Volume I – Beneath the Silver Moon

*"Sometimes destiny does not announce its arrival with thunder. Sometimes it smiles from across a crowded festival."*

---

The **Moon Kingdom of Lunaris** had never looked more beautiful.

Silver lanterns floated across the crystal-blue lake surrounding the royal palace, reflecting like thousands of tiny stars dancing upon the water. Every street shimmered beneath silk banners embroidered with moonflowers, while merchants called out cheerfully from colorful stalls filled with handmade jewelry, sweet rice cakes, fragrant teas, and delicate glass ornaments.

Tonight was the **Festival of the Silver Moon**—the most cherished celebration in all seven kingdoms.

It was the one night each year when nobles and commoners celebrated together beneath the blessing of the full moon.

Music echoed through the capital.

Children laughed as they chased glowing butterflies made of enchanted paper.

Couples whispered promises beneath flowering moon trees.

For one night...

Even the burdens of royalty seemed lighter.

---

Inside the Moon Palace...

Prince **Kim Taehyung** stood before a tall mirror while palace attendants adjusted the final layers of his ceremonial robes.

The robe was woven from white silk and embroidered with silver threads that shimmered like moonlight itself.

His long black hair was tied loosely with a silver ribbon, while a jade moon pendant rested gently against his chest.

An older attendant smiled proudly.

"Your Highness..."

"You look exactly like the Moon Goddess from the ancient legends."

Another maid giggled.

"If the young nobles see you tonight, there will be chaos."

The room filled with laughter.

Taehyung smiled politely.

"You exaggerate."

"We never exaggerate when it comes to Your Highness."

Despite their teasingTaehyung smile slowly faded.

Outside the palace walls...

People celebrated freedom.

Inside...

He carried responsibilities heavier than the jeweled crown waiting upon his head.

Tomorrow the Royal Council would announce his political engagement.

Not for love.

Not for happiness.

For peace between kingdoms.

That was the fate of every royal omega.

---

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in."

The palace doors opened.

His older brother, **Crown Prince Namjoon**, entered wearing elegant navy robes trimmed with gold.

Unlike Taehyung gentle appearance, Namjoon carried the calm confidence of a future king.

He dismissed the attendants with a nod.

As soon as they left, he walked toward Taehyung.

"You've been avoiding everyone."

Taehyung sighed.

"I was trying."

"Trying what?"

"To enjoy tonight."

Namjoon's expression softened.

He rested a reassuring hand on his younger brother's shoulder.

"I know what Father is asking of you."

Silence settled between them.

"I don't want a marriage chosen by politics," Taehyung whispered.

"I want..."

His voice trailed away.

Namjoon smiled sadly.

"You want someone who chooses you."

Not your title.

Not your kingdom.

Just...

You.

Taehyung eyes lowered.

"Is that too selfish?"

"No."

Namjoon's voice was gentle.

"It only makes you human."

---

Miles away...

Another kingdom prepared for the same festival.

The mighty **Dragon Kingdom of Drakonis**.

Inside its military courtyard, dozens of elite soldiers stood in perfect formation.

At their head stood Crown Prince **Jeon Jungkook**.

Tall.

Broad-shouldered.

His black battle robes were simple, but no one could mistake the authority he carried.

A sword rested comfortably at his side.

The kingdom's greatest general bowed respectfully.

"Your Highness, the escort is ready."

Jungkook looked toward the distant mountains.

"I don't need an escort."

The general frowned.

"The journey is dangerous."

"So am I."

A few soldiers exchanged helpless smiles.

Their prince had always been like this.

Independent.

Fearless.

Stubborn.

King Jeon entered the courtyard with a knowing expression.

"You planned to leave without telling me."

Jungkook bowed respectfully.

"I was only going to attend the festival."

The king crossed his arms.

"The Moon Festival?"

"Yes."

"Officially?"

Jungkook hesitated.

"...No."

A laugh escaped the king.

"So my son intends to sneak into another kingdom disguised as an ordinary traveler."

"I only want one peaceful evening."

The king studied him for a long moment.

Then, surprisingly...

He smiled.

"Go."

Jungkook blinked.

