my Destiny

Chapter 3

The chuckle morphed into a fond smile as he recalled that particular moment when he had met one of the person he loves the most.

Seokjin, the King's Head Councillor, the Pack's Delta Wolf and the Head Healer of Kurai Okami Kingdom.

But to Taehyung, Seokjin was one thing.

Family.

He had warmed up to him the fastest, as soon as he had opened his eyes the first night he had been captured. He had felt at ease with him and trusted him with everything. Seokjin had such a soothing aura and a calming warmth to him that Taehyung sought often.

He associated Seokjin to a feeling similar to one a child associated with their parents, for the handsome man felt more like his parent than a simple friend.

He cherished the moment he had met Seokjin. He never regretted being brought to the Castle ever since he got the privilege of getting to know the kind healer, the only brother to the King.

The King...he can never forget the moment he met the King.

Truly a remarkable man, and a strong wolf.

He stared at the night sky, recalling the moment he met such a special man.

***

The main hall was nothing less of grandiose!

The young boy couldn't help but be mesmerized as he took in the sheer luxury the entire space was screaming. Sandal wooden flooring polished to reflect light, marble columns treated with gems, golden sculptures and expensive china vases decorating every hallway. The ceiling was high and decorated with delicate painted sceneries depicting wolves and the moon, hordes of men fighting the majestic beasts while the Moon Goddess guided her children to victory under the command of powerful Alphas and faithful Betas. Taehyung couldn't help but admire such fine work, the dedication of the artist transpiring from the stunning details. He swore the fur on the wolves was actually moving under the breeze, the paintings so surreal.

"I am very glad you find the place to your liking dear child."

Taehyung woke from his reverie and blushed, realising he must have looked quite dumb to Seokjin who stood amused next to the little Omega.

"S-sorry. It...I have never seen such fineries b-before so....

-No it is fine. I do understand your urge to admire such details. The artist was quite renowned after all. However, His Majesty is waiting for us so I promise I will take you on a tour another time if you do not mind?

-O-of course not! It is very kind of you Milord!"

Taehyung hurried to walk behind the Councilor, keeping his head bowed as he felt all eyes on him. Guards were lining the hallways and servants were hurrying toward the Throne Room with trays of beverages as enticing smells were wafting through the air from the kitchens, signaling the nearing time of dinner. But everyone stopped once they laid eyes on the boy, jaws dropping from how stunning he looked. Taehyung was feeling very uncomfortable but kept walking, two guards were trailing behind him as Seokjin walked ahead so he was surrounded, no chance of making a run. And even if he could actually run, he doubted he could get far enough, his outfit didn't allow for much movement and the King's Wolves proved to be excellent Trackers. His throbbing leg a testament to such saying.

It had taken him three days to recover some of his energy and to be able to walk without falling from pain, his leg giving out under his weight. But Seokjin had been a constant help, keeping him company and treating his wounds with different poultices. He was actually starting to warm up to the older man, appreciating his kindness and conversations. Over the span of these three days, Seokjin had informed him of the Castle's rules and daily life, the boy absorbing as much information as he could.

He figured his only way of survival would be information after all, the one detained the most of it is the one who would have the biggest power in the Castle.

He learned that the King still didn't find his mate but had several she-wolves under his hand, constituting the Royal Harem. He had three children, all girls from two of his 'princesses' and a third one was pregnant with, hopefully, a boy that could become the Heir. Seokjin had lost his mate years ago to an incurable disease but had a small girl that he cherished from the bottom of his heart. The King made a habit of seeking Omegas, having heard they were the most 'fertile' and likely to give him an Heir, but Seokjin told him that the King sought to have his heir from his mate and didn't care if they were Omegas or not. Nevertheless, Taehyung felt a knot forming in his stomach when he finally understood why he was brought here.

Male Omegas are said to give the strongest heirs.

He tried not to let his body betray his fear and panic as he took further steps to meet the one to rob him of everything for the sake of having an heir. He had decided that if his fate is sealed than he would be his own master and would not give in easily. If the King wanted him, then like hell if he will ever be an easy little trophy! He was young and innocent yes, but he was very sharp and absorbed knowledge faster than anyone. He would use this knowledge to his advantage.

They arrived in front of two big gates made from golden oaken wood, a wolf engraved on each gate surrounding a half of the Yin Yang sign. Seokjin looked at the young boy with an encouraging smile before he nodded to the guard so they would push the gates open.

