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tinietaehyun · 6 months

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Forsaken [I]

[Sorcerer!Taehyun x Royal!Reader] [Series] [Chapter One]

Pairing(s): Sorcerer!Taehyun x Royal!Reader [Ft. Knight!Hueningkai]

Genres: royal!au, fantasy au, supernatural, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, romance, angst.

Contains: Mentions of family pressure and dysfunction, illness & death.

Links: Forsaken Masterlist || Masterlist

Chapter summary: Finally, you’ve found a place you could call home, with loving parents. Oh how perfect indeed! Though, with your older brother despising you from the day you came home, it seems turmoil was bound to follow.

Luckily for you, your personal knight Huening Kai was always by your side, he’d never let anyone hurt you. You could trust him with your life, and maybe even your heart? You’d one day rule with him by your side, right?

Oh, how wrong you were.

The nation of Fortuna was indeed a flourishing place brimming with budding magic, population and a growing economy. It was a pleasant and tranquil kingdom. Unfortunately, this serenity took centuries of tyranny and war until finally the current royal family lineage appeared - kind rulers who uphold democracy and peace above all else.

The monarch: Kim Dae-Seong and his cherished wife: Kim Iseul. The wonderful royal couple, beloved by their subjects and known for their peaceful rule, gave birth to their adorable son: Kim Sehun. A few years pass after a traitorous event, and the loving couple realised their poor boy was mostly alone in the palace, by himself as they performed their royal duties, often retreating off to the sorcerer’s tower.

With the Queen’s advanced age and the risk of childbirth heightened, the two set foot into the nearest orphanage in the hopes of finding a fortunate child to take back home. The children of the orphanage peered up at the nobility wide-eyed; some scared, some in awe of their majesty.

Upon news of their arrival, you had practiced intensely in the determination of getting adopted. With your utmost resilience (as much as a six year old could have), you spent the days before today, practicing your curtsies, your waves, your speech, manners and most importantly your ‘thank yous’ and ‘pleases.’

With the king and queen seated peering at the children in awe, you waddled up to them holding two glasses of water with a half toothless smile. You wanted to be loved, to be cherished; to gain love that you never got. The other kids looked at you as though you were mad.

“Darling, look how endearing, she’s gotten us water,” the Queen utters taking the glass from your small hands. You beam widely, “You are very pretty, your majesty.” The Queen blushes pinching your cheeks in awe of your behaviour. The King chuckles, “How kind of you, dear.”

“I can curtsy too!” You try your best to curtsy; giving the couple your best and most flawless curtsies and showing them how well you could balance a book atop your head to show off your so-called perfect posture (the book fell twice). The other children watched your pitiful attempts to win their favour - some laughing, some cringing.

Fate must have heard your late night cries curled up in bed, because you find yourself that very evening standing in front of the grandiose palace doors hand in hand with your new parents.

“This here is your older brother, Sehun. Sehun, this is your new little sister, y/n.” You brim with excitement at the prospect of having a big brother. He was much taller than you, perhaps two, three years older. His sharp eyes pierce into yours coldly. “I told you already, I didn’t want one.”

You flinch, as do your parents. The King snaps, “Sehun, manners! She will accompany you, we see how alone you always are. It’s not good for your social development, you are far too reserved. We cannot always flock around you.” The boy glares into your soul and he stamps his foot, “I don’t want her! Take her back!”

An ache fills your heart; perhaps it was too much to ask for a place where you were wanted for once. Tears stream down your face and the Queen kneels down to wipe them away.

Though this didn’t hold you back, you tried numerous times to win the affections of your older brother. You wished to play with him, talk with him. Yet, he would not oblige your little heart. He would yell at you, argue, sometimes even throw things if you pestered him too much. Years after trying, you eventually gave up much to his contentment. Sehun and you kept contact, speaking when necessary; though this made your parents rather unhappy. Regardless, they had more important matters to attend to, such as Fortuna. You still felt happy, feeling loved by your parents and the people around you.

