CHAPTER 2

The one Jungkook love is Diana The Emperor knew this, which was why the marriage had been arranged. And of course, Count Bellacian would never send his precious daughter. So Kim Taehyung had been sent instead.

"Then... shall we sleep together?"

"...!" Jeon Jungkook immediately darted away and hid behind the enormous bed.

What was wrong with him? It wasn't as if Taehyung had suggested anything inappropriate. The Bellacian family possessed the power of light. That was how Diana would later remove Jungkook's curse. Taehyung also carried that bloodline, though his power was far weaker. Jungkook's curse didn't only affect his appearance—it caused constant pain. The colder it became, the worse it grew. After jumping into freezing water to save Taehyung, the pain must have been unbearable. But Jungkook wasn't the type to complain. Physical contact was necessary to use the power of light—just as expected in an R18+ romance novel.

Taehyung only intended to sleep beside him while holding hands. Yet Jungkook's expression made it clear he had completely misunderstood.

"Your Highness," Taehyung said quickly, "please don't misunderstand."

"Mi–misunderstand?" Jungkook asked meekly.

"We're married, so it's natural to sleep together. There's nothing to be embarrassed about." Taehyung informed him patiently.

"But..." Jungkook shivered and buried his face into the pillow. "I'm still embarrassed..."

Where did the fierce Jungkook from the original story go? Instead of a ferocious beast, a timid and adorable child sat before Taehyung. Would this little rabbit truly grow into that cold, merciless man in ten years? Human growth was truly mysterious.

"Come here!" Taehyung couldn't leave him like this. He pulled the pillow away and tightly clasped Jungkook's hands. "As a newlywed couple, I suggest we sleep together from now on."

"E–Every day...?" Jungkook asked hesitantly.

"Is there a problem?" Taehyung tilted his head. "Do you not like the idea?"

"N–No... but are you comfortable with this arrangement?"

"...Pardon?"

"Are you really fine with sleeping together?"

"Of course," Taehyung replied calmly. "I'm fond of you."

Jungkook's already large eyes widened further, his entire face flushing red as he froze.

Taehyung clasped both of his hands. "How is it? Do you feel comfortable?"

In the original novel, the pain of the curse lessened when Jungkook held Diana's hand. But Taehyung's power didn't seem to work very well. Now that Taehyung had transmigrated into this world, he wanted to help Jungkook—who would suffer until he met Diana—but his light was far weaker. Taehyung loosened his grip and slipped Jungkook's hand beneath the quilt.

Suddenly, Jungkook hugged him tightly from behind. "Don't let go!"

"...What?"

"Your hand. Taehyung's hands are warm, so don't let go."

Taehyung couldn't see his face, but he heard the tremble in Jungkook's voice. He was crying. Such a crybaby.

"I'm not going anywhere," Taehyung said softly.

"Really?" Jungkook raised his head, eyes expectantly looking into his.

"Yes. I just went to get my pillow..." Taehyung informed.

Jungkook's face turned red as he hurried back onto the bed.

Looking at his face, Taehyung asked, "Don't you want to sleep with me?"

"That's not it..." Jungkook hesitated. "Are you really okay with it? Sleeping with a monster like me..."

"Your Highness," Taehyung said firmly, "Don't say that. You're not a monster."

"But—"

Without letting him complete his sentence, Taehyung said, "I told you before, didn't I?" He took Jungkook's hand and looked straight into his crimson eyes. "Don't worry. Your curse will be lifted eventually."

"My... curse?" Jungkook's eyes widened.

"Yes. On your eighteenth birthday, when you reach adulthood, it will be lifted. The future won't always be this painful, so don't be discouraged. Ignore what others say—treat it as meaningless noise."

"...Eighteen." His voice was small and weary

Just as there was an Heir of Light, there was also an Heir of the Curse in the Imperial Family. Emperor Dayhyung, the founder of the Empire, once loved the Goddess of Light. She granted him her power, allowing him to establish the Empire. But after becoming Emperor, he betrayed her and fell in love with another woman. Enraged, the Goddess cursed his bloodline. The Heir to the Curse would bear black inscriptions on their body. When they spread completely, death followed. None of the heirs survived to adulthood. In the original story, Jungkook was driven to the brink of death on the night he turned eighteen.

