The air in the royal hall froze when Jungkook turned toward the soldiers. The words from his lips shook the very ground of the court
"Lock Taehyung in the castle dungeon."
Cries and whispers erupted instantly. Never in history had a royal been thrown into the underground cells like a common prisoner. Courtiers exchanged glances, some in shock, some in grim satisfaction that the prince was hardening his own heart.
Taehyung's breath caught. He stepped forward, reaching for Jungkook's hand, his voice breaking
"No… Jungkook… you can't do this to me. I did nothing. I am yours."
Jungkook's eyes still burned red, but behind them was a hidden wave of pain. He yanked his hand free.
"I am yours too… that's why I'm doing this. If you are innocent, time will prove it. But before the empire, I cannot show weakness."
The soldiers advanced. They seized Taehyung's delicate shoulders and dragged him out of the hall. Tears streamed down his cheeks, his steps stumbling. His final whisper lingered in the air
"Do you truly not believe me…?"
Beneath the palace stretched the dark corridors of the dungeon. There stood an ancient cage, once holding a savage beast, a monstrous wolf-like creature whose roars still seemed to echo through the walls. As the soldiers dragged Taehyung past it, shivers ran through him.
The heavy iron door clanged open. Inside was a chamber thick with dampness and rot. Scratches marred the walls, claw marks scarred the floor, relics of the beast once trapped there.
Fear seized Taehyung's body. He looked desperately at the soldiers, then upward, as if Jungkook might descend to stop it all. But nothing happened. The soldiers shut the door, tightened the chains.
In the darkness, Taehyung sank to his knees. His trembling lips released only one line
"I cannot bear this…"
----
The elder advisor stepped forward, his voice rattling yet laced with irony
"This dungeon speaks of savage beasts, not of royal heirs. That wolf that's been caged here for centuries, it must be moved at once."
Another elder added:
"And let one thing be clear, until Taehyung is proven guilty, no physical harm shall befall him. Your honor and the empire's dignity demand it."
Sixteen courtiers lifted their heads, listening. Someone said:
"This has never happened in the empire's history, but the eyes of justice must be equal for all."
A young minister murmured weakly:
"If traditions can be broken, then at least let honesty remain unbroken."
Conflict was plain on Jungkook's face, his power and his heart tearing in opposite directions. At last he issued his command, stern but softened
"The wolf shall be removed from the dungeon, and no physical punishment shall be given to Taehyung for now. But remember, the investigation continues, no leniency."
The elders looked content yet cautious. Taehyung was moved to a dim chamber without the beast's scars, guarded under stricter watch, mercy on the surface, yet chains of suspicion underneath. Whispers stirred again among the courtiers, trust lost, and a prince torn between love and the throne.