The Throne Room was no less majestic than the Hall, themed golden and emerald, with beautiful painted screens on the walls and high ceilings. The court was seated, each councilor on a comfortable velvet cushion with their distinctive burgundy kimonos and high hats. While the generals were distinguished from the councillors by the sight of their katana swords next to each warrior and their hardened eyes. Some were even sporting scars on their faces, most likely from silver as the precious metal was known to be poison to werewolves. Their bodies had fast regenerative abilities, but wounds inflicted by silver were hard to heal, often leaving scars and burns after long periods of healing.

And on the dais, sitting on a lavish golden cushion under the emblem of the two wolves surrounding the Yin and Yang sign, the King was the posture of calm with his head propped on his hand while his other arm was lazily lying on the armrest from the high backrest behind him. He was tall and imposing, with a golden hue to his skin and handsome features, his dark maroon eyes hooded but still sharp as he took in the sight of his court. He was wearing lavish kimonos the colors of midnight blue and jaded dark greens under a black haori embroidered in thick golden waves, nearly hiding the dark color. He wasn't wearing his crown, his dark maroon long hair flowing in silky waves over his shoulder and back.

His eyes went to his Head Councilor who bowed, a small smile tugging on the King's lips as he greeted.

"Well my Delta, we are pleased you finally decided to grace us with your presence.

-Apologies my King. I was making sure you would meet our newest guest in the proper way after he is well rested and healed.

-I trust you finally bring me my desired prize then?

-Indeed."

Seokjin took a step to the side and bowed as he announced.

"King Namjoon, allow me to introduce Taehyung."

The king's eyes went wide, silence engulfing the court as everyone took in the appearance of the Omega, walking gracefully toward the dais, with his head held high. To say he is stunning would be an insult to his unnatural beauty after the maids scrubbed him clean of dust, mud and blood.

He was wearing a crimson red and black kimono over a silver- collared one, a golden obi hugging his waist and lining his silhouette. A heavy red and gold haori trailing behind him, threaded with delicate embroidery of a natural scenery to complete his attire. It was a feminine attire but it made his silhouette look stunning, seductive in the curve of his waist, hinting at the delicate frame of his body under the heavy kimonos and decorative obi.

But the highlight was his face.

His skin was sun-kissed albeit a little pale from his malnourished state, his wide blue eyes capturing the light making them seem lighter and shining with an unnatural glow, his lips were red and thick. He had a cute mole on his small noise and another one right under his right eye. His hair was soft, silk flowing longer after the maids had cleaned it and brushed it, resting softly over the back of his neck. The shock was its color, washed clean from the dirt that made it dark, the locks were golden in color, adding to his ethereal glow to make him look like an angel who descended from heaven to grace the foolish humans with its beauty.

He looked stunning, unreal, like a dream.

The King stared hard at the appearance in front of him, at the gorgeous creature. He looked more mesmerizing than the most beautiful woman he had in his Harem, he looked simply divine.

The gorgeous creature bowed gracefully once he reached the dais as he spoke for the first time.

"It is an honor to be in your presence King Namjoon. Please forgive my impertinence as I stand in front of you, lowly peasant that I am."

The King stood up, going down the two stairs elevating his dais from the rest of the Hall and coming to a stop directly before the smaller boy who kept his head lowered. He reached with his hand to delicately grasp the boy's chin and raise his head to meet his eyes. The blue orbs stared into the dark maroon eyes of the King for some seconds, silence engulfing the court as everyone watched them.

"You...are gorgeous!"

The alpha growled in a voice deeper than his usual tone, his wolf taking over as his eyes turned into a dark shade of amber. Taehyung bit his tongue so he won't whimper as his inner wolf felt the need to submit, fearing the aura of the Alpha before him. So he just lowered his eyes, keeping his stare on the floor as to not meet the Alpha's eyes while fighting the shivers that racked his body and his buckling knees so he won't fall in front of the stronger wolf.

Said man closed his eyes as he brought his face closer to the boy's neck, inhaling deeply and growling.

"You smell...enticing....Heavens I never encountered a creature as mesmerizing as you!"

Taehyung fought the urge to recoil and cry, closing his eyes and thinning his lips to keep quiet and not whimper in panic. He had the only urge to run away and never turn back despite his body acting on its own and urging him to submit at the feet of the powerful Alpha. He didn't want to be here, listening to the wolf's words, his intentions toward him clear from the ringing of his words. Clearly the Alpha won't let him leave the Throne Room without marking him and claiming him to his own self.

