The Alpha and the Jewel.
Chapter 1: The Omega Prince of Hwangdo
The Kingdom of Hwangdo was a land of golden wealth and timeless splendor, where nature bloomed in beauty and ancient ruins whispered stories of the past.
Its ruler, Emperor Hwang Jihoon, was a wise and powerful sovereign who ruled the land with strength and honor. Yet, above all treasures of Hwangdo, the most precious was his son —
Prince Hwang Seok Jin, the omega prince. Born with ethereal beauty and a gentle spirit, Seok Jin was admired as if he were a living jewel of the kingdom.
In the Hwangdo kingdom court, a decision was being discussed. Only a few people were present — the Emperor, his ministers, and his son Seok Jin.
Minister
Your Majesty, the construction work of the bridge over the Geumgang River is about to complete, but we are facing a little shortage of money.
Jihoon
This work has already received much from the royal treasure. Now it is time to receive some support from the citizens. Announce that the bridge is about to be completed — And that it would be a pleasure if everyone donates to finish it. Also, share the future benefits they will gain from this construction.
Minister
Yes, Your Majesty. This way, the citizens will also understand the importance of this work.
Everyone gathered in the court was satisfied with this idea and approved it as well.
Minister
Your Majesty, we have received a letter from the Kingdom of Kimhwa. In the letter, there is a proposal. If you allow, I will read it for you.
There was a pin-drop silence in the court after hearing the name of Kimhwa. Seok Jin glanced at his father, his eyes full of curiosity.
Jihoon
Proceed. (his tone serious)
Minister
Yes, Your Majesty.
📜 Letter:
A greeting from the Kimhwa Kingdom to the Hwangdo Kingdom. As we all know, the past relationship between our kingdoms has not been great. But are we truly going to remain rivals forever? We wish to improve our relationship. A mere hand of friendship will not be enough — therefore, we would like to propose an official marriage between your precious prince and our crown prince. This marriage will strengthen bonds and improve trade between our lands . We hope you will give this proposal thoughtful consideration
After hearing the proposal, everyone turned toward the Emperor. He sat in silence, lost in deep thought.
Minister
Your Majesty, I would like to suggest that you take your time before making a decision.
Jihoon
(after a brief pause) Very well. I will discuss it with prince first, and once we make a decision, I will let you all know.
He looked toward his son, who was already staring back at him. A thousand unspoken questions lingered in Seok Jin’s eyes, but for now, silence was the Emperor’s only answer.
Later that evening, Seok Jin sat alone in his chamber, replaying the day’s conversation in his mind.
Seokjin
(thoughts) A marriage proposal...
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door and a familiar voice asking, “Prince, may I come in?”
Seokjin
(pouting) At least you don’t call me 'prince'. Don’t try to be formal with me.
The person entered with a tray in his hands, setting it on the table with a teasing smile.
？？？
That’s how I should call you. But look at me, still taking advantage of our childhood friendship.
Seokjin
Jimin, you have all the rights to take advantage of me\~ (he said in a playful, seductive tone).
Jimin
Eww! Stay away from me.
Both of them laughed and joked for a while, filling the quiet chamber with warmth.
Jimin
So, how was the court discussion today? Anything new?
Seokjin
(sighing) Don’t ask… I’m stressed just thinking about it.
Jimin looked at him curiously. Seok Jin trusted Jimin more than anyone, so he finally told him about the marriage proposal.
Jimin
I mean… I don’t even know what to say. But do what feels right and Just talk to your father before you faint from stress
Seok Jin understood what his friend was trying to suggest. But the real question remained — how would he present his heart to his father, the emperor?
Seokjin
Name: Hwang Seok Jin
Age: 25
Secondary Gender: Omega
Status: First Prince of Hwangdo
Likes: Nature, books, spending time with Jimin
Dislikes: War, injustice, unnecessary conflict
Personality: Gentle, intelligent, compassionate, responsible
Jimin
Name: Park Jimin
Age: 23
Secondary Gender: Omega
Status: Personal Assistant of Seokjin & his Childhood Friend
Likes: Horror books, lemons, gossip,
Dislikes: Attitude, insects, seeing Seok Jin worried
Personality: Cheerful, witty, loyal, caring, supportive, and straightforward
Jihoon
Name: Hwang Jihoon
Age: 52
Secondary Gender: Alpha
Status: Emperor of Hwangdo
Hobbies: Playing Go (Baduk), reading state reports, horseback riding
Likes: His family, peace, good governance
Dislikes: Dishonesty, war, reckless decisions
Personality: Wise, calm, patient, protective
Chapter 2: Shadows of Doubt
It had been a week since the proposal arrived. The entire kingdom patiently waited for the Emperor’s answer… while the Emperor himself waited for his son’s.