You continued to grow, honing your talents and skills, excelling in your studies and having a blossoming intellect with a social personality. Things that your brother seemed to resent you greatly for. You seem to surpass him in all aspects; it irked him terribly, worsening your relationship.

A memorable moment was when you turned eighteen. You’d be making more public appearances and taking on more duties, whilst your brother would get more involved in the royal army, training. He often loved to go to the sorcerer’s tower to spend time with his friend there; anywhere without you.

“For your safety dear, I will be assigning you a personal knight. He will accompany you wherever necessary and risk his life to protect you at all costs.” Your father seriously explains to you and you sigh - of course. Though, to your surprise when you are introduced to the son of the royal commander: Huening Kai; your heart flutters.

A handsome face, sharp jawline, slightly curled dark brown locks of hair that hung over his honey-toned forehead. His gaze pierces into yours as he bows in front of you, “I am Huening Kai, your highness. I will do my utmost best to protect you.” The twinkle in his eye and small smile makes you mirror a smile of your own back.

Huening Kai and you seem to click instantly. Behind that polite and well-mannered exterior was a mischievous boy who liked to tease you, make pitiful puns and seemed to have a deep love for reading. You would often talk for hours on end within the palace library - often a secret place of solace for the both of you away from the bustle of the rest of the palace.

“Hey, wasn’t this the book you were looking for, princess?” He utters with a lopsided smirk. Your eyes widen spotting the cover and rush over reaching for it until he holds it above him. “Want it?” Kai hums playfully. You glare, “You are abnormally tall, you know that?” Kai grins, “Why, thank you, your highness.” Scoffing, you respond, “Give me the book, Kai!”

“Say, please. Where are your manners, princess?” He feigns shock and you groan, “Please, give me the book, Kai.” He chuckles, lowering the book and you snatch it excitedly. “You and your romance novels, when are you going to find a real suitor, hm?” He inquires leaning forward close to your face. For the first time, your heartbeat hastens and you feel a sense of breathlessness. What was going on? Why was he making you feel like this?

Time continues to pass, you’d have picnics with your beloved knight, he’d oblige your silly requests of singing (he had a lovely voice) and partaking in your luxurious shopping sprees. Kai would be there by your side, teasing and bickering. His charming smile and bright gaze enlightened you, made you feel happy amongst your usual breaks between your studies. Closer and closer you become, the more your heart yearns for more. The shy glances, bashful smiles you both exchange. How, he would maintain eye contact with you as you watched him train (how, improper indeed!) The way he grasps your hand tightly when traversing a tough spot, oh, how he sits beside your bed comforting you through a nightmare or talking till midnight to get you to fall asleep.

You could rely on him to protect you, make you laugh, and confide your deepest secrets to. He became your pillar of support especially during times of adversity.

“You are not of royal blood.”

“You were lucky, his majesty found potential like you off the street.”

“You do not deserve to be trained to rule, like Sehun does. It is clear already, who should.”

Comments you often heard from some members of the royal court that left you hurt. Days where Huening Kai would wipe away your tears off your face with his calloused thumbs and pull you in for a secret hug - comforting you as best he could. What would you do without him? Your yearning for him grows as time passes.

Now in your early twenties, you are a poised and wise young woman. You peer over at Kai standing opposite you by the entrance of the dining hall. How beautiful he’s grown into a young man; sharp and sculpted features. He throws a playful wink at you making your heart bounce in your chest. A mischievous smirk graces his lips.

“Tch,” Sehun scoffs beside you, tapping his fingers impatiently on the table. You stiffen; he was just as cold (if not more) than ever. Your father and mother chuckle discussing various matters as dinner is being served. Sehun had become unbelievably distant nowadays, barely being within the palace but rather spending his time with the soldiers or in the sorcerer’s quarters with the apprentices and his friend - what was his name again? Yeonjun, you think?