"...Father?"

"But remember one thing."

"If destiny finds you tonight..."

"Do not run from it."

Hours later...

The festival reached its peak.

Fireworks blossomed across the night sky.

Music filled every corner of the capital.

Hidden beneath a dark traveling cloak, Jungkook walked through the bustling streets unnoticed.

For the first time in years...

He wasn't a crown prince.

He was simply another traveler enjoying the celebration.

Then...

Everything around him seemed to fade.

The music.

The laughter.

The crowds.

Because across the Moon Bridge...

Someone stood beneath a canopy of silver blossoms.

A young prince wearing robes as white as moonlight.

The lanterns reflected in his gentle eyes.

The breeze played with strands of his dark hair.

For one breathtaking moment...

It felt as though the moon itself had taken human form.

Jungkook forgot to breathe.

His heart, steady even in battle, stumbled for the very first time.

Across the bridge...

Taehyung looked up.

Their eyes met.

Just for a heartbeat.

Yet neither of them looked away.

The world around them continued celebrating.

But for two strangers beneath the silver moon...

Time had quietly stopped.

"The moon shines for everyone, yet sometimes its light guides two hearts toward each other alone."

The music of the Moon Festival echoed across the capital.

Lanterns drifted lazily into the night sky like tiny stars escaping the earth, while silver petals danced in the cool breeze. The Moon Bridge, decorated with glowing crystal flowers, had become the heart of the celebration.

Yet neither Prince Taehyung nor the mysterious traveler noticed the festivities around them.

Their eyes remained locked.

A moment.

A heartbeat.

A lifetime.

Then...

A group of excited children ran across the bridge, laughing as they chased glowing paper butterflies.

The spell was broken.

Taehyung blinked and lowered his gaze, suddenly aware of how long he had been staring at a complete stranger.

What is wrong with me?

He had never looked at anyone that way before.

Not even the princes who had visited Lunaris seeking political alliances.

His cheeks warmed.

On the opposite side of the bridge...

Jungkook stood completely still.

His trusted bodyguard, who had followed from a distance despite the prince's orders, finally reached him.

"Young Master..."

No response.

The guard waved a hand before Jungkook's face.

"...Young Master?"

Jungkook slowly looked away from the prince.

"Hmm?"

"You've been standing here for almost five minutes."

"Have I?"

The guard followed his master's gaze and immediately understood.

"Oh..."

"So that's why."

Jungkook frowned.

"Why what?"

"You've fallen in love."

Jungkook's eyes widened.

"Don't be ridiculous."

The guard chuckled.

"I've fought beside you for years."

"You didn't even blink while facing a charging war elephant."

"But one beautiful omega looks at you once..."

"And suddenly you've forgotten how to breathe."

Jungkook cleared his throat.

"I was simply surprised."

"Of course."

The guard smiled knowingly.

"Very surprised."

Meanwhile...

Taehyung wandered away from the bridge, hoping the cool night air would calm his racing heart.

His closest friend and personal attendant, Mira, hurried after him.

"Your Highness!"

"There you are!"

Taehyung smiled sheepishly.

"I only wanted a short walk."

Mira folded her arms.

"The Queen has been searching everywhere."

"She wants you at the royal pavilion."

Taehyung sighed.

"I'll go soon."

Mira tilted her head.

"But first..."

She looked over her shoulder.

"Who was that handsome traveler?"

Taehyung's face instantly turned red.

"I don't know."

"You were staring at each other."

"I was not!"

"You absolutely were."

Mira laughed softly.

"I've never seen you look at someone like that."

Taehyung looked away.

"Neither have I."

Elsewhere...

A loud cheer erupted near the center of the festival.

"The Moon Lantern Competition is about to begin!"

People hurried toward the open square.

Every year, strangers were randomly paired together to decorate a floating lantern before releasing it into the lake.

It was said...

If two people released a lantern with sincere hearts...

Their paths would cross again.

Jungkook watched the gathering crowd with mild curiosity.

His bodyguard grinned.

"You should join."

"No."

"Why not?"

"I didn't come here for games."

The bodyguard smirked.

"You came because destiny invited you."

