G E N E R A L P O V
In the quiet sanctuary of Taehyung's room, where moonlight filtered through the curtains, the air was thick with tension. He had just arrived from his cousin - Yugyeom's - palace, and he had not told his father that he was going to spend a few days there. Thus he is understandably tense.
He expected one of the royal staff to knock any minute now informing him of his requested presence in the throne room, where his father did most of his scoldings.
As the door creaked open, the young prince tensed, expecting to see one of the palace staff. But to his surprise, it was his father, King Demetrius, who entered, his expression a mix of apprehension and determination.
He quickly stood up and curtsied to the King, "Father." He mumbled and kept his head down. It was then when Demetrius' tears fell down his cheeks. The outcome of his actions were presented before him. His own son curstied to him. Outside of the royal setting.
"Li-Lilibet," Demetrius began, his voice softer than Taehyung had ever heard it. "May I speak with you?"
Taehyung's eyes widened, not only at the tone his father used, but also the name he used to address him. Demetrius had never referred to Taehyung as anything besides Eudora.
"Of course, Father." Taehyung said and gestures for his father to sit on one of the couches that were not far from where they were standing.
Demetrius took a hesitant step closer, his eyes fixed on his son. "I... I want to apologize, Lilibet. I realize that I have been too strict on you, and I've made your life more difficult than it needed to be."
Taehyung blinked in surprise. He stopped dead in his tracks as he was about to go sit down, before turning around to face his father. He had expected another lecture or more demands, but he hadn't anticipated an apology. "A-Apologize?"
The King nodded, his voice filled with remorse. "Yes, for all the times I pushed you too hard, for the charity drive I made you plan with limited resources. I see now that it was unfair, and I should have been more supportive. And for all the other things as well."
"I know just a single apology will not undo years worth of mistreatment, but I'm deeply sorry son."
The young prince couldn't believe his ears. His father, who had always been a no-nonsense disciplinarian, was acknowledging his mistakes and apologizing. It was a moment he had never imagined.
"I appreciate your apology, Father," Taehyung replied, his voice cautious. "But why this change of heart?"
Demetrius sighed, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his own self-reflection. He walked towards the offered chair and sat down before gesturing for his son to join him.
"I've come to realize that family is more important than anything else. I don't want to see you grow distant from us, and I want to support you in pursuing your dreams and aspirations. I want to be a father. Your father."
Taehyung's guard began to soften as he saw the sincerity in his father's eyes. "Thank you, Father."
With that, Demetrius extended his arms towards his last born son. "Lilibet, may I call you by that name? It's the name that makes you feel comfortable, and I want to honor that."
Taehyung's heart swelled with emotion, and he nodded, tears welling in his eyes. "Yes, Father. You can call me Lilibet. I'd appreciate that."
"It's not that I don't love my other names but-" He tried to explain but he was cut off by his father who pulled him into an embrace. "You don't have to explain son. I understand."
King Demetrius pecked his son's forehead, holding him tightly. And for the first time, Taehyung felt a warmth and closeness with his father that he had yearned for.
In that moment, as the moonlight bathed them in a gentle glow, father and son began a new chapter in their relationship, one built on understanding, acceptance, and forgiveness.
Demetrius was seating in his throne room, contemplating his life decisions. He found himself in an unfamiliar situation. He had invited his son, Taehyung, to spend time with him, marking their first one-on-one interaction in years.
The king, with a heavy heart, realized that he knew very little about his own child, having been consumed by the demands of his role and his previous mistreatment of Taehyung.
As they sat in a lavishly decorated chamber, Taehyung couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and hope as he faced his father, who appeared somber and genuinely remorseful.
"Father," Taehyung began tentatively, "I appreciate the opportunity to spend time together."
The King's usually stern expression softened by vulnerability, nodded. "Taehyung, I need to express my deepest regrets for my behavior in the past. I've been too absorbed in my role as king, and I've neglected our relationship. I treated you poorly, and I'm truly sorry."
Taehyung looked at his father, seeing a sincerity in his eyes that he had longed for. "Father, I appreciate your honesty. It's been difficult, but I've always wanted a better relationship with you."
Demetrius continued, "I want to make amends. I want to know about your life, your interests, your dreams. I want to be the father you deserve."
Taehyung's heart warmed, and a soft smile touched his lips. "Father, I believe in second chances. I'm willing to start anew. We can build a relationship from here, and I'll gladly share everything with you."
Their eyes met, and in that moment, the past grievances seemed to fade away. The king and his son had taken the first step in healing their strained relationship. The chamber, once filled with tension, now held a promise of newfound understanding and connection between them.
