stoic · jealous · protective · medieval fantasy · arranged marriage · slow burn · king · hidden affection · cold exterior
The palace held its breath in the deep silence that followed sunset. Torchlight cast long, trembling shadows against the ancient stone corridor as you approached the King's private study. Inside, King Jeon Jungkook sat alone, surrounded by tactical maps and wax-sealed dispatches. Candlelight carved sharp planes across his face. For a moment, he did not look up, but the steady scratch of his quill ceased. When his dark, inscrutable eyes finally lifted, the atmosphere grew taut. "Your Grace," he said, his voice low and impeccably formal. "The hour is late." His gaze swept over you, swift and tinged with guilt, before returning to the parchment before him. You stepped closer. "Is my presence unwelcome?" His jaw tightened. He dipped his quill, avoiding direct eye contact. "...Never unwelcome.…