Chapter 11 : Act of Love

Jungkook had long since grown used to whispers.

The palace was filled with them, soft murmurs, hidden glances, and cruel laughter just out of reach. She knew that rumors about her had spread far beyond the Crown Prince’s quarters. She had heard them before, but never had they been so blatant.

Today, it was not whispers in the corridors.

It was mockery in her presence.

---

She had been in library since morning and she was browsing the rack near the door when she heard a sharp slap echo through the hallway.

She turned to find the source of the sound.

Ahead, just right outside of the library's entrance. she saw Lady Ji kneeling on the cold stone floor, her head bowed, fingers trembling against the fabric of her skirts.

Towering over her stood Lady Haeyon’s chief court lady, her expression one of thinly veiled arrogance.

"You dare to block Lady Haeyon’s path?" the woman sneered.

Lady Ji remained silent, but Jungkook could see the faint red mark on her cheek.

And standing nearby, watching without interference, was Lady Haeyon herself.

"Perhaps I should have you punished," the court lady continued smoothly. "It is unseemly for a servant of the Crown Princess to be so lacking in etiquette."

Jungkook’s fingers curled into fists.

She could ignore the whispers.

She could turn a blind eye to her own humiliation.

Lady Ji was one of very few people who had been with her since she entered the palace. She had been loyal and dedicated to her. She couldn't let her suffer in the hand of Lady Hayeon's courtlady anymore.

She stepped forward.

"That will not be necessary."

The hallway fell silent.

Lady Haeyon’s court lady stiffened and turned, her expression quickly shifting into one of forced polite bow.

Lady Haeyon herself remained still, eyes filled with thinly veiled amusement as she observed the scene.

Jungkook met her gaze head-on before looking down at Lady Ji.

"Rise," she said softly.

Lady Ji hesitated, her hands shaking slightly, but she obeyed, though she kept her gaze lowered.

Jungkook then turned back to Haeyon’s court lady.

"I believe my court ladies answer only to me," she said smoothly. "Not to you."

The woman visibly faltered before quickly recovering.

"Of course, Your Highness," she murmured. "It was merely a misunderstanding."

"Then it should not happen again," Jungkook said, voice even.

A soft laugh broke the tension.

Jungkook turned her gaze toward Lady Haeyon, who finally spoke.

"Forgive my attendants," she said smoothly. "They can be… overly zealous in their duties."

Her voice was syrupy sweet, filled with false warmth.

Jungkook did not smile. She frowned instead.

"Perhaps you should instruct them more thoroughly, Lady Haeyon," she said politely. "It would be unfortunate if such an offense occurred in front of the Queen or Crown Prince."

Haeyon’s smile stiffened.

But before she could respond, another voice cut through the air.

"What we have here...."

The tension in the hallway shifted instantly.

All heads turned as Kim Namjoon stepped into view.

The Crown Prince’s most trusted advisor.

His presence alone commanded silence.

Lady Haeyon’s expression froze for only a fraction of a second before she gracefully turned toward him, bowing her head.

"Minister Kim," she greeted politely.

Namjoon did not acknowledge her greeting.

He instead bow to Jungkook and greeted her while Jungkook acknowledged him with a nod. In a way, Namjoon was showing that he had higher rank than crown prince's concubine and Jungkook had higher rank than him, hence, Jungkook had higher rank than lady Hayeon.

His sharp gaze then swept across the scene, taking in Lady Ji’s trembling form, then to the concubine.

"Lady Haeyon," he mused. "I was unaware that the Crown Prince’s concubine had the authority to discipline the Crown Princess’s attendants."

The words were carefully measured, but their weight was unmistakable.

Lady Haeyon’s shoulders stiffened.

"It was a misunderstanding," she replied smoothly.

Namjoon tilted his head slightly, as if considering her words.

Then, just as smoothly...

"Curious," he said. "Because I was under the impression that no concubine holds authority over the Crown Princess."

His gaze flickered toward Haeyon’s court lady, who lowered her head immediately.

"More curious still," he continued, "is your presence here."

Lady Haeyon narrowed her eyes.

"The library is a place of study," Namjoon said, voice light but firm. "Not for idle gatherings."

He glanced at Haeyon’s court lady.

