Jungkook walked up little late and looked around. The bed was empty except for him and Jungkook felt a tug in his heart.

Even though Taehyung walked out of the room yesterday night, Jungkook kind of expected him to be here when he woke up. He missed the prince's embrace, specially after the ordeal he went through yesterday. Guess he was not yet forgiven.

But the good news is, the prince still seemed to care about him. It was evident from the water glass and the two painkiller pills on the night stand. Jungkook quickly drank it and got up from the bed. His lower back was hurting as well as his ass-cheeks. While he was limping to the bathroom, Jungkook made a mental note to ask for a soothing cream.

Jungkook got freshened up and got dressed with little difficulty and went out of the bedroom.

Taehyung was sitting at the table, the breakfast was already served but it looked like the prince was waiting for him. Jungkook wordlessly sat down, ignoring the sharp pain that shot through his body when his abused behind made contact with the cushion and they both started to eat.

Jungkook felt his heart ache at the distant way the prince was treating him but he only had himself to blame for that. He just hoped for whatever this phase was, it better pass soon.

After breakfast, Taehyung looked at the younger.

"I got Hoseok to give you a day off today." Taehyung said in an even tone but Jungkook suddenly felt hopeful.

Maybe they will stay in the bed and cuddle all day, like they did the previous time. But Taehyung's next words shattered his hope into pieces.

"You can go to your room and stay there for the day."

"Ok." Jungkook replied in a small voice. Guess the prince is not yet done with his punishments.

Jungkook got up from the seat and gave a bow to the prince. He wanted a hug so badly but the situation didn't seem like the prince will allow him to have one.

He proceeded to limp towards the door as his back was practically killing him but the prince stopped him even before he went half way.

"Stop!" Taehyung commanded and Jungkook stopped and turned around.

The prince had an unreadable expression but Jungkook thought he could see a hint of concern in it.

"Did you take the painkillers? How much does it hurt?" Taehyung asked and this time, Jungkook could clearly see the concern.

"I did. I'm ok, don't worry about it." Jungkook replied with a small smile.

Taehyung gives a sigh and rubbed his temple a hit. When he looked back at the younger, his expression was back to being cold.

"Stay here. I don't want anyone to see you limping through the palace like that. Don't get out of the room." Taehyung said in a tight voice and Jungkook gave a nod in response.

Maybe he will get to have some cuddles after all. But that too was proven to be only wishful thinking when Taehyung got out from the room without saying anything else.

Jungkook looked down in dismay and walked back in to the bedroom. If he's going to be stuck inside this room for the day, might as well take advantage of it and sleep. His back hurts like hell anyway.

He tried to fall asleep but even in his tired state, he couldn't clear his mind well enough to be slip in to a sleep. It was past midday when he finally fell asleep.
  
  
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Taehyung walked straight to his office and his surprised secretary ran after him with the days work. It was informed before that the prince will be taking a day off today so the secretary didn't expect to see him coming to work.

Taehyung started his work and Hoseok came in hurriedly after about 10 minutes. It seemed like he had ran here. Taehyung greeted him with a look and continued with his work.

The prince was scheduled to attend a meeting for the agriculture ministry around midday. Taehyung went for that but didn't really speak with anyone except when strictly needed.

Most particularly, the prince was not even looking at the king although they were sitting side by side. Everyone could sense the tension between the two brothers and they all were kind of uncomfortable too.

Namjoon was totally devastated as he knows he's in the wrong here but he didn't know how to fix things. This is the first time ever that he's seeing his baby brother this angry.

Once the meeting was over, Namjoon tried to speak with Taehyung but the prince left the room without a second's delay. Hoseok shared a look of dismay with commander Yoongi and ran after the prince.

Taehyung went back to his office and continued with his work. He hasn't spoken with Hoseok the whole time and the captain was very well relieved when the evening came.

Taehyung dismissed the captain once he escorted him to his chambers and the captain went without saying anything. It was not his place to say anything anyway.

Taehyung walked inside but couldn't see Jungkook at first. He then went to the bedroom to find the younger sleeping peacefully. He felt little bad when he remembered how Jungkook looked at him in the morning with such longing in his eyes.

But he needed the younger to realize the error in the reckless way he behaved. Thank God the guard was not harmed but there was a very good chance of something terrible happening there.

That was the root of Taehyung's anger. He was angry because the younger was in a dangerous situation and he was not there to do anything about it.

That's why he was punishing everyone involved with putting the guard in that situation, including Jungkook himself. If anything had happened to Jungkook, Taehyung would not have been able to live with himself.

Taehyung had a wash and dressed in fresh clothes. After considering the situation again, he decided that the younger had been punished enough and got on to the bed next to him.

Taehyung pulled Jungkook against his body and let himself fall asleep while spooning the younger. He was not able to get a proper sleep yesterday as his mind was in chaos too.

Jungkook woke up when the room was shining with moonlight and the first things he noticed were the hand around his waist and the firm chest that was pressed against his back.

His boyfriend was spooning him and Jungkook felt as if all the troubles in his world has disappeared immediately. This is where he belonged, and he was so damn relieved to be in prince's arms again. He was even ready to swallow his pride and beg on his knees tonight if he had to but there was no way he would have let the prince push him away anymore.

Jungkook turned in the prince's hold a bit to look at the his face and Taehyung opened his eyes at the movement. They silently looked at each other for a while and Jungkook was happy to see the familiar warmth in his boyfriend's eyes.

"Am I forgiven now?" Jungkook asked in a small voice and Taehyung gave a soft smile at that.

"Only if you promise to never do something like that again." Taehyung mused with a soft voice but his eyes held powerful emotions.

"I promise. God!!! I can't go through something like last night again." Jungkook replied and Taehyung pulled him on to his chest with a chuckle.

"Alright then. I'm glad you learned your lesson. You're forgiven baby." Taehyung whispered against Jungkook's head and Jungkook snuggled more in to the prince's chest.

"Damn!! You are so scary Taehyung."

"And you'd do well to remember that. But I've been meaning to ask you. What did you meant when you said you're scared of the prince but not of your boyfriend?"

"Well you were very scary at that time and I didn't know what you will do to me. I don't think I've ever been so afraid of someone."

"But as your boyfriend...?"

"As my boyfriend, I trust you. I trust you to lead me to the very edge of the cliff and even to make me walk there with a blind fold, cause I know you will never push me pass the edge or let me fall."

Taehyung was silent for a while. But when he spoke, his voice was thick with emotions.

"You're wrong Kook."

"What do you mean?"

"Each and every part of me, whether it's your boyfriend or the crown prince or even something else, will not push you or let you fall. No matter who I am, you will always be safe with me. Don't ever doubt that."

And Taehyung sneaked his hand over to Jungkook chin and lifted his face gently before capturing his lips to seal that promise forever.