Through the Looking Glass (TXT x Itzy)

twenty seven

An emergency council meeting was held, ironically in the same area they had announced the beginning of the red battle. A table was laid out in the centre, the highest ranking of nobility and advisors seated around the circle.The King was obviously troubled, looking a lot more frailer than usual, a far cry from his usual regal state. "There...are no current suspects," He said slowly and softly, speaking at a snail's pace, "And the royal doctors are unable to tell exactly what the cause of death was, but it is something between-" His breath hitched, and he began to cough violently, a servant fractically handing him a glass of water. Hyunjin, from the King's side, continued, "It is probably stabbing, but what kind of knife or if it was even a knife is unknown."

"And everyone's alibi checks out, as confirmed by the royal guards-"

"Isn't it obvious?" Jinyoung shouted, "It's that mystery boy that Ryujin brought from who knows where!"

The rumour of his arrival traveled so quickly. Beomgyu visibly stiffened but Ryujin frowned, "What makes you say that? Where's the proof?"

Jinyoung smirked, "The murder, as stated by the royal court, must have been done by a man, with the physical damage, or an incredibly strong woman, which the royal palace does not have. This man, while not having a solid alibi, would definitely have protection from you, Shin Ryujin. Aren't I right?"

Felix frowned with his arms tightly crossed, and added, "While I do not like taking the side of this dimwit, I have to agree that many signs point towards him, Ryujin."

"Thank you-wait, what do you mean by dimwit-"

Ryujin scoffed, "This is preposterous. As Yeji and my guards can vouch, Beomgyu has not left my side or the guest room since he came here. He's been here for less than two days, he doesn't even have a good grasp of where he is. I can assure you that he has no murderous intent, especially not to a princess he has never met."

Jinyoung leaned forward, "How do you know that? It is widely known that the royals have many enemies. It would be so convenient for an assassin to slip in and have a couple of not-so-well-liked royalties murdered."

"In that case, they should have murdered you," Nayeon muttered under her breath.

"We have to hold a wake," The king advised softly, switching the topic, turning his eyes away from dahyun's mother, who wept quietly, damp handkerchief swiping at flushed cheeks, "I would like it to be as soon as possible, preferably in two or three days."

With arrangements to be made and a body to be handled, the solemn meeting was adjourned.

-

"Who could it be?" Ryujin had a finger on her chin as she paced in her bedroom. She had collected herself quickly, instead focusing her energy on avenging her sister, or at least figuring out who was the killer. Her eyes were dry already, tinted with mild fury but otherwise composed.

"Well, I don't know about that, but I'm pretty sure you're gonna wear out the carpet if you keep doing so," Yeji mentioned as she raised her head from her weapon polishing to study the stressed girl, "But I suggest you keep a lookout, and don't let your guard down. The king has many enemies. It could be anyone."

Beomgyu was nibbling on a cookie as he sat at the edge of Ryujin's bed. "Is there any way to prove that I didn't do anything?" He asked, cookie crumbs dusting his cheek.

That made the princess perk up.

"Wait, I do. But we're gonna need a few things."