The discussion swerves into the topic of the next heir making the air heavy. They are growing older and your father has recently been diagnosed with a chronic cough, so this topic was inevitable. “We have been discussing this with the royal court and have held several votes and talks, and we believe that y/n is most suitable to become crown princess. The heir of the throne. With you, Sehun, to support her.”

Sehun slams his cutlery into the table, startling everyone, “How appalling,” he seethes. His jaw clenches, eyes darkening. The Queen murmurs sharply, “May I add, y/n received the most votes of support from the advisors. She’s most suited. Sehun; don’t be hurt, we are not diminishing your qualit-“ She’s interrupted with his dark gaze as he stands up abruptly leaving the table. The air is tense and your hands begin to tremble. You were most fit to rule?

“See, this is what I mean. Sehun has much to improve in terms of character. His temperament is the cause for concern.” Your father sighs in frustration before coughing once more. Your mother takes your hand comfortingly and smiles, “Don’t worry dear, we have thought about this a lot. I’m sure Sehun will get over it. He’s a good boy at heart. It’s inevitable you two will have to work together, to rule.” You frown.

———-••••———

You seem to have so little time to truly relax your body and mind as your studies pick up, gearing towards diplomacy and politics. You feel as though a heavy boulder were on your back.

Furthermore, your knight was getting harder to reach. Kai’s father had finally retired from the army therefore, needing Kai to step up and take over his role of Royal Commander.

“Kai? Have you finished your training?” You ask with a frown. He hums, “Sorry, princess. I have a meeting to attend with the generals. Are you free this evening? Is your new guard okay?” You wanted so badly to say no, but you find yourself murmuring, “I suppose. He is alright. I prefer you.”

Kai takes your hand and gives you his signature smirk, “Don’t miss me too much, princess. I miss how pretty you look when you smile.” You instinctively smile bashfully and he chuckles, “There we go. We’ll find time, don’t worry.” You nod as your heart aches. You were coming to the realisation you may (or already have) developed feelings for your beloved knight. Did he like you back at all?

To worsen things, your father’s health declines rapidly. His coughing now becomes bloody vomiting. His state was quickly deteriorating and it had all healers and even sorcerers confused. What could have caused this? He was perfectly fine before?

You frown holding your father’s hand, “Father…” your voice cracks. Kai stands by the entrance with a broken expression whilst Sehun stands stiffly beside you frowning. Your father weakly smiles; his face pale, “Dear, don’t worry. You’d have to face this one day.”

He smiles warmly, “My precious, it breaks my heart to see you like this. I still remember when I first brought you here.” A year rolls down your face. He peers up at Kai, “My dear boy, please protect her with your life, even after I am gone. Protect both my children, and keep them safe. You hear me?” You begin sniffling. You knew there was no treatment for this.

Kai nods solemnly, “Of course, your majesty.” The King’s gaze flickers between you and Sehun frowning, “How I wish you children would get along, at least once. To see you tenderly with each other.” Sehun and you stiffen; guilt on both of your faces.

After leaving your father’s room, you hear, “Y/n.” The cold voice; one which you feared as a child. You turn around seeing Sehun with a mixed expression. He murmurs, “Seeing as father is direly ill and circumstances changing rapidly. I believe as father said, it would be better to be on good terms with another.” Bitterly, you scoff, “After all these years? Now when, father is on the cusp of death? You think about it?” He flinches at your icy tone.

“I’ve had time to think these last few weeks. Mother has talked to me and I’ve talked to father many times. It’s been difficult for the two of us. I don’t want to burden mother with our tumultuous relationship.” He utters frowning. His eyes seem genuine. You sigh, “I don’t know.”

Sehun steps forward, “I..I wish to apologise. For my behaviour. I’m aware a mere apology cannot fix anything, but I wish to start there.” Stunned, is what you could describe your emotions. You spot his glazed eyes and your heart aches. “I am tired of resenting you for my own inadequacies. It’s time I face up to them,” he firmly says.