And that was something he feared. He had always imagined being marked by his own mate, not by someone who desired him in so vile a way.

"Namjoon."

The King opened his eyes, the amber fading slowly to be replaced by his usual dark maroon and he blinked, seeing the silhouette of his brother and Head Councilor standing nearby with a small smile but his eyes were hard, as if he was reprimanding him gently. The alpha breathed to calm his still agitated wolf and backed away from the gorgeous boy, realising how panicked he looked. He cleared his throat and called loudly.

"Lord Yoongi!

-My King?"

The pale man came to kneel in front of his alpha, keeping his head lowered in respect.

"From this day forth, Taehyung is to be treated with the utmost respect. No harm shall ever befall him if you do not wish for my wrath to fall upon you.

-Understood Your Majesty.

-Taehyung is now part of my Harem. Let it be known. His safety is in your hands Lord Beta.

-And I shall reassure you, His Grace will be my utmost priority."

Taehyung met the dark eyes of the man who brought him here, a shiver running down his spine. He wasn't sure if he can trust Yoongi, his first impression of said man was associated with deep fright and panic after all. But he didn't have time to ponder on it as the King spoke to him in a gentle tone.

"Come, Beautiful. Let us not make you stand while you are still recovering from injuries."

Taehyung hesitated before placing his smaller hand on the inviting palm of the Alpha, letting him lead him up the dais where he sat back on his throne, sitting cross-legged. He then patted his lap in a silent invitation which the Omega couldn't refuse as he nervously placed himself on the King's lap, feeling his strong arm wrap around his waist to keep him in place. Taehyung was feeling the burn on his cheeks as he was dying from embarrassment, feeling everyone's eyes on him. He kept his head lowered, his hands clenching inside the large sleeves of his kimono.

The King addressed his Beta who returned back to his seat.

"Now that we have all met my Desired Prize, do tell me Lord Beta: who was as impertinent as to dare harm him?"

The court felt the cold anger radiating from the Alpha, some even squirming in their seats. Yoongi sighed discreetly as he dreaded what to come, eyeing Hoseok who was seated amongst the Samurai before he spoke to the King.

"My sincerest apologies Your Majesty, none had the intention of disobeying your orders. However, I regret that His Grace was harmed in an attempt to stop him from escaping the pursuit.

-Who was it? Give me a name."

Yoongi cringed internally, knowing that there was no escaping this. But he was surprised when Hoseok stood up and went to kneel in front of the dais, speaking clearly.

"It was I Milord. I bit His Grace so I could restrain him from running away.

-You, Hoseok? You, one of my most trusted Samurai and competent warriors, dare to harm my desired Omega? What a disappointment....how very disappointing."

Hoseok bit his tongue, feeling crushed by his king's tone. He felt the burn of his King's disappointment burn at his pride, his wolf whimpering as he submitted to the Alpha, bowing until his head met the floor.

"Your disappointment is harsher than any punishment, regardless of the amount of pain! I beg forgiveness from my Alpha. I beg for a chance to atone for my sin!

-I have no use for a samurai who disobeys my orders!

-Send me to the Depth of Hell! Send me to the confines of the Purgatory! But send me not from your side Milord! I beg forgiveness! I beg for a second chance!"

Hoseok's strong conviction was so palpable that everyone in the room felt his sincerity, Taehyung the first to actually pity the samurai. He didn't dare speak up however, afraid it will come out as impertinence. But he kept his eyes on the bowing form of the warrior, taking a glance at his king to try and coax his thoughts. Said man looked to meet the blue eyes of the Omega before he spoke up.

"My Omega is the one who made me decide to give you a second chance Hoseok. However, you will be forever indebted to him, and you shall receive fifty lashing to punish your disobedience."

Fifty lashings! That's a lot and a bit harsh! Taehyung looked nervously at the King, debating if he should try to talk him out of punishing the samurai. However and before he could even gather his courage, said samurai announced.

"I am forever grateful for your leniency Your Majesty. And...I shall never forget your kindness Your Grace."

Taehyung blinked in surprise, never expecting the man to actually address him or to even express his gratitude. After all he had done nothing really, the King is the one who decided what to do on his own. He looked toward the King, seeing him smile in encouragement and he cleared his throat, nodding to the samurai.

"I...it was nothing. You did not mean to harm me on purpose.

-Nevertheless, I deserve harsher punishments. I am forever indebted to you."

The King clapped his hands once and grinned in satisfaction.

