Chapter 1 – The Moon Festival

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.

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