Part : 47 Joyful

                                    

                                          
The soft hues of twilight spilled into the royal chambers, casting everything in a warm, golden glow. Taehyung was nestled amidst a sea of pillows on their massive bed, absently running his hand over the curve of his swollen belly. His other hand rested on a nearby book, though he hadn't turned a page in quite some time. His thoughts were elsewhere, wandering to the little life growing inside him.  
Jungkook sat nearby, his brows furrowed as he reviewed a stack of official documents. The king's posture was relaxed but focused, one hand occasionally flipping a page while the other drummed softly against the armrest of his chair.  
"Jungkook," Taehyung called, his voice soft but filled with curiosity.  
Jungkook glanced up immediately, his dark eyes warm as they met Taehyung's. "Yes, love?"  
"Do you think the baby can hear us yet?" Taehyung asked, his tone carrying the weight of wonder and excitement.  
Jungkook set the papers aside, turning fully toward his omega. "The healers said they probably can by now," he replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Why? Has something happened?"  
Taehyung shook his head, his fingers tracing light circles over his belly. "I've been talking to them all day, but they haven't responded." His pout was both adorable and heartbreaking.  
Jungkook chuckled, pushing himself up from the chair and crossing the room to join Taehyung on the bed. He sat beside him, leaning in close as his hand instinctively rested on Taehyung's stomach. "Maybe they're just being shy," Jungkook teased, his voice gentle.  
"Shy?" Taehyung huffed, raising an eyebrow. "Not my child. If they're anything like you, they'll be bold and demanding from the moment they're born."  
Jungkook laughed, the sound deep and rich. He leaned forward, pressing a tender kiss to Taehyung's belly. "Hello in there," he murmured softly. "This is your father. Are you listening to your mother? He's been waiting to hear from you."  
Taehyung rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the fond smile spreading across his face. "You're ridiculous."  
Jungkook rested his head on Taehyung's lap, looking up at him with a playful grin. "Maybe they'll respond to me. I do have a way with persuasion."  
Taehyung opened his mouth to retort, but his words caught in his throat as a sudden, subtle flutter rippled through his belly. His hand froze, his breath hitching.  
"Jungkook!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with astonishment.  
Jungkook bolted upright, his expression alert. "What? What is it?"  
"They kicked!" Taehyung cried, his eyes wide and sparkling with emotion.  
Jungkook's own eyes widened in awe, his hand moving instinctively to cover Taehyung's. "Are you sure?"  
"Yes!" Taehyung said, nodding vigorously. He grabbed Jungkook's hand and pressed it firmly against his belly. "Here, wait. Just wait a moment."  
The room fell silent, the only sound the faint crackle of the fireplace and their combined breaths. Jungkook's palm rested warmly against Taehyung's stomach, his heart pounding with anticipation.  
And then-  
There it was. A distinct, gentle thump against his hand, as if the baby had decided to greet them at last.  
Jungkook gasped softly, his face lighting up with wonder. "I felt it," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I felt them."  
Tears pricked at Taehyung's eyes as he smiled, his hand covering Jungkook's. "Our baby," he murmured, his voice trembling.