Inside the Emperor chamber, Empress Hwang Sooyeon gently placed the crown upon her husband’s head. The Emperor gazed silently at his beautiful wife until she finally broke the silence herself.
Sooyeon
(in a complaining tone)
You can’t marry our son to a kingdom that has always been our rival. He may be a prince to the kingdom, but to me, he is still my child.
The Emperor only smiled faintly, still admiring his wife. He pulled her closer and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
Jihoon
My lord, I will not sacrifice my son for politics. First, I will speak with our son. Then, together, we shall decide what must be done.
The Empress chuckled softly at the way he called her “my lord.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, their eyes locking in a quiet and tender moment. But before their closeness could deepen, a knock interrupted them.
？？？
May I come in, Father?
They quickly moved apart and sat properly on the couch
Jihoon
Ahem! Yes, you may.
The person entered the chamber and bowed respectfully.
？？？
I’m happy to see both of you well.
Sooyeon
(smiling warmly)
And I’m even happier that you finally made time for your parents.
The Empress opened her arms for a hug, and her son immediately knelt down to embrace her. Her heart filled with warmth at the sight of him.
Jihoon
So, how is the situation in the southern district?
The young Prince settled himself onto another couch before replying.
？？？
The Rebels in the South have quieted down for now. It took time to control the unrest among the citizens, but everything is calm again
Jihoon
(proudly)
You did well, Jungkook
Jungkook
It is my duty, Father.
The Emperor’s expression slowly turned serious.
Jihoon
There is something you should know before today’s court session. We received a marriage proposal from the Kingdom of Kimhwa — between your hyung and their crown prince.
Jungkook froze for a moment, confusion clearly visible on his face.
Jihoon
Don’t worry. We will not force Seok Jin into anything.
Jungkook
(firmly)
Pardon me, Father… but even if Hyung agrees, how can we trust them? Kimhwa has always been our rival. They speak of peace, yet suddenly they want marriage?
Jungkook’s words sounded painfully reasonable. How could he not worry for his beloved hyung?
Jungkook
Even if Hyung agrees… I will oppose this proposal.
After firmly stating his thoughts, Jungkook stood up and bowed respectfully before leaving the chamber.
Later, in the palace hallway, Jungkook walked toward his hyung’s chamber, wanting to speak with him. But before he could reach it, he saw Seok Jin approaching from the other side.
The moment Seok Jin noticed him, he immediately ran forward and wrapped him in a tight hug.
Seokjin
When did you come?
Jungkook
Just half an hour ago. I met Father first. I was actually coming to see you.
Seokjin
Aww, my baby brother missed me~
(he teased playfully while ruffling Jungkook’s hair)
Jungkook didn’t protest. He simply allowed his hyung to do whatever he wanted, just like always.
Jungkook
Are you going to Father’s chamber?
Seokjin
Umm… yeah. I want to talk to him.
Jungkook
About the proposal?
Seokjin
So you know about it too…
Seokjin
Yes, that’s what I want to discuss with Father. But ever since that day, I’ve been so tangled in my own thoughts that I couldn’t even find the words to say anything.
Before continuing, Seok Jin’s expression slowly turned serious.
Seokjin
Jungkook… You already know what I’m going to say, don’t you?. But I still want you to respect whatever decision I make.
Jungkook
If this is about you then , I won’t accept it.
Seokjin
I’m afraid too… but I can’t ignore this proposal forever.
Jungkook remained silent, avoiding eye contact with his hyung. Ironically, that silence itself was enough to reveal that he would not stay silent for long.
Together, the two brothers began walking toward the Emperor’s chamber — toward the discussion that could change all of their lives.
Jungkook
Name: Hwang Jungkook
Age: 20
Secondary Gender: Alpha
Status: Second/Crown Prince of Hwangdo
Likes: Painting, horse riding, gardening
Dislikes: Cockroaches, sour foods, dishonesty
Personality: Calm, observant, intelligent, protective, strategic, mature
Sooyeon
Name: Hwang Soohyeon
Age: 47
Secondary Gender: Omega
Status: Empress of Hwangdo
Likes: Music, rainy days, sweets, spending time with her family
Dislikes: Seeing her children in pain, unnecessary wars, bitter foods
Personality: Elegant, kind-hearted, affectionate, graceful, emotionally strong, and wise
Chapter 3: Seeds of Suspicion
Narration:
Inside the Emperor’s chamber, three hearts were beating restlessly, while Seok Jin sat there with surprising calmness.