Taehyung held Jungkook's hand tightly and hooked his pinky around his. He said, "I promise you'll be cured. I swear it with my life—"

"No!" Jungkook yanked his hand back and screamed.

"...What?"

"Don't promise that!" His voice cracked. "You can't die! Even if I die, you have to live!"

Taehyung grabbed his hand again and hooked their pinkies together.

"Neither of us will die. So don't worry."

"Taehyung..."

"Oh no," Taehyung sighed, wiping Jungkook's tears with a handkerchief. "Why is my husband such a crybaby?"

"I–I'm not!"

"You're crying right now."

"No!" Jungkook pressed his lips together, trying to endure it, but soon broke into tears.

Taehyung wrapped his arms around him, and Jungkook calmed instantly. His breathing evened out, his eyelids fluttering shut.

He held him until they fell asleep together.

________________________________________

When Taehyung woke up, warm sheets surrounded him. He rubbed his eyes sleepily and carefully turned to look at Jungkook.

Sunlight illuminated Jungkook's small face as he slept, making gentle snuffling sounds. Taehyung reached out to touch his plump cheeks—but Jungkook suddenly clasped Taehyung's right hand with both of his.

You said you were embarrassed, yet you held my hand all night?

A smile naturally curved Taehyung's lips. He stroked Jungkook's hair with his free hand. Soon, Jungkook's long eyelashes trembled and he opened his eyes.

"Did I wake you?" Seeing him waking up, Taehyung asked gently.

"No..." Jungkook shook his head and smiled softly.

"Why are you smiling?" Taehyung asked.

"I like it."

"...Hm?" Taehyung tilted his head in confusion.

"You stayed with me all night." Jungkook tried to hide his face behind his fingers, his cheeks burning red.

After transmigrating into an R18+ novel, Taehyung never imagined he would have a husband as cute as a rabbit.

At that moment, he vowed to protect Jungkook and make him happy. Taehyung wanted to save Jungkook, but he had no way to lift the curse. All he could do was protect him until he met Diana.

Since 'The Beast and the Lady' focused on adulthood, there were few details about childhood. Still, the author mentioned three tragedies in Jungkook's youth.

The first—becoming the Heir to the Curse.

The second—Taehyung's attempted suicide.

The third—the death of his father, Emperor Dayhyung.

After Emperor Dayhyung's death, Duke Mingyue, Jungkook's uncle and Richard's father, seized the throne. He stripped Jungkook of his title and exiled the helpless child to a southern island.

Right now, Jungkook had already suffered the first tragedy. But the third tragedy had not yet occurred. It would happen in three years.

If Taehyung wanted to prevent Emperor Dayhyung's death, he needed to meet him first. Unfortunately, after the wedding, the Emperor left immediately and would not return for at least a month.

Taehyung slept with Jungkook every day. He ate in Jungkook's room and spent his time reading and talking with him.

Then he noticed something strange. Again.

Taehyung stared at the breakfast table.

Green. Green. And more green.

Spinach soup, tomato salad, grilled mushrooms—unchanged every day. Even the soup tasted reheated.

Taehyung wasn't picky, but this wasn't food for ordinary children. This was a meal for the Crown Prince and his consort.

"...Your Highness," Taehyung said.

"Yes?" Jungkook looked at him.

"What kind of food do you like?" He asked.

"Anything."

Listening his simple answer, he decided to ask differently, "Do you like meat or fish?"

"Yes!" Jungkook nodded brightly, popping a tomato into his mouth.

Jungkook wasn't a vegetarian. His curse didn't require dietary restrictions. There was only one explanation—they were neglecting him because he was cursed.

The Crown Prince's palace was isolated. No relatives visited. He was young, powerless, and married to the son of an insignificant count.

But Taehyung would not allow this to continue.

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