couldn't help but think.

"Sit omega." they said nonchalantly.

Subtly shaken, the omega placed himself in front of the monarch.

" You have a lifelong duty to the kingdom that has been feeding you and caring for you for all these years." said the king.

" I believe you will make us and your parents proud."

Added the queen, placing a ring on the table in front of him.

The sheen of the green stone had Jungkook's eyes opening wide. The ring resembled that of a fabled dragon claw holding onto its precious gem. It was none other than the royal heirloom, passed down generation by generation among the royals.

"The prince of our land has been suffering from an unknown illness for the longest of times." informed the queen.

"But it is something that those outside the palace cannot know." added the king.

"We can not risk vulnerability at times when we are at war."

"We've been offered an alliance of marriage from the northern lands."

"Everyone is aware that the princess has been promised to the southern kingdom. Hence you will be married into the northern kingdom as the prince of our land."

A shiver runs down Jungkook's spine, and he feels a cold sweat breaking over his body. Of all the things he'd expected, this hadn't even crossed his mind.

It was perhaps the silence that stretched too long and the expression of shock on the face of Omega that had the royals acting all defensive.

" We are doing you a favor, boy. You'll live a life of comfort and luxury , have security, an alpha to care for you, food to satiate your hunger, and a warm bed." voices the king.

"Your majesty, I feel honoured that.... that you deem me worthy for this task, but it....it is something I believe I would not be capable of fulfilling.... Replacing his royal highness, your majesty is an offence punishable by death...... it might further lead to war.... I have no clue as to how to be someone I am not..... How could I....."

"I've heard enough of your excuses Omega. When you'd responded to the summon, the choice had no longer been yours. You will be part-taking in the alliance instead of the prince. You can go willingly, or we could have you go."

The unsaid threat did not go unnoticed by Jungkook. And he could feel his life slipping out of his hands.

All he had ever wanted was to live peacefully, tending to his plants,, but as the royals left the chamber, locking him in the tiny space, Jungkook wondered if he'd ever even be able to see his garden again.