You hesitantly smile, “Huh, I never thought this would occur.” He murmurs, “Neither did I, but I see this was a needed wake up call.” You sigh, “Indeed. It’ll take time for me to warm up. But…Sehun, I’m glad..” His eyes glisten, “I’m sorry. I really will try to be the big brother you never had.” Your eyes water and you find yourself walking toward him as he gives you a hug; a much needed one.

Unfortunately, the dreaded day arrives. The bells clang out across the kingdom and your mother and you adorn glistening tears as you weep beside your lifeless father’s body in his hearse. How you wish, you could hear him heartily guffaw once more. For the first time, you weep in your brother’s arms.

Huening Kai peers on distraught. You’ve noted how distant he’s become over the last few weeks. As your mother weeps adorning black in her room, you notice her viciously coughing. A horrifying dread fills you as though a taunting serpent coils up your body, squeezing tighter and tighter.

You knew.

When you find yourself beside your mother’s bedside a month later, she weakly peers at you, it feels as though deja vu. “Darling, y-you will need to prepare yourself to rule.” She squeezes your hand weakly, “I know how scary this must be.” You weep, “Please don’t leave me.” Sehun looks lifeless putting a hand on your shoulder to comfort you. Iseul hums softly, “Perhaps it was fate for me, to follow Dan-Seong,” she chuckles, “He never did like going places without me.” Your heart twists painfully. Oh, how you would miss them terribly. Once again, your mother requests Sehun to never leave your side.

He murmurs, “Of course, I would never mother. Don’t worry.” Your mother’s eyes glimmer; you two recently getting along made her very happy indeed.

With your mother in her last weeks of life, the royal court was burning with questions and the need for a stable ruler. You were to soon sign a royal decree in which you would take over your mother’s duties, and become a temporary figurehead until the coronation was sorted (when you mother would eventually pass).

————•••————

Huening Kai spends more time with you, as you cry countless times in his arms; his own eyes red with grief and sorrow. He had never looked so tired and unhappy. You murmur, “You won’t leave me, right?” Kai cups the back of your head gently and smile, “Rest easy, your highness. Don’t worry your precious head about such things. I’ll be right here.” You nod, closing your eyes as you rest your head against his chest.

The day of the decree arrives as you enter the grand meeting hall where your royal court await obnoxiously. Half dislike you whereas half don’t; you weren’t sure how you were going to manage them all. As the hall bursts into discussion at your entry, you tremble.

Huening Kai subtly gives your hand a sequence behind your back and you smile at him. You await the decree to be brought to sign; but to no avail. “Where is the decree?” You ask worried. “Your highness, the advisor will be bringing it shortly accompanied by your brother,” a pale, blonde haired young man answers with a smirk - oh, right, this was Yeonjun. You nod slowly as anxiety envelopes you. Something didn’t feel right.

The large wooden doors burst open revealing a line of soldiers marching in clutching their spears starting the court. “What’s happening? What’s this insolence?” You yell panicking. Your eyes widen peering at the nobly dressed figure who arrogantly strides in holding the decree scroll in one hand.

“My, are you looking for this?” Sehun hums condescendingly. Your body shakes and you stammer, “Sehun, is this your doing?” The guards block all exits giving you a menacing stare. Sehun walks forward with a mocking smile, “And if it is, what do you propose you’ll do, dear sister?”

Snarling, you say, “How dare you? How dare you make a fool of the royal family like this in front of the court?” Sehun laughs crudely, “Family? Oh you still consider yourself as family?” Your shoulders slouch. “What?”

His tone is icy, “Surely you don’t forget what I said to you when you first came? You’re not noble blood. I never wanted you here. It just made for more competition for the throne. To think my parents would give the throne to you! A peasant from the bottom barrel!” You hear a few snickers from the court.

You scream tearfully, “You traitor- I thought-“ He hums brushing you off, “I knew you’d get suspicious of me quickly. I had to put on this whole disgusting act of liking you? Do you know how tiring that was?” Your heart shatters. He peers at the decree, “Anyway, I will be the one signing this decree, not you.”

