hi guys, i'm back. sorry for kinda disappearing on this book, i've been trying to focus on finishing up some of my other works, but i'm here!!

let's hop right into it, shall we?

also you guys are gonna crucify me for this chapter but all my y/n's have to suffer before they get their happy endings, alright

*hides under the sheets*

enjoy

so the perfect song that would honestly fit jimin and y/n in this book is "lie to me" by tate mcrae. she's my b

-

A few weeks later, everything was just different.

The return to the castle was nothing less than grande. The servants had set up this huge welcoming for the king with balloons, champagne, this and that. The castle rejoiced for him as if it was his birthday and he was grinning from ear to ear in excitement with me latched onto his side.

Nothing had really changed in the castle but it felt like everything changed between us.

But then they went back to the same way, the beginning.

Chores were handed to me the next day after arrival and I don't know why, maybe because I thought we had formed some type of relationship between us, things would be different. But they weren't. I forgot that on our somehow magical vacation, I was still chosen as a maid and it never crossed his mind to change it. I was expecting too much, getting my hopes up.

Days split into nights as I constantly watched the sun wax over the moon. It reminded me each day and night I was alone.

I hadn't seen Jimin in weeks.

He kinda just fell off the face of the earth.

Assignments to go to his office stopped for me and were handed off to different maids and then sometimes not even maids at all. He hadn't requested to see me at all, almost as if anything that had happened between us didn't. Like he just erased me from his mind.

Work picked up and I swear the welts in my knees only grew tremendously painful the longer I spent out plucking out weeds in the garden.

It honestly felt like my heart was hammering on one line, trying to stir an uproar of pandemonium and Jimin's line just disconnected.

All the days we spent together washed away.

He threw them out like trash, just like his cheap words of me being the only one or our intimate moment that seemed so long ago.

I felt used.

And feeling that honestly had to be one of the many things that kept me up at night.

He always on my mind - what he was doing, how he was doing, why could he do that his to me? I thought about how he broke my heart so easily while I couldn't even do as much damage to him.

You know at first I thought, he was busy. Maybe too much king stuff going on and then I maybe I thought he was through with stopping the threats surrounding me - us.

But then I saw his women, the girls chosen for other acts, giggling as they ran past us maids in the hall. I watched as they hit the button to the top floor on the elevator, typed in a code, and went straight up.

That's when I kinda just knew, he was done with me.

I should've seen it coming.

A king chooses, not a nobody.

"Y/n, would you come help me with this?" Ruth hollered over me from across the field.

The weather was quite hot this morning, the sun burning the grass into the brightest colors of green while sweat glistened off our faces. I was sweating through my flimsy, maid dress while my knees ached after chopping off so many dead plants to harvest the fruits soiled under.

"Yes, I'm coming." I said to her and dropped my scissors next to the basket. I walked over to her side with a limp, the welts had begun to take a toll on me just like the beginning of my journey here.

She reached out and handed me a pair of scissors. I watched her for a moment as she ran a hand through her freshly cut hair, some of the strands angled weirdly as they stuck to her chin and neck like a second skin.

"There's something stuck done there. I tried cutting around the plants and grass but it's no use. It's killing the fruits whatever it is and fucking stink." He groaned and pointed her finger towards the brown patch of earth.

I sighed softly and leaned onto my knees.

"Give me a hand will you? I'll cut around, you pull the grass."

She nodded and joined me on the ground. She wrapped her hands around the slippery green before tugging roughly. I pushed the scissor towards the dirt and hacked off the wild spruces that grew from the plant.

As I made it halfway around, the blade got caught on something, trapping it between the dirt and grass. Ruth exclaimed.

"See! I told you. Something is in there!"

"Should I get one of the guards? Maybe they can help us?"

She shook her head, "No, no. That would draw too much attention and I don't need those assistants on my back after what happened a few weeks ago while you were away."

"What happened while I was away?" I rose a brow at her in curiosity. This might have been the first interesting thing I've heard all month.

"Well," She started while her eyes scanned around the premise making sure nobodies eyes were on us. She pulled me by the arm so she could whisper in my ear, "One night, I was working late and I saw somebody come out of the shed."

"Okay...where is this leading to?"

"I think they were guards, a few of them actually. They were carrying this bag, grunting and growling. I don't know, Y/n, but as I stood watching them, this odor hit me. It was so awful, I almost puked. Then suddenly I was grabbed by one of the assistants and she told me I best not be wandering around at night like this and to return to my quarters immediately!"

"What do you think was in the bag?"

She shrugged limply.

"I don't know but the shed is off limits. The king made that very clear the first day I arrived here. Whatever those guards were cleaning out...it wasn't good."

