my Destiny

Chapter 7

The Beta carried him to the private bath house attached to the new lavish quarters assigned to the Omega. There, the wolf left him with three maids that bathed him and scrubbed his body clean from any imperfection. It was embarrassing for him to sit naked while the maids poured natural oils and massaged his body, he was feeling the burn of their eyes on his privates and on the intricate strange tattoo-like vines on his thighs and knees. Not to mention the omega mark on his chest and the back of his hands. But they kept silent, only talking to him when requesting he turns around or to ask him if he felt any discomfort. Other than that, they spouted lines like:

"You must look your best when seeing the king.

-You must be perfect for the King.

-You should always be ready whenever His Majesty calls for you.

-His Majesty prefers his concubines to have smooth skin. We will make sure you are up to his expectations.

-Allow us to pluck any unwanted hair, His Majesty dislikes that.

-It is good that you do not have any imperfections on your face, His Majesty likes his concubines to have a perfect face.

-You must plunge your hands into cold almond oil to smooth all the calluses. And your nails must always be neat and cut adequately.

-Even if you cannot use your legs anymore you must take care of your feet. And you must always look graceful. We will teach you how to place your legs in a way that still makes you look pretty and comfortable.

-Use this for your hair everyday before sleeping. It makes it smoother and longer in a short time.

-You must bathe yourself in perfumed water in order to keep your scent appealing to the King."

Taehyung was feeling pressured into being a perfect little doll under the hands of these three annoying women but he couldn't find his voice to refute them or to shut them up. So he continued to be pampered forcefully while remaining silent. The maids dried him and dressed him in a lilac under robe before calling Lord Yoongi to carry the small omega back into the room. 

Once he was seated on a comfortable chair, the maids started dressing him, dabbing him in perfumes, brushing his ash grey hair and dolling him up. He tried to protest but one of the maids, the oldest one judging by her confident demeanor, shut him up by coldly saying.

"The King had requested us to prepare you to the best. He is visiting you today."

Taehyung bit his lips as he wanted to retort but it seems like the maid knew what was going in his mind and carried on as she brushed his hair.

"You should be honored. Today was supposed to be the visiting day to Princess Somi but His Majesty changed it so he can see how you are recovering after the unfortunate accident that happened to you a week ago.

-Such a dreadful thing indeed Your Grace. The entire Castle was on alert as we all thought the tragedy will happen!

-You must be very lucky to survive such strong poison! Heavens forbid you would have been dead otherwise!"

Taehyung was fisting his hands on his lap, keeping his eyes low as he gritted his teeth, listening to the two old maids blabber. He was not disillusioned, he knew these maids were mocking him for being a male Omega, jealous of the King's attention on him and trying to ridicule him for the littlest of things. The oldest maid finished working on his hair, having brushed it and adorned it with a beautiful dark ivory comb with a red orchid mounted on top. She then took the luscious gold and emerald kimono and stood in front of him.

"If you can please stand so we can wrap the kimono around you, Your Grace."

His throat was dry as he raised his eyes to look at the maid, something akin to cunning shining in the maid's expression. He felt something move inside him, a feeling of....

Of humiliation. ..of burning shame...of being so little and insignificant...

The second maid giggled, hiding her mouth behind her hand as she refuted her friend.

"Silly you, he cannot stand or did you forget?"

The maid's words made him burn as he felt ashamed of being weak, sitting like a rag doll while these two women mocked him under the guise of false respect. He hid his face with his bangs as he thinned his lips, feeling humiliated, the burn of tears behind his lids as he tried not to react. He knew they only spited him out of ugly jealousy as he rose in status just from being a male Omega so he didn't wish to retaliate and aggravate the situation, wanting to be 'the better man' out of all of them.

And yet, it seemed as these two bastards had decided to taunt him by all means possible, as the older maid gasped in fake worry and bowed mockingly, faking an excuse.

"Oh I am deeply sorry for my rudeness Your Grace! I have forgotten your...predicament."