Jungkook gave him an unimpressed look.

"You've become very dramatic."

"Maybe."

"But I'm right."

At the royal pavilion...

Queen Hana smiled warmly as Taehyung approached.

"There you are."

"I was beginning to worry."

"I'm sorry, Mother."

The queen gently brushed a strand of hair away from his face.

"You've been smiling tonight."

Taehyung froze.

"Have I?"

She nodded.

"It's been a long time since I've seen that smile."

Before Taehyung could answer...

The Master of Ceremonies stepped onto the grand stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen!"

"The Lantern Competition shall now begin!"



m

The crowd applauded enthusiastically.

Volunteers stepped forward one by one.

Names were written on small wooden tokens and placed into a silver bowl.

The Master of Ceremonies reached inside.

"Our first participant..."

He smiled.

"Prince Taehyung of Lunaris!"

The crowd erupted into cheers.

Taehyung blinked.

"I never volunteered."

Namjoon, standing nearby, tried very hard not to smile.

"You looked like you needed a little happiness."

"Brother..."

Namjoon only shrugged innocently.

The Master reached into the bowl again.

"And his partner..."

He unfolded another wooden token.

"...A traveler from Drakonis."

The crowd murmured excitedly.

Jungkook's bodyguard burst into laughter.

"Oh, this is definitely destiny."

Jungkook stared at the stage.

"What?"

"Congratulations."

"You've just been paired with the prince you've been secretly staring at."

The crowd parted as Jungkook slowly walked toward the stage.

His hood still covered most of his face.

Taehyung looked up.

The moment he recognized those familiar eyes...

His heartbeat skipped again.

It's him.

The stranger from the bridge.

A servant handed them a white paper lantern.

"Together," she said with a smile, "decorate it with one wish."

For a moment...

Neither of them spoke.

The festival noises seemed to disappear once again.

Finally...

Jungkook accepted the brush and quietly asked,

"What should we write?"

Taehyung hesitated.

Then answered honestly.

"...Freedom."

Jungkook looked at him for a long moment before dipping the brush into silver ink.

Without another word...

He wrote a single sentence across the lantern.

May the one who longs for freedom find someone willing to fight the world beside them.

Taehyung read the words.

His fingers trembled ever so slightly.

He looked up.

The traveler's eyes were gentle.

Steady.

Honest.

For the first time in his life...

Someone had understood a wish he had never spoken aloud.

Neither of them noticed...

From the balcony of a nearby noble mansion...

A young noblewoman dressed in crimson watched the scene unfold.

Her eyes narrowed dangerously.

"So..."

She whispered.

"The Moon Prince has caught your attention."

A cold smile spread across her lips.

"That won't do."

As Taehyung and Jungkook released the silver lantern into the moonlit lake...

Neither of them knew...

That this single meeting had already set the fate of kingdoms into motion.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

"Sometimes destiny begins with a shared wish... and ends with two hearts refusing to let go."

.

.

.

.

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Prince Kim Taehyung (Tae)

Omega Prince of the Moon Kingdom (Lunaris)

22 years old

Beautiful, intelligent, gentle

Loved by his people

Secretly dreams of choosing love instead of a political marriage

Strong despite appearing delicate

⚔️ Crown Prince Jeon Jungkook

Alpha Crown Prince of the Dragon Kingdom (Drakonis)

24 years old

Greatest swordsman among the kingdoms

Cold to everyone...

Soft only for Tae

Falls in love at first sight

.

.

.

.

"A warrior may hide his face beneath a cloak, but never the truth in his eyes."

The silver lantern floated gently across the lake.

Among hundreds of glowing lights...

Only one caught Taehyung's attention.

The lantern he had released with the mysterious traveler.

The words written upon it reflected on the water.

May the one who longs for freedom find someone willing to fight the world beside them.

For reasons he couldn't explain...

His heart refused to calm.

"Your Highness."

Mira gently nudged his shoulder.

"The Queen is calling."

Taehyung blinked.

"Ah... yes."

He reluctantly followed her toward the royal pavilion.

Yet before entering...

He looked back one last time.

The traveler had disappeared.

Only the lantern remained.