I nodded in thought and grabbed the scissors. Just as I began to cut around again, Ruth pulled me back to her. Her brown eyes were bright and wild against the light as she pursed her lips.

"Speaking of the king..."

I instantly pulled myself out of her grip.

"I told you didn't want to talk about this."

"Y/n, we are all curious!" She proclaimed, "What happened? Why did you go away with him? We can't help but dabble in our delusions since you won't provide us any details."

"Nothing happened." My voice broke.

"I don't believe that."

"Well, you should."

"You can't honestly tell me that the king's most prize possession, Mido,  gets sent away and you both just leave randomly as if—

I raise my hand to stop her.

"Mido got sent away?"

Ruth nodded enthusiastically. "Something happened, something that damn well involves you and apparently from what one of the gardeners told me, the king gave her instructions to pack a bag and leave for awhile."

"Do you know when's she coming back?"

"I wish I—

"Is there a problem here, ladies?"

The sudden sound of a heavy voice startled us both. We quickly busied ourselves with whatever the hell we were doing, my hand fumbling for the scissors while Ruth's moving to the grass.

"No, sir, we were just working." Ruth pushed out, giving a weak smile as she nudged my shoulder. I agreed quietly with her.

"Is that so?" The guard towered over us, his eyes squinting under the shade he gave us. They rolled to Ruth and then me before his lips jutted out in a pout. "Y/n, your station is over there. Nice try."

"I was helping her."

"With cutting weeds?"

"One of them is very—strong? She needed help, I was offering my assistance, that's all, really."

"Well, I bet that weed isn't as strong as my fists. Move over if you will."

He didn't even wait for us to move and just stepped in front of us, kicking us both to the side rudely. I grunted as I landed on my hands, the gravel of dirt slicing my palms lightly as I lifted myself back up.

Ruth's eyes found mine and she looks worried. I noticed she had a cut on her forearm. It was bleeding through her dress.

My eyes bounced back to the guard who squatted down and reached his hand over to the grass. He fisted it in his large palm and sighed before yoking the grass so hard from the root, the dirt and soil came up with him.

The next moment was a blur.

I could only register Ruth's screaming and a gather of assistants and guards around us, pushing and prowling us away from the scene. The outrage had caused the maids to give up on their work and draw their attention over to us in fear and curiosity.

I gasped in horror as I shuffled backwards on my bum. I was caught by the arms of a guard who pulled me up at once and wrapped his arms around me, halting my frantic movements.

"Report it to the king! Immediately!" Someone shouted next to me. I swallowed my words as I stared at the unmoving limb.

"An ARM?! What is an arm doing in my field?!" She screamed bloody murder as more guards approached us.

Laying just a few feet away from me was an arm covered in dried blood with missing fingers and a dented bone jutting out from the side. Grass and dirt slithered it's way up to the palms, infusing with fingernails that weren't missing. You could obviously tell it was a male.

Ruth was grabbed at once by a guard who lifted her off the ground as well and maneuvered her into the same position as I as well. She was crying hysterically, tears streaming down her face and slipping to the cracks of skin on her lips.

We were moved away at once, guards surrounding us quickly as well as assistants as we made our way back into the castle.

"The king requests to speak to them now!"

Ruth didn't even look like she could bare the thought of seeing him as did I. I was currently not in the right mental state to see him after just finding an arm in our workspace. Was someone murdered? Why weren't we informed?

We were taken to an elevator and then thrown into seat in front of his office so quick, I felt like I didn't even have time to breathe.

My eyes were swimming with tears from anxiety and confusion and I had a feeling I was soon about to combust any second by now. I felt absolutely nauseous and a headache was coming on.

"I cannot believe this! An arm? Not even a body, an arm?! Was someone cut up here or something?" One of the assistants that followed us up here had shouted, pacing back and forth in the hallway as she ran her hands down her outfit.

She tried to compose herself by smoothening out the wrinkles in her skirt and shirt but she didn't look any better. If anything she looked worse.

I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I was up here, about to see Jimin, after all these weeks while also trying to manage the fact that there was probably a human body laying somewhere out in the field buried under rocks and grass.

Words couldn't describe how I was feeling.

And words couldn't help decode the scrambled thoughts of what could have possibly happened to that man in the field.

"Ruth," I called to her softly.

She ignored me and shook her head.

Suddenly, the door opened and a guard walked out.

"You," he pointed to Ruth, "Inside. Now."

I watched in silence as Ruth rushed to her feet. When she was an arms length away, the guard pulled her into the room before slamming the door behind her. The assistant and I eyes met as the door latch locked behind them. I curled my fingers into fists.

