It had been many weeks since Jungkook and Taehyung had overcome the few misunderstandings, and no doubt they both felt more complete than ever.
They were going at a steady pace, not rushing anything, on the path to finding the true love between them. Miyeon had told them a bit of what she'd suspected that they were fated mates, judging by the strange sensations that pulled them together and their ability to mindlink, though she hadn't told Jungkook that Taehyung was an omega yet, the reasons unknown.
They wanted their bond to be strong not because of the fact they were fated mates, but purely because of their love.

But they would only get time to see one another during the nights in their rooms; Jungkook always busy with his alpha training, Taehyung with learning the ways of the kingdom and finding his place to fit in. The omega would spend most of his time with Miyeon; she absolutely adored him and ensured he never lacked anything.

Miyeon had managed to convince the Jeon Alpha to allow Jungkook a good few months off for rest. He'd been overworking himself way too much, and in all honesty Miyeon found it pointless for Jungkook since he was definitely beyond the level he could be trained for.

She had told Taehyung of this news in the morning after their breakfast, and Taehyung couldn't put into words his excitement.
Oh how long he waited to be able to spend quality time together, not just the nights where they were both worn out and sleepy.

***

"Yah, Jungkook-ah, a-are you seriously -hah- taking time off!" Jimin was heavily panting from having sprinted over to jungkook who was wiping the sweat that glinted over his body.

"Oh yes. I myself only found out today from Yoongi hyung, but I don't understand why,"

"Why so glum?! If I were you I'd be sprinting back to my room and crashing out!"

"I know, but I, I want to continue here for a little longer at least. I want to become a strong alpha that Taehyung can be proud to call his." He couldn't hide his faint blush and cute little smile.

Jimin stared.
His mouth watered as his eyes traced the toned abs and chest, a body every alpha yearned for.
Jungkook was quick to notice the intense stares he was recieving, and feeling a little self-conscious he covered his upper body with his hands.
"W-why you staring?"

"Ah trust me you don't need to do much more because all I see is perfection..."

"Woah Jungkook I didn't even notice how built you were."

"Yoongi hyung?! What are you doing here?" Jungkook grabbed his shirt and quickly dressed himself.

Yoongi was Jungkook's trainer. He was a fairly short man, about a cm taller than Jimin, with mint green hair and he always had a stern look on his face. When you got to know him he seemed like a cute little fluff ball, but when on a battlefield his fists showed no mercy.

"I just came to say farewell" he shrugged.

"Yoongi hyung, Jungkook's desperate to see his beloved mate!" Jimin winked slyly.

"Ah no wonder you've been training so hard. After all they say an alpha must have good stamina, especially in be-"

"Wait Jungkook haven't you marked each other as mates yet?" Jimin had scanned Jungkook's neck, noticing no sign of any marks.

"What?" (Jung-shook 😜)

"Ah this shit head doesn't even know what to claim as his." Yoongi smirked.

"Hey! Thanks for coming to bid me off but I'll probably be on the grounds anyway when I'm bored, and it's not like I won't see you around. Take care and thank you for training me. Bye." He went to the mirror to make sure he looked all princely, and ran out on his way to meet his precious angel.

"Poor boy, he's too innocent."

"Damn, well he better mark Taehyung fast, I know a lot of alphas around have their sights set on him."

"What do you mean? Aren't Jungkook and Taehyung betrothed, that too by demand of the kingdom if Faarland and Euphoria. No one can try that even if they wanted to."

"Yes but alpha instincts can't be controlled by everyone, and this engagement hasn't been officially announced yet in either kingdom. If Taehyungs found alone somewhere he could easily be touched against his will-"

"I'm sure they're aware of that right? I mean that's why our queen always keeps him by her side."

"Perhaps, but I just hope Taehyung is the right one for Jungkook. The pain that Jungkook holds inside... if it were anyone else they'd for sure go insane."

They watched Jungkook fade into the distance before they turned back to resume their training.

***

Jungkook's heart was pounding in his chest, and with the impact of each step it felt like it would burst.
He was confused but deep down he was relieved to finally be free, be able to hug Taehyung and show him about the kingdom properly, show him the places he would always go to seek solace.

On the way he saw Namjoon along with his father and a few other Alpha soldiers. When Namjoon saw Jungkook he came running over to him.

"Jungkook-ah!"