"How about we visit the cafe on main street?" Demetrius suggested as he stood up from his throne and walked towards his youngest son.
Taehyung smiled widely and bounced on the balls of his feet. He absolutely loved that cafe. "I love that cafe!" He exclaimed, causing the smile on the King's face to widen. They both felt like they had achieved something huge.
Taehyung and his father found themselves in an artsy café that was known for its delicious cuisine and its unique offering of painting lessons. It was a serene spot, nestled amid lush gardens and colorful blooms, providing the perfect ambiance for their newfound connection.
The café's open-air patio overlooked a small pond with lily pads, where vibrant koi fish lazily swam. Their table was set with canvases, paintbrushes, and an array of paints. The soft breeze carried the scent of flowers and fresh-brewed coffee.
As they sat down, the king and the prince were initially a bit awkward, unsure of how to begin this venture. Demetrius picked up a brush and looked at his son. "Taehyung, have you painted before?"
Taehyung smiled warmly. "A bit, Father. But it's not about the skill; it's about the experience and expression."
The painting instructor, who had overheard their conversation, joined in. "That's the spirit, Your Royal Highness! Art is a way to express your emotions and connect with the world around you. Don't worry about the outcome; just enjoy the process."
Demetrius, eager to foster a deeper connection with his son, was excited to explore the world of painting. Unbeknownst to him, Taehyung had a hidden passion for art but had never shared it with his father, wanting to keep their time together free from any preconceived notions or expectations.
As they began to paint, Demetrius started with a cautious hand, dabbling with colors on his canvas. Taehyung, on the other hand, painted with a skill that seemed almost innate. He effortlessly blended colors, creating intricate details of the royal palace gardens with the reflection of the pond.
Throughout the session, Demetrius was in awe of his son's talent. He watched Taehyung paint with a silent dedication and a serene focus, marvelling at how the young prince brought the beauty of the garden to life on the canvas.
When they finally completed their paintings, Demetrius was taken aback by Taehyung's masterpiece. It was a stunning depiction of the garden at the Royal camp, with someone seated on a bench, looking toward the garden. The person in the painting had their back turned, their identity a mystery.
Curious, Demetrius couldn't help but ask, "Taehyung, this is exquisite, but who is the person in the painting? Why are they facing away?"
Taehyung, usually eloquent, found himself at a loss for words. He hesitated before finally saying, "Father, that person... they represent a moment. A moment of reflection and change."
Demetrius noticed that his son's voice wavered, and he sensed a depth of emotion behind the painting that went beyond what met the eye. "A moment of reflection and change?" he repeated, his curiosity piqued.
Taehyung's eyes glistened with unspoken emotion as he replied, "Yes, Father. It's a reminder that even in moments of uncertainty, there's always a chance for growth and transformation."
Demetrius nodded, realizing that there was a story hidden within the painting, one he wasn't privy to. He respected his son's desire to keep this part of himself a secret, and he appreciated the wisdom and depth of emotion in Taehyung's artwork.
As their paintings took shape, so did their bond. The instructor walked over to them and smiled. "Your artworks are as unique as your connection Your Majesties, and that's what makes them beautiful."
They looked at each other and exchanged heartfelt smiles. It was clear that the café's painting services had allowed them to express themselves, connect on a deeper level, and create not only works of art but also precious memories.
It was a moment that brought them closer, not just as father and son, but as individuals who shared a profound connection, even when words failed to express the depths of their emotions.
After they were finished at the cafe, the sun looked like it was about to set, painting the skies beautiful shades of oranges and pinks.
Each with an ice cream in had, they decided to take a walk in the enchanted garden maze that laid in the middle of Elysian Avalaria. However, before they could reach the enchanted garden, the King had informed their security personnel to clear out the garden.
It was a tourist attraction so it was always full of people, both locals and tourists. Not only did people visit it because it was rather the most beautiful place in the entire Kingdom of Elysian Avaloria, but it was the late queen's favourite place in the entire Kingdom. Thus they used it as a place to pay their respects to her.
This was the current queen's idea, and that made the Avalorians to fall even more for the Queen consort.
The father-son duo waited for the garden to be cleared and closed at the ice-cream parlour. As much as they absolutely loved their subjects, Demetrius wanted it to be it just the two of them.
He wanted to spend time with just his son. He had a lot to make up for, and he was going to try by all means to gain his sons forgiveness, trust, love and affection.
He was determined to be a dad.
He was not sure whether he should thank Elara or his talk with Eudora or both his twins, he was just thankful that he opened his eyes before it was already late.