"Nor is it a place for court attendants to overstep their station."

The air grew colder.

Jungkook watched as Haeyon’s mask began to crack.

She had not expected interference.

For a moment, she seemed as if she wanted to argue.

But then firm steps were heard and they turned to see Seokjin and Yeonjun were approaching.

Everyone immediately bowed to greet thr crown prince. Seokjin looked at Hayeon and called her name.

Hayeon then stood up proudly to be called by the prince.

"I didn't recall ever grant you any permission to enter my library nor my study room. Has anyone not tell you that this is restricted area and only those I give permission are allowed to be here?"

Seokjin intonation was flat but very firm and straight to the point that Hayeon knelt down, "Your highness, I really didn't know. Sister Jungkook invited me here so I came."

Jungkook's lips opened in disbelieve, how quick this snake lied to her husband.

Seokjin frowned and turned to Jungkook, but kindly he said, "My wife, please don't invite anyone to our library. You can consult with me or Namjoon if you want to do so."

Jungkook smiled and nodded.

Seokjin then walked to her while Hayeon was still kneeling as she was not yet been instructed to rise.

"Why are you wearing so thin, Lady Ji..."

"Yes. Your highness."

"Go and take another coat. Make some ginseng soup also for her."

"Yes, your highness."

He then stared to Beomgyu and he immediately followed Lady Ji. He then cupped Jungkook's cheeks and smiled to her gently, "see, your cheeks are cold. Go inside, read inside."

Jungkook nodded and walked inside.

Seokjin turned to see Hayeon and her court ladies still kneeling.

"Leave." He said, before walked with Namjoon to the next door to his study.

Yeonjun then stood in front of Hayeon and said, "Lady Hayeon, please leave the area immediately."

Hayeon didn't dare to cross Yeonjun as he was the eastern palace royal guard commander so she walked away.

When Yeonjun was escorting them, they crossed path with Lady Hoseok.

"Lady Hayeon," Hoseok bowed greeting her. Hayeon only nodded but stepped aside as if wanted to know whether Hoseok could enter the library.

"Is the Crown Prince in his study?" Lady Hoseok asked Yeonjun.

"Yes, Lady. He is having meeting with minister Kim...." he paused for a moment and continued, "Crown princess is in library."

"Oh... I'll make sure not to disturb them then."

Yeonjun nodded, "my man will escort you and let crown prince know that you've arrived."

"Thank you, commander."

Yeonjun nodded to Lady Hoseok making Hayeon felt bitter. Even this gisaeng received more respect from the royal guard commander comparing to her.

Once she arrived at her place, she threw the cup and teapot to the floor.

"How can she get more attention than me!!!" She shouted.

Her courtladies knelt and Lady Han, thr chief courtlady told her, "My lady, it's not a secret that from early on, even before crown prince married to crown princess, that gisaeng was the one who warm his bed. Even after they got married until now, she was still often been called and spent the night at Crown prince's chamber. It was no wonder that General Choi knew that and respected her for it."

Hayeon cried and grumbled, "look at me! What that they have that I don't. I'm even prettier than them. That Jungkook was even ugly and awkward. I'm much more graceful and lovable. Why can't he like me."

Lady Han kindly told her, "we need to slowly gain his attention, my lady. Be patient. Let's invite crown prince. I have posion that can help us."

Lady Hayeon's face lit up.

—

Seokjin sat in his study, fingers idly tapping against the armrest of his chair. The candlelight flickered, casting shadows across his sharp features. Across from him, Kim Namjoon stood, his usual composed expression laced with quiet urgency.

Beside Namjoon, Hoseok leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a smirk playing at his lips despite the tension in the room.

"The names are almost complete," Namjoon began, placing a sealed scroll on the table. "Yoongi and Taehyung have gathered nearly every piece of evidence needed to dismantle Lord Seowon’s faction."

Seokjin reached for the scroll, untying the silk cord and unraveling it. His eyes skimmed over the names, officials, noble families, military officers.

The network of corruption ran deep.

"We are missing only a few key signatures," Namjoon continued, "but it is only a matter of time."

Seokjin exhaled, his grip on the parchment tightening.

"And the funds?"

Hoseok, who had been silent until now, straightened.