Her final mockery was the straw that broke the fragile calm he was trying to maintain. Taehyung had simply had enough, something else taking over him as he decided to teach not just these two maids a lesson but to make sure everyone in the Royal Castle knew what exactly they were dealing with. It was simply as if the small pacific boy vanished in the shadows, letting a completely different persona handle the situation. He raised his head, his blue eyes cold but a smile adorned his lips. He sweetly asked.

"Can you be kind and ask Lord Yoongi and Master Hoseok to come in?"

The request had the three maids looking at each other in puzzlement before the youngest said timidly.

"But Your Grace...we are still dressing you...

-Milord Yoongi is a very trusted person. And I am not indecent as I am wearing a lighter under robe on top of my undergarments. 

-We...The King would be angry with us..."

Taehyung softened his eyes when he saw how the youngest maid was trying to be considerate. Out of the three women, she was the one who remained silent through the whole process and spoke only now. She didn't seem bad, she looked very shy and kind so Taehyung made his decision concerning her. He smiled and ordered.

"Nevertheless, I insist."

The second maid barely held her scoff as she exited the room, sliding the door open and speaking out loud.

"Milord, His Grace requests your presence alongside Master Hoseok."

She went back inside as the two samurai came in. Hoseok immediately blushed and looked down as he yelped.

"Y-Your Grace! You...you should not have called us while y-you are still d-dressing!

-Shut up i***t. You asked for us Milord?"

Taehyung giggled as he saw Hoseok's embarrassment while Yoongi kept his eyes trained on the young boy's eyes, surely as embarrassed as his comrade but hiding it better. Taehyung c****d his head to the side cutely and said in a sweet voice.

"Yes indeed Milord. I have a small request if you do not mind?

-Your requests are my absolute orders Your Grace.

-You are very kind Milord."

Yoongi was feeling a sort of discomfort as he waited for the boy's request. Said boy looked and sounded very different, smiling in a way that sent cold shivers down the warrior's spine. Yoongi was no fool, he knew the boy was dangerous right now, as if he wasn't himself no more. It was certainly disturbing, yet the Beta knew it was yet again an opportunity to witness how truly strong the little Omega is. In a way, the Beta was actually enjoying this, his respect for the Omega rising as minutes passed. He knew he was going to obey without batting a lash not because he was entitled to obey and serve the King's new 'Prized Possession', but for the sole reason of wanting to be loyal to Taehyung. So he kept his dark eyes trained on the boy's hypnotic but cold smile and waited.

Taehyung looked at the oldest of the three maids and pointed to her with a gleaming smile.

"Be very considerate of me Milord, and cut her legs."

The silence that engulfed the room was thicker than a storm as the concerned maid looked at the young Omega in something akin to horror. He was still smiling sweetly, in contradiction to his deadly order. Hoseok seemed puzzled as he asked.

"Would you be kind as to explain why Milord?

-Silence."

Yoongi 's cold voice cut the silence like the sharpest of blades as he turned his dark cold eyes on the now quivering maid. He took a step forward, hand on the hilt of his katana as he started to slid it out of the scabbard. The maid yelped as she took a step back, eyes wide in horror and limbs shaking uncontrollably. The Beta just said.

"We do not question his Grace's orders. We just execute them.

-Your loyalty honors me Lord Yoongi. But I feel an explanation is in order for Mater Hoseok,  so he will not get me wrong."

Taehyung's sweet voice was like melted sugar as he smiled to the Beta. Said man bowed his head in respect as he halted the movement of sliding his katana, feeling even more respectful toward the young boy. He could have simply waited for his orders to be executed but he explained the reason behind his actions, willing to gain Hoseok's trust instead of forcing his servitude out of said wolf. He observed as Taehyung grinned to the warrior, explaining in such a sugary tone that was so foreign to the boy's natural melodious voice.

"You see Master Hoseok, this maid mocked me for being crippled and was not even sorry about it. I may be an Omega, a weak wolf, and it could perhaps justify ill treatment toward my person..."

The boy's smile morphed into a thin line as his eyes turned colder than ice as he openly glared at the horrified maid, his voice dropping to a growl, surprising the two samurai.

"But that certainly does not mean I will sit back and let you mock me as you desire. I am not that weak."

The maid jumped to prostrate herself at the young boy's feet sobbing and shaking as she pleaded for her life.