"Well then, since we fixed all this, let us dine in merriment and joy.

-Aye!"

The court had cheered in the same voice and joyful conversations erupted. Taehyung wasn't sure what was he supposed to do but he was spared any additional thoughts when he heard the gentle mumble of the King's voice next to his ear.

"I trust you will find staying here to your liking...my Omega."

He blushed at the proximity, feeling the king's arm tighten around his waist. He didn't know if he should recoil in panic or let himself be, he just knew that he didn't like the feeling of the man's arm around his body. He forced himself to remain calm as he answered.

"I...I thank the King for such hospitality.

-You are so enticing, little one. You shall have the best my Castle can offer to be on par with your beauty.

-H-His M-Majesty is so kind to the likes of me...

-It is a given. You must be treated like the finest gem that you are, not harshly like what my samurai did to you."

Taehyung took his courage into his hands and raised his eyes to meet the king's frowning face. He wetted his lips in nervousness and said.

"Your samurai never meant to hurt me Milord. He was...just doing his duty.

-Not only did you save him from a worse fate but you still defend him. Little one, you are full of surprises.

-Forgive me Your Majesty if I dare, but...isn't fifty lashing too much of a punishment just for harming someone as lowly as me?

-Big mistake, my Omega. You are not just 'anyone' and you certainly are not 'lowly'. Hoseok deserves far worse than a simple lashing.

-But...Milord...I...I feel it is too much, especially since he did not mean to purposely harm me. I was running away, he was the one to catch...your p-prize."

Taehyung felt a throb of pain in his chest when he spoke about himself as a 'prize'. He felt degraded, objectified, a tool in the hands of the Alpha. It left a bitter taste in his mouth, and threatened to make him crumble from despair. Had he been standing, he would have simply fallen on his knees in a mess of sobs and tears. But he kept a calm appearance, willing his eyes to not betray his inner turmoil as he kept his stare on the King.

The King stared at him for what felt like forever before he chuckled, the motion making his face relaxed and his eyes gentler. He ran his thumb on the small of the omega's side in a delicate gesture.

"So adorable! You exceed my expectations, little one. I find myself with no choice but to concede to your wishes."

Taehyung looked in surprise at the smiling man.

"R-really? Milord will...listen to me?

-Of course little one. Your desires are my orders, my absolute priority. Hoseok will not be whipped but I will place him under your service.

-I...I do not think it will be necessary. What could I use a samurai for? I am sadly ignorant.

-Do not worry your pretty little head about this. Hoseok will be one of your protectors. He is very efficient at that too and I trust him, despite his latest mistake. I will be less worried knowing you are in his capable hands."

The King pointed his hand to the pale man, sitting next to Hoseok and seemingly engaged in a heated conversation, glaring at the samurai as he seemed to reprimand him.

"You already met my Beta. Yoongi is the Head of my samurais and is responsible of the Castle's security. He will assign a group of warriors to make sure you are safe.

-Milord...you have been very generous with me and I am very grateful. However, please grant me a wish.

-Anything my Beautiful Omega asks for is already granted.

-Thank you Milord. I do not wish to be surrounded by a squad of samurai. Two guards at most will suffice."

The King didn't answer for some seconds, taking his time to process the omega's wish before he said in a calm tone.

"That...is a little stretched. I must make sure you are far from any form of harm.

-And I will be, Milord. I won't escape nor attempt any activity that will put me in harm's way. I am but a weak Omega after all..."

He couldn't help the bitterness in his tone as he looked at his hands, fisted on his lap, feeling the burn of the mark of the omega engraved into the back of his hands like a permanent tatoo. He wasn't disillusioned: he knew exactly what being an omega entitles. He knew how weak he is compared to other wolves or even other humans for that matter, he knew how his natural beauty attracted all the eyes, even those undesired for! He knew how his smell enticed every wolf to have the urge to pounce on him and to mark him as their own. Even the King was attracted to him for the same urge, every wolf in the room having the same thoughts about him. Perhaps his senses were lesser than an Alpha but he could distinguish the hunger and the lust clouding the eyes of many wolves in the court. None dared to move and lay a hand on him though for the simple reason the Head Alpha had already done everything to announce clearly that the Omega is his.

But even if this is the sad truth he wasn't about to let the King handle his life as he wished. If he had to concede everything, he will never concede on certain decisions.

So he added in a sweet tone.

"But that does not mean I am a fool. I will not attempt anything stupid Milord. But being surrounded by wolves...makes me uncomfortable..."