As I stared at the door, my mind shifted to someone I hadn't thought about in awhile.

Sam.

I hadn't seen him since—since that night I was attacked.

How could I have possibly forgot about him? Where was he?

An uneasy feeling grew in my stomach. Nothing was making sense and no matter how hard I tried, the pieces wouldn't fit together plus this assistant's constant muttering and pacing was not helping.

A few moments later, Ruth was pushed out the door.

She wasn't crying anymore instead there was a dark look on her face. I couldn't decipher what it was but it didn't sit well with me.

The guard walked over to the assistant and mumbled something in her ear to which she nodded. He guided Ruth to her and gestured towards the elevator. She took the hint and they left without even sparing a glance at me.

"You next." The guard said and nodded his head towards the door. I stood on shaky feet, hands wrapped protectively around myself before heading inside.

Now or Never.

I kept my gaze down the whole entire time.

I felt like my insides would crumble if I even dared look at him after all Jimin disappeared and broke my heart. He robbed me of everything, the least thing I could keep was my eyesight.

The guard put his heavy hand on my shoulder and forced me to kneel in front of the desk. I complied and bowed my head further, eyes following the lines of the floor.

"Your majesty."

As quick as I let out a breath, a pair of shiny black slippers appeared in my vision, obstructing the white that surrounded me.

My eyes traveled up his thick legs and thighs that were clad in tight suit pants that made his lower body up appear so ripped, then to his hands that were dressed in thick silver bands, then to his body that was wrapped in a dark red, cashmere sweater, and a then finally to his face.

He was still as beautiful as before, if not even more glorious.

His pale skin clashed with his black bangs that were slightly damp and sticking to his forehead. His structured cheekbones were raised high as they matched the arch in his brow and the crease forming between them, and red lips were marked by the impressions of his pearly teeth that continuously bit into his lip.

He stared down at me with also this unreadable look and I was so afraid. It felt like I was shitting myself. My hands quivered.

This wasn't the Jimin during vacation or at least it didn't feel like him.

"Leave."

My heart plummeted as I stood to my feet. Before I could even take a step to the door, his hand snaked around my wrist and pulled me to him. Confused, I glanced up at him.

"Not you," he murmured, "The rest of you. Out. Now."

"But Jiminnn~" A woman sitting on one of his couches whined. His head snapped to hers.

"I said, leave. Do I need to show you what leave means?" He growled.

That was enough to send the girl skating across the room and joining everybody dispersing.

The door shut with a whoosh and as soon as it did, I yanked my arm away from his hold. I pushed myself backwards so I could create distance between us, mainly, so I could breathe and the look that slithered onto his features told me I shouldn't have done that but I didn't care. I couldn't.

"Y/n—

"Don't" I whispered, not necessarily trusting my voice, "Don't say something you don't mean because I can't handle it. You know I can't."

He took a step to me and I took one back.

"I do mean what I'm about to say though. Trust me."

"Where has trusting you gotten me?" I laughed, "You said you wanted me and then you have sex Mido while I was attacked and then you bring me on some vacation and then you bring us back and forget about me—us. So tell me, Jimin, where has that gotten me?"

One step forward, another step back.

"I know. I've been busy but there's no excuse for treating you like that."

One step forward, one step back.

"Why was that girl in your office?" The question fell before I could even stop it.

Jimin tilted his head and scrunched his face. His hand went to smoothen the crease still growing between his brows and he sighed.

"She's an—

"One of them. One of you chosen for those things."

"We didn't do anything. She just has a question."

"Well have you been doing them these past months?"

He looked taken aback my answer as his feet halted just a small step away from mine. I was at the door by now, pressed up against it, and possibly the worse position I could be in, in this entire room.

"May I request something?"

He nodded his head instantly, "Anything you want is alreadyyours."

"May I leave? I wish not to be around you anymore, not until you figure out whatever you're trying to figure out."

He squinted his eyes and shook his head.

"Anything but that."

"I don't even get a choice?" I huffed.

Suddenly, he surged to me.

His hands flew to each side of my head as his body pinned mine against the door hard. I could feel the ridges of his stomach as he breathed, his overwhelming scent intoxicating my senses and my eyes shut. I tried to breathe but I realized I was too frozen to do so.

"I want you." I could feel his eyes study the side of my cheek as his head fell into my neck.

"You don't." 

"I do."

"What game are you trying to play? I won't be used by you, not for when you want a quick getaway or an escape. You have women for that and I'm not looking for anything in that category with you."

"I'm sorry, I swear, I've just been busy. I'm sorry I haven't had time for you."

"Can I go?" I pressed again. He brushed over my words and his hand grasped my chin and turned it in his direction.