Meanwhile...

Jungkook and his bodyguard slipped into a quieter street.

The bodyguard folded his arms with a grin.

"So..."

Jungkook remained silent.

"You aren't even going to deny it?"

"There is nothing to deny."

"Oh?"

"You looked at him as though the world disappeared."

Jungkook sighed.

"I don't even know his name."

The bodyguard stopped walking.

"You seriously don't?"

Jungkook frowned.

"Should I?"

The guard stared at him before bursting into laughter.

"You've fallen in love with the Moon Kingdom's prince without realizing he's the prince!"

Jungkook froze.

"...What?"

"That was Prince Taehyung."

"The only omega prince in Lunaris."

"The entire continent knows his face."

Jungkook looked back toward the palace.

"So..."

"He's royalty."

The guard nodded.

"And you're standing in another kingdom disguised as an ordinary traveler."

Jungkook rubbed his forehead.

"This keeps getting worse."

Inside the royal pavilion...

Nobles from every kingdom gathered beneath crystal chandeliers.

Musicians played soft melodies while servants offered wine and fruit.

King Hyun of Lunaris sat proudly upon his throne.

Beside him...

Queen Hana watched her youngest son carefully.

She noticed the absent-minded smile that kept appearing.

A smile I've never seen before...

Across the hall...

Several visiting nobles whispered among themselves.

"Prince Taehyung has become even more beautiful."

"He'll make an excellent political spouse."

"I heard negotiations have already begun."

"I wonder which kingdom will win."

Those words reached Taehyung's ears.

His appetite disappeared instantly.

Namjoon quietly sat beside him.

"You don't have to force yourself."

Taehyung smiled weakly.

"I know."

"You'd rather be outside."

"I'd rather be anywhere but here."

Namjoon looked toward the nobles.

"The council meets tomorrow."

Taehyung lowered his head.

"So soon?"

"I'm afraid so."

Outside...

Jungkook wandered through the festival once more.

This time...

Without realizing it...

His feet carried him toward the palace gardens.

The gardens were open to visitors during the Moon Festival.

Moonflowers bloomed beneath silver trees.

The air smelled of jasmine.

Peaceful.

Beautiful.

Then...

He heard someone singing.

A soft voice.

Gentle enough to quiet even the wind.

Jungkook followed the melody.

Behind a marble fountain...

Taehyung stood alone.

He believed everyone was still inside the banquet hall.

His fingers gently brushed the moonflowers as he sang an old lullaby his mother had taught him.

No audience.

No royal etiquette.

Just...

Himself.

Jungkook stopped walking.

He had never heard a voice so beautiful.

A small white rabbit suddenly jumped from the bushes.

Startled...

It ran directly toward the fountain.

"Oh!"

Taehyung hurried after it.

The marble path had become slippery from the evening dew.

His foot slipped.

Everything happened in a heartbeat.

Before he could fall—

A strong arm wrapped around his waist.

Another hand caught his wrist.

Their faces ended only inches apart.

Neither of them spoke.

Jungkook could feel Taehyung's warm breath.

Taehyung could hear the stranger's heartbeat.

Fast.

Almost as fast as his own.

"Are... are you alright?"

Jungkook asked softly.

Taehyung nodded without moving.

"I think so."

The rabbit happily escaped into the bushes.

Neither of them noticed.

Neither cared.

Realizing how close they were...

Taehyung cheeks flushed crimson.

"You can..."

"...let go now."

Jungkook immediately stepped back.

"My apologies."

"No..."

Taehyung smiled shyly.

"Thank you."

For a moment...

Silence settled between them.

Then Jungkook spoke.

"I never thanked you."

"For what?"

"For trusting a stranger enough to share your wish."

Taehyung looked toward the moon.

"Perhaps..."

"I didn't feel like you were a stranger."

Those words struck Jungkook's heart.

"My name is..."

Jungkook paused.

He couldn't reveal his identity.

"...Jun."

His childhood nickname.

One almost no one knew.

Taehyung smiled.

"I'm Tae."

He offered only half of his own name.

Without realizing it...

Both princes had hidden their identities.

Yet somehow...