"Forgive me! Please forgive me Milord! Please I will never dare disrespect You Grace in such a way ever! I beg of you Your Highness please spare this lowly servant!

-Hush now....hush..."

Taehyung bent to place his hand under the sobbing maid's face, gently raising her face so it was centimeters away from his. He was smiling delicately, his voice gentle and calming as he spoke slowly, as if talking to a child.

"Now, now do not cry. It makes your face look so distressed and I detest to feel such bad energy around me, hum? Hush now, do not speak....hush..."

The maid gradually stopped sobbing as she breathed harshly, trying to calm her erratic heart. Her eyes were hypnotized by the sparkling blue orbs of the Omega. Everyone in the room was holding their breath, fearing they might disturb such a hypnotic moment, their eyes trained on the hunched form of the kneeling maid, completely under the Omega's spell. He is certainly smaller in size than everyone else in the room, yet in this moment he looked majestic, bigger than anyone ever, completely dominating everyone and everything. An angel celestial, a powerful astral being who with a single glance ensnared everyone effortlessly.

A God from ancient times, incarnated in such a breathtaking creature.

"Tell me, dear. Why did you decide to mock me for being unable to walk?"

The maid let out a whimper, not daring to look away. But Taehyung coaxed her firmly, still speaking in a velvety voice.

"Answer me dear.

-I...I never m-meant...

-Do not lie to me, dear. I may be weak, but I am certainly not an i***t. Why did you decide to mock me? Is it because I am defenseless ?  Is it because I cannot open my mouth to refute you? Or is it because I am only a plaything, the King's toy and not considered a proper being with rights?"

Taehyung smiled wider as he moved the maid's face to the side.

"Or is it all of the above? Tell me honestly dear."

Hoseok was growling low in his throat as he nearly felt his knees give out underneath him. The voice of the Omega, his tone while giving orders to the powerless maid felt so dominant despite him being ranked as the most submissive wolf. Yet, the air felt so heavy, the need to just obey him, to crawl until he could finally prostrate himself under his feet and worship him so strong. Yoongi was gritting his teeth as he growled, however it wasn't the same predicament as his comrade's. He was feeling boiling anger toward the filthy maid who had dared disrespect the breathtaking boy just because he was no more capable of walking. His hand was still clenched around his katana's hilt, fighting the urge to swing the blade and behead the w***e. 

Said woman was openly crying now, her tears falling down her cheeks and on the delicate hand under her chin. She stuttered in a breathless voice.

"B-Because...we...I...t-thought y-you d-did not d-deserve all t-this f-fuss and c-care His M-Majesty gave t-to you...

-Ah so it is jealousy after all. How wonderful...how great of you to admit the truth!"

Taehyung giggled, the sound so melodious yet so terrifying, making the other two maids whimper as they were on their knees as well, shivering under the strong aura coming from the seemingly frail boy. He covered his mouth with his other hand as if he was bashful, his eyes shining with mirth as he asked.

"Tell me dear, do you know how it feels to not being able to walk? Do you know how it feels to have legs that are dead weight? Do you know how it feels to never be able to run in the grass, feet bare to feel the morning dew tickle your skin? Do you know that?"

The maid had closed her eyes, crying hysterically as she shook her head no again and again, the boy's fingers digging into her skin as he tightened his grasp on her chin. His smile had disappeared as he looked hauntingly at her shaking form, releasing her to crumble on herself as he spat in an ice cold tone.

"Good, because you are about to discover that feeling."

The maid's cry of despair echoed around the entire castle as she gripped the hem of the boy's robe and begged for mercy.

"NO! Please Your Highness! Please Your Grace I beg you! Spare me, spare me I beseech you! I swear, I swear I will be forever your most loyal slave! I beg of you forgive me! Forgive me!

-You are giving me such a headache. Lord Yoongi please be kind as to dispose of ...this thing. I would detest to derange Lord Seokjin with a request of medicine for my headache.

-Right away, Your Grace. Pardon my delay in executing your orders."