Your eyes widen putting the pieces together, “You were responsible for father’s death- and now mother!” You sob. Sehun bitterly laughs, “Oh well done, it’s remarkable what types of slow poison you can get in the markets these days. Mother will die quite soon.” You feel your knees buckle. The court gasps. Sehun sneers, “Any insolence from the court and you’ll have your arms chopped off by my soldiers.” You realise how long he’s been hatching this plan for- getting the soldiers on his side.

You bellow, lunging forward at Sehun but you’re stopped by a hand gripping your forearm. You peer over seeing Kai. You snarl, “What are you doing? Let me go.” A pained expression coats his features. He pulls you back and you’re eyes widen in horror. “K-Kai?”

He blankly murmurs, “Don’t try to hurt his highness. It won’t end well.” Betrayed. Your knees buckle. Sehun hums with a sly smirk, “He takes my orders, y/n. How foolish you are.” You scream in agony as Kai pulls you back up. “Keep her in the dungeons until I decide what to do,” Sehun cruelly utters. Other guards surround you as Kai hoists you up as you fight and flail. “I’m sorry,” he utters pained.

Dirty, lying traitor.

Lifelessly, you sit in the dungeon; tear-stained, and empty. Kai visits you, giving you food to which you ignore all his attempts at talking. The third night into your imprisonment, you notice Kai appear at midnight past your cell. He gazes at you pained before tossing a key through the bars. He murmurs, “The tunnels. I’ve unlatched the door.” Your eyes widen in confusion.

You stammer, “W-What? Why?” He murmurs, “I’d rather not see you die in front of my eyes, your highness.” Your eyes water. Kai pleads looking away, “Just…escape. Please. Away from here. Sehun is unstable.” You scoff, “Yet, you follow his orders.” Kai ignores your remark, “Just be careful. Don’t miss your chance. The switch over of guards takes place in ten minutes. You have a five minute gap.” Kai walks off.

You couldn’t lose here. Using his intel, you escape your cell and follow the signs to the ancient tunnels. Indeed, he had unlocked the latch. The tunnels; full of cobwebs, wind and twist with no light. You feel your way through precariously not knowing where you were truly heading. Any chance of escape, you’d take!

Finally, you spot a hatch and climb up, shoving it open. Climbing up, you’re met with much needed fresh air. You peer down at your kingdom which seemed minuscule from here. How long were you walking for?

You twist around and you’re mortified - The Woods of Mor. A place where they used to send the exiled criminals before it was outlawed and the present day dungeons were built. You peer back at your kingdom, you knew you couldn’t go back.

You spot a faint tuft of smoke coming from the trees of the woods; a from a chimney perhaps? It’s been a long time since anyone has been in there. Yet you knew, beyond this forest was your ally nation: Luna. If you could just escape through there; it was the quickest route.

Thus, you risk it and set foot into the woods, walking and walking for what you think are hours on end. Exhaustion hangs on your limbs as hunger and thirst irk you. You were going to die. How idiotic were you to believe you could survive walking through this vast expanse of dangerous woods?

The path opens up and suddenly you rush over to a familiar set of shrubs. Blueberries, raspberries and wild strawberries! Oh heavens! You recognised these plants with how many the palace gardens had!

Hungrily, you start picking them off stuffing them into your mouth without a care in the world. They tasted amazing! There were so many too! How lucky were you to stumble upon-

“Huh, look what I found. A pest on my beloved berry bushes,” a voice slices lowly. You stiffen peering over and your eyes widen. A long black cloak; in which a young man with pale blonde locks wears, carrying a basket. He was ethereal with his sharp dark eyes and chiselled features.

His eyes narrow with a snarky smile, “Oh, I didn’t take nobles to be petty thieves and trespassers?” The man summons his wand and hums, “What should I do? Turn you to stone, or into a toad? What’s your preference?” You quiver, “Perhaps, neither?” The man smirks at your answer.

A sorcerer? Oh…this would not bode well for you.

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