They had spoken more honestly than they ever had as royals.

"I hope," Jungkook said quietly, "that one day you'll find your freedom."

Taehyung's smile faded.

"My freedom may already belong to someone else."

"What do you mean?"

"My marriage."

The word felt heavy.

"It will likely be decided tomorrow."

Jungkook's heart tightened.

"So soon?"

Taehyung nodded.

"Royal omegas rarely choose their own future."

Jungkook looked into his eyes.

"What if you refuse?"

Taehyung laughed softly.

"A prince cannot refuse a kingdom."

"But a man can."

Their eyes met again.

Something unspoken passed between them.

A promise neither was ready to make.

Suddenly...

Footsteps echoed through the garden.

"There!"

"I saw His Highness come this way!"

Royal guards.

Searching for Taehyung.

Jungkook immediately stepped back into the shadows.

"You should go."

Taehyung looked reluctant.

"I'll probably never see you again."

Jungkook smiled.

"I don't believe that."

Before Taehyung could answer...

The guards arrived.

"Your Highness!"

"We've been searching everywhere."

Taehyung looked once more toward the fountain.

The mysterious traveler...

Was gone.

Hidden behind an ancient moon tree...

Jungkook watched Taehyung disappear into the palace.

His bodyguard finally caught up.

"I've been looking everywhere for you."

Jungkook didn't answer.

Instead...

He quietly asked,

"When does the Royal Council announce the prince's engagement?"

The guard's smile disappeared.

"Tomorrow morning."

Jungkook looked toward the palace one last time.

His decision was made.

"If they intend to decide his future tomorrow..."

His voice became firm.

"Then I'm staying in Lunaris."

High above the palace...

Lady Iseul watched from her balcony.

She had seen everything.

The shared lantern.

The meeting in the gardens.

The way the stranger looked at Taehyung.

The way Taehyung smiled at him.

She slowly crushed the wine glass in her hand.

"Interesting..."

"If I can't have the future King of Drakonis..."

"Then neither can the Moon Prince."

A dangerous smile curved across her lips.

"The game begins tomorrow."

"The cruelest battles are not always fought with swords. Sometimes they are fought inside a royal court."

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.

.

Morning arrived far too quickly.

The lively streets of Lunaris, once filled with laughter and music, had fallen quiet after the grand Moon Festival.

Inside the royal palace...

The atmosphere was completely different.

Heavy.

Silent.

Unforgiving.

Prince Taehyung stood on the balcony of his chambers, watching the morning sun rise above the Silver Lake.

Yet his thoughts remained with the previous night.

A stranger.

A lantern.

A pair of warm eyes.

A promise written in silver ink.

He unconsciously touched the small silk ribbon tied around his wrist—the ribbon that had accidentally brushed against Jungkook's hand while they released the lantern.

A tiny memory.

Yet it made his heart race.

"Your Highness?"

Mira entered carrying a tray of breakfast.

"You haven't slept."

Taehyung smiled faintly.

"Was it that obvious?"

"You've been standing here since dawn."

She hesitated before speaking again.

"Are you thinking about... him?"

Taehyung's ears turned pink.

"I don't even know him."

"But you want to."

He remained silent.

Silence itself became the answer.

In another part of the palace...

The Royal Council had already gathered.

Seven ministers.

The King.

The Queen.

Crown Prince Namjoon.

Military commanders.

Scholars.

Every influential noble in Lunaris.

Today...

The future of Prince Taehyung would be decided.

King Hyun rose from his throne.

"The Moon Kingdom requires a strong alliance."

"The neighboring kingdoms continue expanding their armies."

"Our borders grow weaker each season."

One elderly minister bowed.

"Your Majesty speaks wisely."

"The quickest path to peace is a royal marriage."

Another minister nodded.

"The Dragon Kingdom has yet to send a proposal."

"The White Tiger Kingdom has already expressed interest."

"The Ocean Kingdom has also requested negotiations."

The hall filled with discussion.

Only one person remained silent.

Namjoon.

The King finally looked at his eldest son.

"Crown Prince."

"You have said nothing."

Namjoon slowly stood.

"I have only one question."