Yoongi dragged the wailing maid from the back of her kimono as she begged and cried for mercy, exiting the room to head toward the courtyard where he can execute the orders without soiling the tatami floor with filthy blood. Hoseok had remained, his dark eyes had followed the form of his commander as he exited the quarters. He returned his gaze to the seated form of the young Omega, eyeing him with respect and not just plain pity as he used to. He discovered that the innocent eyes and the frail face served to hide a strong determination and a power akin to enchantment. Yes he was an Omega, but he wasn't the fragile little thing they all thought he was. He may not be as physically strong as an Alpha or even a Beta, but his personality and mind were stronger than anyone else.

"You, what is your name?"

Taehyung asked the second maid, still shivering on the floor,  his eyes dead cold. The maid stuttered an answer in fear for her life.

"I...I am M-Matsuko Y-Your Grace.

-Your service in the castle ends today. Pack up your things and let me not see the shadow of your filthy soul here. Even if you try to sneak around, hiding in service to one of the Concubines, I will know it and you will wish you were never born."

The maid bit her tears in as she touched her forehead to the ground.

"Y-your o-orders are ab-absolute Mi-Milord...

-Glad to see that not all are retarded enough to make me repeat myself. You have exactly half an hour before the castle needs to be rid of your presence. Now, out."

The maid run away before her sobs threatened to escape, terrified that the Omega would change his mind if he heard her. The room was silent before Taehyung turned his head to observe the third maid, the youngest and the only one who didn't mock him or try to humiliate him. His voice was a lot gentler, like his usual tone when he addressed her.

"What is your name dear?"

The maid kept her head lowered as she answered respectfully.

"Jisoo Milord.

-How old are you, Jisoo?

-I will be fifteen by the start of this spring, Milord.

-Alright, you will be my personal maid then Jisoo. Start by giving me a tissue to wipe my hand from that filth's tears."

The maid stood up and retrieved a cloth. She proceeded to wipe the boy's hand clean from all the tears that fell on his fingers. Taehyung nodded in satisfaction and smiled at the still awaiting samurai.

"Would you be kind Master Hoseok?

-That goes without saying!

-You are too kind to me. Could you perhaps...help me stand? So that Jisoo can dress me?"

Gone was the strong dominant being, leaving place to the shy and frail boy who was afraid to ask for help he needed. Hoseok couldn't help but smile in an indulgent way as he nodded immediately. 

"But of course! Isn't this what you summoned us for? Just do specify what exactly do you need and I will comply.

-Thank you Master Hoseok. I am very grateful. Jisoo ? 

-Your Grace?

-Guide Master Hoseok on how he should carry me in order to help you dress me accordingly.

-Right away Milord. If you could please hold His Grace this way Lord Hoseok."

Jisoo was efficient on top of being respectful as she indicated how to help the young boy stand so she can drap the beautiful luscious kimono over his thin body. Hoseok focused on his task, finding no difficulty in holding the frail omega under his arms so the maid can verify the length of the kimono to accommodate him. He then held Taehyung closer to himself as Jisoo slid his arms into the kimono, tying it neatly and tightening the beautiful light emerald obi around his thin waist. The samurai helped her as best as he could, moving the omega as she asked and being mindful of not causing him any discomfort too, making sure he was always feeling comfortable with the way he was held. Taehyung wasn't difficult, smiling in thanks and trying not to burden the warrior who assured him that he wasn't finding any difficulties in carrying him: the boy was as light as a feather!

Finally Taehyung was dressed in luscious silk emerald kimono with an embroidered natural scenery on the hem and the sleeves with a lighter shade of green thread mixed with golden hues and slight cherry colors. He had a long haori on his shoulders, deep dark green in color weaved with blue threads while the collar was from golden fabric. His hair neatly done, his lips painted red as his eyes were outlined with black liner to magnify his blue orbs. Hoseok had placed him on a comfortable cushion and Jisoo proceeded to lift his legs and fold them to the side in a way that made him comfortable but still looked graceful. She folded the extra fabrics and rearranged the room, exiting it to return a bit later with a tray holding a tea kettle and its assorted porcelain cups. She smiled at the curious boy before asking.

"Are you familiar with the way to pour tea for an esteemed guest?

-Not really. I did see some of the village's young ladies do it once or twice.

