The Lost Wife

Chapter one

The crowd in Eldoria was restless, holding their breaths as parents and siblings prayed that their loved ones weren't chosen, while simple onlookers watched with morbid curiosity. No one liked these ceremonies, but it was like watching a public hanging, impossible to look away. You stood in the line-up, head lowered and heart pounding. Nothing was more terrifying than being an optional suitor, especially after the tests you had undergone to check your "purity", as the doctors put it. It was sick and twisted, but no one said no to the emperor. The silence was deafening. For thousands of people to be crowded around, yet not a single whisper, solidified the ominous event happening. You were only 21 and were being offered up as a sacrifice for the emperor, like a blood bag. 

The royal trumpets break the silence before the sound of horses and wheels echoes out in the Square. The Emperor is arriving. You watch with bated breath as the carriage screeches to a halt and the footman, a dark Vampire with looks that could kill, opens the carriage door, and out steps the emperor. Emperor Jungkook. A man who strikes fear in the hearts of the living, a man who stands tall in front of the line-up of women, silently. You raise your eyes to catch a glimpse of him, and he is every bit of a vampire stereotype: porcelain skin, sharp jawline, piercing eyes.. like we was sculpted by the  gods themselves but instead made for evil. His eyes sweep over the row of woman before him and, finally, he walks to the start of the line. He stays silent as he surveys each woman closely, only speaking to ask short questions when necessary. Your heart hammers in your chest as he moves closer and closer down the line towards you. Deep down, you calmed yourself, knowing there were more beautiful women to choose from so the odds of being chosen were slim, but it didn't stop the pounding in your heart.

Finally, he reaches you. He was so close you could smell his cologne. His mere presence was enough to halt your breathing and straighten up, your body shaking with fear before him. His gaze piercing as he silently surveys you with a slight frown, making you tense up.

"Name." It wasn't a question, it was a demand. 

You meet his eyes reluctantly and mumble: "(Y/N), Your highness" 

with that, he nods and moves along. you let out a sigh of relief and allow your shoulders to relax now he's gone. Of course, you aren't safe yet, you still have to wait for him to finish his round before he decides who is the "Chosen One", and the anticipation terrifies you. You grew up hearing stories of what happens to the girls picked by Jungkook, and the prospect was terrifying. 

He finishes the line and heads to his advisor, leaning in and whispering his choice before getting in his carriage without another word. The advisor steps forward to the Guard who nods stiffly and begins to walk forward. You glance around, wondering who he has chosen but the curiosity dies out as you feel him grab your arm. Your eyes widen and you shake your head desperately.

"N-no, please!" you hear from the crowd. You could recognise that voice anywhere, your mother. You have been chosen.

You're quickly dragged to the carriage, everything moving like a blur as you struggle to comprehend what is happening. The footman looks through you as he opens the door; you are nothing more than collateral to feed the Emperor. No longer human but simply a means to feed for the remainder of your life. 

Inside the carriage, Jungkook stays silent, not even glancing in your direction. The cold indifference is making you fear what your life will become now you have been chosen. You glance at him throughout the ride, unsure if you should plead for your life, make small talk or stay silent. You finally opt for the latter and look out the window, your reflection showing the deflated and terrified look in your eyes as you realise with cruel certainty that from this point on, your life as you know it is over. You will never see your family again, your friends, or your beloved family dog. Not the town centre for festivals or the sunrise over the scenery from your bedroom window. All things you took for granted, now snatched from you before you could blink.