He squirmed a bit, earning a chuckle from the bigger man as he eyed the adorable boy.

"Why would you be uncomfortable, little one?

-Milord cannot deny that every eye is on me. It is flattering but...certainly very...uncomfortable to be looked at every second.

-You do not like being admired?

-It flatters me Milord. But....I would rather not be the very centre of attention."

The King laughed and moved his hand to rest on the young boy's back.

"Rest assured then. Yoongi will assign one more wolf to you in addition to Hoseok. Will that be good for my beautiful Omega?

-Milord spoils me with his kindness!"

Taehyung bowed his head deeply, feeling a little happy for such an outcome. One would argue that it wasn't much of a reason for happiness, his situation didn't change as he was still trapped. And yet, it meant so much for him: the fact that the King accepted to listen to his request, and the fact that he won't be surrounded by hungry wolves during his entire time.

It was a small thing to be grateful for.

Dinner was more of a feast for Taehyung, tasty juicy meats and lavish plates accompanied by various drinks. He had never tasted the majority of the ingredients, having always scavenged for daily food from some kind villagers, settling for rice and some vegetables that he got from the forests or farms. But such delicate looking dishes and expensive meat was foreign to him, so he didn't know what to do. He was seated right next to the king in the big Throne Room. Everyone was sitting on comfortable cushions, a small table in front of each, eating and chatting in merry as maids served them seconds or poured sake into small porcelain cups. At the dais, a slightly bigger table painted with golden flecks was for the king but he had insisted the young boy be seated next to him and served dishes on the same table too. So Taehyung felt the burn of the wolves' eyes on him as he kept his head lowered to observe the dishes. He kept pushing his food around with his chopsticks, not sure what to eat. The fried rice looked so tasty so he kept eating small portions, marveling at the delicious texture and the flavors. But the soup was so foreign to him that he couldn't even begin to imagine the taste so he didn't even try it. The meat had such an enticing aroma and crispy color that he couldn't even dare to touch it with the tip of his chopsticks, keeping his eyes on the rice and eating the small mouthful.

"Is the food not to your liking my beautiful Omega?"

He didn't dare raise his eyes, feeling so low in the presence of the king, asking him if he didn't like the food while in reality he didn't dare eat because he didn't know the dishes nor the taste of the ingredients. He squirmed a bit before mumbling.

"I...I'm not very hungry.

-Seokjin did inform me you only ate some rice during the past three days. You must eat a lot to recover your strength.

-Th-thank you Milord. I...I will try to eat a little more."

He felt strong fingers under his chin, gently raising his head so his blue eyes would meet the dark maroon of the king's eyes. He smiled to the nervous boy before he picked his chopsticks up, taking a piece of meat from one of his plates that he still didn't touch and holding it up to the boy's mouth.

"Open up little one. Let me feed you. This is one of my favorite dishes, the meat is treated specially to remain soft as I like it. I am sure you will love it."

Taehyung blushed deeply, feeling the burn of everyone's eyes as they stared in surprise at their Alpha. He squirmed a bit but couldn't be rude and make the king wait so he slowly opened his mouth, the man's smile growing brighter, and ate the piece of meat. He chewed slowly, the flavors exploding on his tongue and overwhelming him as he tried not to choke.

It was so delicious! More delicious than any other thing he had tasted during his entire existence. The meat nearly melted on his tongue, tender and flowing with juices, crispy on the outside without being too much to chew on. He swallowed thickly, coughing a little and alerting the king who patted his back and gave him a cup of water.

"There, little one, slow down or else you will choke."

Taehyung felt his stomach twist, as if the meat refused to sit well inside his belly. But something was wrong as he felt a tingle of pain shooting up from his stomach. He bent forward, placing his hand against his mouth while the other grasped his stomach. He heard the king shuffling, the court's attention shifted back on him as he heard the Beta shout something. But he felt his ears clogged as a sudden wave of dizziness hit him.

"Taehyung! Taehyung say something!"

The king's shouts didn't register with him as a throb of pain hit him from his stomach to spread over his body. He didn't realise he had screamed in pain, nor did he register the King's angry shouts to his Councillors. He only felt his body tip forward, falling on his side.

Strong arms were around him, preventing him from falling on his head. Warmth eclipsed the sudden cold that gripped his body as colors danced around his vision, black spots clouding the already blurred sight. He registered the face of the King, looking distressed and he breathed out in pain.

"M-My King..."

Before he blacked out.

***