Flames erupted against my skin at his scolding touch. It's like he lit up fireworks in my veins just by his rough skin caressing mine and I hated it. I hated how weak my body was because it would just easily succumb to him despite my minds decision.

I swallowed hard as our eyes locked. His chocolate eyes bored into mine as a soft look swam across his face. He gave me a smile as his hands found his favorite spot at my waist and pulled me to him.

"I'm sorry, love, I swear. I have been traveling most of my days and those women, nothing happened between them and me. I haven't even considered that. I promise you."

"Be honest with me about something."

"Okay." He shrugged.

"Why didn't you tell me Mido was sent away?"

His breath hitched and I smiled weakly.

"Who told you that?"

"It does not matter. Tell me truth, why didn't you tell me she was sent away and where is she?"

"I didn't tell you because it does not concern you any longer. She's not a threat and her location is not important."

"You said you've been traveling—did you go to see her?"

"I-

"Don't lie to me or I promise you I will walk out this door. Did you see her? Do you know when she's coming back? Be honest."

He sighed and nodded.

"I went to see her for a few days but nothing happened—

I scoffed and shoved him away from me.

"So much for being the only one."

"Y/n, nothing happened between us. I just went to see her, she's been alone and scared. I'm telling you nothing, and I mean nothing, happened between us."

"I don't believe you."

"Tell me what I can do to make you believe me." He pleaded.

I didn't even get the chance to answer because the next thing I knew, Jimin was slamming me back against the door and kissing me.

His mouth was frantic against mine—nipping, pulling, sucking against each piece of my mouth he could land on.

One hand wrapped itself lightly around my throat while the other went under my legs. He lifted me effortlessly off the ground as he pushed me impossibly further into the wall while squeezing my throat slightly as he did so. My legs wrapped around his waist instinctively as I lost myself for a moment, letting him dominate me.

His lips were a sweet wildfire as he claimed mike as his. His tongue pushed past the seams of my lips and found mine, easily winning the war of lust as licked into my mouth. I moaned softly and swung my arms around his neck as he pulled me off the wall abruptly and onto his desk.

That's when he pulled back.

"Move into my floor."

"What?"

"If that's the best I can prove that I want you so badly, move into my floor. Forget about working, forget about your assignments—just move into my floor with me."

"Jimin—

"Please," he panted as he gripped my cheek, running his thumb across my swollen lip, "Move in with me."

"...Okay."

He bit back a smile as laughter bubbled through his throat. He smashed his lips onto mine again, the kiss in turn was sloppy because of his giggles. He lifted me once more and twirled me around. Just then I remembered something.

"Jimin, wait."

He leaned away from me.

"The arm in the field—

"Ah yes, I'll handle it."

"Well, I think there are still more body parts out there. There's a possibility that someone in the castle is hurting—

"Shhh," He murmured and began to suck at my neck, "Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it, don't I always?"

JIMIN POV

"What the fuck was that?!" My shout billowed through the many fearful gazes of the guards in front of me. They were pissing themselves at the sight of me, already knowing I was on my last straw before I officially snapped today.

"Sir—

"You," I pointed my finger at the foolish man who dare to even justify this, "You all had one job, one job! You get rid of him. All of him. Not leave his fucking pieces splattered all around my courtyard. How many damn mistakes do you have to make before I teach you a lesson?

"I-

"Would you like to end up like Sam?! Cut up and dead? HUH?"

"No sir." They all spoke in unison as they bowed. I rolled my rings around my fingers in agitation. I felt like hurting somebody today.

"I will have each and every one of you hanged if you don't scour those fields and search through every amount of grass there is to find another body part and if there is another one, I will still be taking one of your heads off after all."

"Sir please, have mercy on us."

I scoffed in amusement.

"You speak of mercy? Clearly, you are in for a rude awakening, now leave! You're all dismissed."

They rushed out the room without another word as I stood watching them stumble over each other.

I took some deep breaths and cracked my neck, trying to erase the tension from my face. I didn't want Y/n to see me like this, see me all wound up, all pissed.

She left a few minutes ago with the assistants to help design our floor and I wanted to be happy for her. She deserved something good even though I was so far from that. I hated that I was keeping this from her—Mido, Sam's remains. But I knew it would break her if she found what actually was my stress reliever.

I dug into my pocket and pulled out the note Mido had handed me before I left her small village just the other day.

Secrets, secrets are no fun unless you tell everyone.
Tick Tock, Jimin.

-
end of chap.
thank god, too much is happening.

love you guys, thanks for the support and waiting one me, i know I haven't been great with updating this book.

also our boys just got nominated for a grammy and they better win.

and let's not even talk about MMA or MAMA

*screams*