The room became quiet.

"Has anyone asked Taehyung what he wants?"

Several ministers exchanged uncomfortable glances.

One of them answered.

"A prince's duty comes before personal wishes."

Namjoon's eyes hardened.

"And a father's duty?"

The King frowned.

"Be careful."

"I am."

Namjoon replied calmly.

"I simply refuse to forget that my brother is a person before he is a political agreement."

Silence spread across the council chamber.

Far beyond the palace walls...

Jungkook sat inside a quiet teahouse overlooking the capital.

He had barely touched the tea before him.

His bodyguard watched with amusement.

"You've been staring at the palace for an hour."

"I know."

"You plan to leave?"

"No."

The guard smiled knowingly.

"I thought so."

Jungkook finally looked away from the palace.

"When does the council finish?"

"By noon."

"And after that?"

"They'll announce the prince's engagement."

Jungkook's hand tightened around the porcelain cup.

Something inside him refused to accept it.

At the palace...

Queen Hana entered Taehyung's chambers.

She dismissed every servant except Mira.

Then gently sat beside her son.

"You know why I'm here."

Taehyung nodded quietly.

"The council."

She reached for his hand.

"If your father announces an engagement today..."

"I want you to know something."

Taehyung looked at her.

"I tried."

His eyes widened.

"I argued."

"I pleaded."

"I asked him to wait."

Her voice trembled slightly.

"But the kingdom..."

"...comes first."

For the first time...

Taehyung saw tears gathering in his mother's eyes.

Instead of comforting him...

She was apologizing.

He immediately embraced her.

"You've always protected me."

"I know."

"And that's enough."

The palace bell rang.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

The signal that the Royal Council had reached its decision.

Citizens gathered before the palace gates.

Nobles filled the grand courtyard.

Servants lined both sides of the royal staircase.

The announcement everyone had been waiting for...

Was about to begin.

Taehyung stood beside Namjoon.

His hands trembled beneath the sleeves of his robes.

Namjoon quietly reached over and squeezed his hand.

"No matter what happens..."

"I'm with you."

Taehyung smiled gratefully.

King Hyun stepped onto the balcony overlooking thousands of people.

The crowd immediately fell silent.

"My beloved people..."

"Today..."

"The Moon Kingdom takes another step toward lasting peace."

Taehyung closed his eyes.

His heart pounded painfully.

"The Royal Council has unanimously decided..."

A gust of wind swept across the courtyard.

Far below...

Hidden among the crowd in a dark cloak...

Jungkook watched every movement.

"...that Prince Taehyung shall be formally engaged..."

Time itself seemed to stop.

"...during the upcoming Assembly of Seven Kingdoms."

Gasps spread through the crowd.

The name of the future spouse...

Had not been announced.

Only the engagement.

Taehyung lowered his head.

His worst fear had become reality.

His future now belonged to politics.

Hidden beneath his cloak...

Jungkook felt an unfamiliar anger.

Not toward the Moon Kingdom.

Not toward the King.

Toward a tradition that treated a person's heart as nothing more than a bargaining tool.

His bodyguard noticed the change.

"What are you thinking?"

Jungkook's answer came without hesitation.

"I'm going to stop this."

The guard nearly choked.

"...Excuse me?"

"I don't know how yet."

"But I refuse to let someone else decide his life."

The guard stared at him.

"You met him yesterday."

Jungkook smiled faintly.

"I know."

"And somehow..."

"It already feels too late to walk away."

High above the courtyard...

Hidden behind silk curtains...

Lady Iseul watched Jungkook carefully.

Recognition flashed across her face.

"So..."

"The mysterious traveler..."

"...is Crown Prince Jungkook of Drakonis."

Her smile slowly widened.

"This will be much more entertaining than I expected."

She folded the corner of a letter.

A letter already bearing the seal of a foreign kingdom.

"If two kingdoms wish to unite..."

"I'll make sure they become enemies instead."

Above the palace...

Dark clouds slowly gathered.

The peaceful festival had ended.

The game of kingdoms...

Had finally begun.

"Love had arrived quietly beneath the moon... but politics had awakened with the dawn." 🌙🐉