"Minister Park has been moving them discreetly," he said. "So far, nothing has been detected. But Seowon has been tightening his watch over all financial records. He knows something is amiss."

Seokjin nodded, setting the scroll aside.

"Then we will proceed as planned."

Hoseok’s smirk widened slightly.

"You are remarkably patient, Your Highness," he mused. "If I were in your position, I would have already buried that old snake in the dirt."

Seokjin gave him a look, unimpressed.

"That is why you are not in my position, Hoseok."

Namjoon exhaled, rolling his shoulders.

"Seowon is starting to sense something," he admitted. "Which brings me to another issue."

Seokjin arched a brow.

"Your new concubine," Namjoon said evenly.

Seokjin’s expression darkened.

Hoseok let out a mocking laugh before Seokjin could respond.

"Oh, Your Highness," he drawled. "Have you enjoyed your new bride yet? I hear she waits most eagerly every night, expecting you to show her favor.”

Seokjin shot him a glare, but Hoseok merely grinned.

"Just now I met her. She didn't seem too happy. She looked upset even."

Namjoon then said, "That woman is truly shameless. You have remained too indifferent," Namjoon pointed out. "It is time you made your stance clear. If you allow this to continue, Haeyon will only grow bolder, and so will Seowon."

Hoseok nodded in agreement.

"Your Highness," he said smoothly, "I suggest you start treating the concubine with the coldness she deserves."

Seokjin exhaled slowly.

He finally met Namjoon’s gaze, "Hmm..."

---

Few days later, Lady Han came to Seokjin's chamber reported that Lady Hayeon was sick and didn't agree to call physician that she begged Seokjin to come and visit her.

Seokjin was annoyed but fulfil his obligation to see what she was upto. Soobin and Yeonjun followed him. Even when he was going to enter Hayeon's chamber, he asked both royal guards to follow him, something that Lady Han at first tried to prevent.

Once they entered the room, Soobin recognize a different scent, but kept quiet. Hayeon was pale lying on the bed. Lady Han said that Lady Hayeon was too tired but kept continue to assist Lady Seowon so she fell ill.

Hayeon then as if heard Seokjin opened her eyes and weakly called, "your highness."

Seokjin kept his distance and Lady Han gave a acup of tea to him. Seokjin sensed Soobin's tension and turned to him. He slowly shook his head, signalling not to drink it. Seokjin pretended to sit on the edge of the bed and placed the cup on the table. He kindly told Hayeon, "have rest."

He then told Lady Han to call physician. Then he intentionally told Yeonjun in front of them, "tell Crown Princess to come to ny chamber." While leaving the room.

Hayeon extremely upset that her plan failed.

—

Crown prince made sure that everyone knew he stayed at Jungkook and their relationship was good.

The Crown Prince spent every night with his wife.

Morning after morning, Jungkook woke up to his presence beside her.

His warmth against her.

His hands absentmindedly tracing soothing circles on her back before they rose to start the day.

And when they left the chamber, they did so together.

At breakfast, Seokjin sat next to Jungkook instead of across from her.

He poured her tea before his own.

He listened to her words, really listened.

At dinner, he asked about her day, encouraging her to speak.

If she was quiet, he waited.

If she hesitated, he prompted her gently.

And when she spoke, his focus never wavered.

Every detail was noticed.

Every gesture, every shift in routine.

The palace was watching.

The Queen Dowager.

The concubine.

The court ladies.

Even the ministers.

And Lord Seo Won was furious.

The rumors that had once whispered of the Crown Prince’s neglect, had turned into talk of his favor.

The Crown Princess was no longer the invisible wife in the background.

She was present, beside him.

And Seokjin made sure of it.

---

One morning, as the sun cast golden light into the chamber, Seokjin sat beside Jungkook, watching as she carefully took her tea.

A slow, steady sip.

Without thinking, he reached forward, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

She blinked, looking up at him.

His fingers lingered at her cheek before retreating.

"Are you tired?" he asked softly.

Jungkook swallowed.

She still wasn’t used to this side of him.

This quiet concern.

"No, Your Highness."

Seokjin’s gaze held hers for a moment longer.

Then, he simply nodded and turned back to his meal.

But not before Jungkook saw the slight curve of his lips.

A ghost of a smile.