-Then allow me to teach you the proper way of serving His Majesty a drink.

-Please do so, I am in your capable hands." 

Hoseok sat in a corner of the room as he wasn't dismissed. He figured the boy could perhaps need him for something else, thus the fact he had not asked him to leave. So he settled on cleaning his katanas while keeping an eyes on his young protégé, secretly admiring the way said boy was crunching his nose up as he concentrated on replicating the maid's careful movements of pouring tea. 

"Please pay attention to your sleeves, it is quite insulting for your guest if your sleeve dabs into the drink. Hold it like this while you pour the tea slowly. ..yes just like this Your Grace. 

-It is quite hard... I am not very confident that I will not spill tea while pouring it!

-That will not be a problem Milord. It is why we are practicing. Here, let us try again."

Taehyung tried to observe attentively as he mimicked the maid, mindful not to dirty his brand new kimono. He learned how to serve tea, how to serve sweet dango with the beverage in the appropriate way. Jisoo proceeded to show him how to keep himself seated with a straight back, how to fold his hands gracefully as to not appear bored, how to move his head in certain ways as to look graceful but not uncomfortable, how to speak in a certain way. It was all very confusing and very complicated as the boy never really received an education in such ways but he tried his best, encouraging Jisoo to speak comfortably but still in a respectful way. 

It must have been an hour or so later when the voice of a guard called from outside.

"Lord Taehyung, His Majesty the King asks for permission to come inside for a visit."

Jisoo scrambled on her feet and hastily whispered.

"It is the King. Shall I inform the guard of your consent?

-I...Yes...Of course. Please do tell His Majesty to come in.

-As you wish Milord. Please allow me to go and fetch you some refreshments....and do not forget our training earlier.

-Y-Yes."

Hoseok stood up as well and opened the doors with the maid, immediately sinking to his knees as the tall form of his Liege appeared, strolling inside the spacious big room, followed closely by Yoongi, wearing a fresh grey kimono and new black hakama. The King looked at Hoseok and asked.

"Why were you inside Taehyung's quarters Hoseok?

-Forgive my boldness Milord, but I helped Jisoo as she dressed His Grace. He had asked me to help him stand.

-Ah...I see."

The King smiled at the seated Omega who gave him a shy smile in return. The Alpha asked gently.

"I hope you find Hoseok's service satisfying, little one?

-Master Hoseok is a very capable samurai and I look forward to witness his loyalty first hand Your Majesty.

-Such kindness never fails to amaze me. I am very happy to know you are satisfied of his services."

The King sat facing Taehyung and gestured to Yoongi.

"My Beta informed me of what happened. It makes my blood boil knowing someone dared to mock you instead of showing you the due respect.

-Please Your Majesty...do not concern yourself with such trivial things. I am completely fine as you can see.

-No Taehyung. I cannot permit anyone to boldly disrespect you just because your wolf is weak. You are part of the King's Harem and as such you are elevated to a higher rank.  

-My King honors me with such concern. However...I assure you Your Majesty, I am well aware of my own worth."

The King frowned as he looked at the young boy. He was smiling gently, yet his eyes looked sad and bitter. The Alpha did not like the sight of this fake smile, reeking of gloom. He much preferred the boy's beautiful and natural smile, full of innocent wonder and amazement at the perspective of discovering the world and its multiple opportunities. 

Taehyung poured a cup of tea and gracefully presented it to the King, bowing his head as he explained in a gentle tone.

"I know my own Worth, for I was brought here to serve my King. I am well aware of the Omega's worth to the Alpha and it is the Omega's duty to submit to the Alpha's command. Thus, I am aware of my worth as I am expected to satisfy my King and to serve him accordingly. 

-Little one...

-Please Milord. Do not feel obliged to soothe me or to deny the obvious truth in my words. I know exactly which is the purpose of my presence here. I have had the time to ponder on it and to accept it even though I have not the right to refuse. As of such, I understand perfectly why the servants do not respect me. Why would they ?  I am but a peasant and an orphaned poor boy, nothing else. I was brought here to live in lavish luxury just because of my rank as Omega, not because I deserved such an honor.

-Enough, Taehyung."