Seokjin
Seok Jin:
I once believed the people of Kimhwa had no hearts at all. They left children orphaned, wives widowed, and innocent people homeless. In our minds, they were no less than monsters.
Seokjin
But when I look further into history and see what we did to them… it frightens me even more. How can we call them monsters when we ourselves became one?
Seokjin
There is no use reopening old wounds now. We must think about what we can do now so that our future generations never have to suffer through the same pain again.
Seokjin
As the current prince of Hwangdo, I constantly ask myself… What can I do to keep more blood from staining history? What can I do to spare innocent people — both ours and theirs — from future sorrow?
Seokjin
…And if this marriage is the answer, then I cannot refuse it.
Seokjin
I, Hwang Seok Jin, will fulfill my duty as the omega prince of Hwangdo.
Seok Jin’s words filled the chamber with heavy silence.
The Empress smiled through trembling tears. Her smile showed that she had raised her prince well, but a mother's tears revealed the pain she could not hide.
Through it all, Jungkook remained silent.
Jihoon
Jin...
You make me proud beyond words. "But sometimes I wish you would think less like a prince...
and more like my son."
For a brief moment, Seok Jin's expression softened.
He understood the pain hidden behind his father's words.
Yet his resolve remained unchanged.
Jungkook
But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice yourself, Hyung. I’m sure there must be another way.
Seok Jin slowly turned his gaze toward his younger brother. There was sadness in his eyes, but no hesitation.
Seokjin
Ask yourself honestly, Jungkook… is there truly a better alternative to this proposal?
Jungkook parted his lips as if he wanted to argue back, but no words came out.
Because deep down, he already knew the answer.
Every objection he had was met by the painful truth behind Seok Jin’s reasoning.
Sooyeon
Jin… this decision is entirely yours. If you need more time to think, then take it. No one will rush you.
For a brief moment, Seok Jin lowered his eyes in silence. His choice could have crushed anyone else, yet he carried it with grace.
Seokjin
(after a pause)
"Sometimes peace asks for sacrifices that war never could."
…And I am certain of my answer.
Those final words marked the end of the discussion.
After the discussion, Jungkook returned to his study while Seok Jin wandered the palace halls, lost in thought.
But his thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a figure rushing toward him — or perhaps flying would be a better word.
Seokjin
How can you run so fast?
Jimin
(panting dramatically)
My spirit of curiosity grants me non-human strength.
Seok Jin stared at him with an expression that clearly said, “Are you serious right now?”
Seokjin
I told them why I agreed to the proposal, and Jungkook is against my decision. Mother and Father… didn’t say much.
Jimin
Well, that was an expected reaction. So… what’s next?
Seokjin
For now, we’re going to the library.
Jimin
Oh, you mean you are going to the library.
Seokjin
I think you’re incapable of listening properly. I clearly said 'we'.
And just like that, Jimin was unwillingly dragged toward the royal library by Seok Jin.
The grand library of Hwangdo was silent except for the soft sound of pages turning.
Jimin
You’ll have to read these too. (he said while placing a heavy pile of books onto the table)
Reading only Kimhwa's history won’t be enough.
Jimin settled into the chair across from him while Seok Jin examined the titles one by one.
Culture, Geography, Politics…
And then—
Seokjin
(reading aloud)
“The Science of Attraction and Intimacy…”
Really?(he asked while raising an eyebrow)
Jimin
(without even looking up from his own book)
You’ll thank me later.
Seok Jin could only shake his head before both of them buried themselves in books.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the palace, Jungkook sat inside his study, occupied with several documents spread across his desk. A knock at the door broke his concentration.
The door opened, revealing a familiar figure.
Jackson
(bowing respectfully)
Crown Prince, you called for me?
Jungkook
Jackson, I want complete information about the royal family of Kimhwa — their ministers, diplomats, military officials… everyone who holds influence or status within the kingdom.
Jackson
I will gather everything and present it to you by this evening.
Jungkook leaned back with a heavy sigh.
Jungkook
Hyung is agreeing to the proposal… and I need to find a solid reason to stop it.
Jackson
Or perhaps… you should find something that can protect him beyond the palace walls instead.
Jungkook slowly lifted his gaze toward Jackson, a faint but satisfied smirk appearing on his face.
At that moment, the seeds of suspicion began to take root.
Jackson
Name: Jackson Wang
Age: 25
Secondary Gender: Alpha
Position: Diplomat of Hwangdo & Personal Assistant Jungkook
Personality: Quiet, observant, and moody
Likes: Archery, traveling, and learning new things
Dislikes: Cats, crowded places, and summer
Bella
I hope you are liking the story so far ☺️
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