"Hey Namjoon hyung. Is everything alright?" He motioned to where his father stood with his eyes. Namjoon was quick to follow.

"Yes there's just some trouble on the east side of the border. We've been told that the issue has been resolved but we're just going to double check and ensure everything is okay."

"Ah..."

Placing one hand on Jungkook's shoulder, Namjoon softly said, "Dont worry about anything Jungkook, trust me in time you will be with us, perhaps even leading us. That time is not far. For now enjoy your time with Taehyung, and if you think it's appropriate open up to him about everything."

Jungkook looked as though he was contemplating on whether he should tell Taehyung everything, and soon after he nodded. Then his brother left to go back with the pack of soldiers, waving at Jungkook when he was set on his horse. Jungkook waved back, and as if by coincidence his eyes met his fathers stern glare. It sent shivers, but Jungkook immediately continued on his path back to the palace, with his head held high.

As he approached the doors to the palace, everyone paused with what they were doing and bowed at the young prince.

"Oh my dear Jungkookie! You're finally home!" His mother pinched his cheeks in happiness. "You're later than we'd expected though, you didn't even turn up to lunch, my poor Tae was getting rather eager to see you." Her fingers squeezed Jungkook's cheeks harder than she'd expected, and he squinted in pain.

"O-ow. What a way to welcome your son eh? I was just doing some last minute things. LAnd where is Taehyung.." he tried to push past his mother, but remember she's a strong alpha lady.

"Ah not quite yet my dear. I've got some of our tailors to get him dressed up for your special evening! And hurry along with me we must get you dressed too!" She yanked onto Jungkook's arm and led him inside.

"What's that foul smell Jungkook, the least you could do is take a shower."

"I did take a shower-"

"No wonder you're so late." She scolded.

"... what?"

Jungkook was so desperate to hold Taehyung in his arms, and his mother was not having any of his moans. All he could do was sigh and hope the evening would come quicker than the few hours left.

***

You've got to be kidding right?

Jungkook sighed deeply as he wondered about the front gardens. He had to get out of the hall swarming with chattering heads that sounded like the buzzing of bees. It was too much for him to bear so he had to escape and breathe.

"Jungkook? Is that you?"

"Huh, oh hey hyungs" his voice was monotone and plain.

"Aww my dear Jungkookie why so glum. Is someone missing their cutie Taetae" Jin cooed.

Jungkook pouted in irritation. He wanted to be able to spend quality time with Taehyung but his mother had planned on inviting the entire kingdom in celebration of his mate selection... she wouldn't let him near his mate at all. Miyeon proudly introduced the shy Taehyung to all the guests and Jungkook sulked in the corner until he just got so sick of it all he stormed out.

Now he was to be annoyed further by the unbeatable alpha duo; one unbeatable in brains, the other in dad jokes.

"Hyung this is so unfair! I wanted to be alone with Taehyung! What the hell was mother thinking!"

They could sense the strong scent laced with hurt and anger that oozed out of Jungkook. He was mad. Namjoon and Jin roughly glanced at each other in worry.

"Do you want me to sneak Tae out, I'm his brother after all he'll definitely come." Jin winked and hurried back inside.

Namjoon smiled at his helpful mate and said, "You remember how against the Kim Alpha sons we were Jungkook, now look, they're our mates. Our opinions are formed so quick we don't get time to uncover the reality, that's why never doubt the fate of the stars."

"Namjoon hyung, you said that you and Jin hyung can sense each other's presence and feelings, why can't I?"

"What do you mean, all mated bonds ca- wait a minute, you and Taehyung haven't met yet right?"

"Ugh even Jiminie and Yoongi hyung were surprised I hadn't claimed Taehyung. But why is everyone rushing us, I want to go at a pace Taehyungs happy with." Jungkook huffed.

"Oh my you really are thick Jungkook-ah! From today you'll be officially engaged, your bond has been presented to the kingdom tonight. You have to, you know, claim each other... like, ugh basically do it in bed!" And with that Namjoon walked back inside to follow after his husband.

Claim each other in bed? What the fuck does that mean? Ugh my brain hurts. They're only making me feel worse.

So he sat there all alone.

Despite being one of the main stars of the night.
Despite how much he longed for his partner.
Despite the wondrous moments that were to come in the following hours of the night.

Thank you for the comments I'm glad you are enjoying the redo!
Love you all 🙃💜💜💜