Days of Grace | vkook

°39: Act of Desperation

   The next morning, Seokjin made sure to intercept his parents before they began their daily routine. Otherwise, he wouldn't get the slightest chance to talk to them in private until late evening, and he wasn't that sure if he could bear his crushing feelings any longer. As on previous nights, he didn't close his eyes for more than an hour, and rather spend the time tossing and turning from side to side, thinking.

He approached their chambers in large strides and didn't even take a moment to consider his prepared words. Instead, Seokjin passed the guards and opened the door in a wide arc.

Heads turned to the newcomer, yet the Prince ignored the servant's stares and scanned the room for his parents.

"Seokjin," his Mother said. She was in the middle of getting her hair combed by two young girls.
"It's an unusual sight to see you this early."

"Good Morning, Mother. Where's Father?"

The man in question drew the attention to the room's corner with a clearing of his throat. As soon as their eyes met, the Prince politely asked everyone to leave the room. Of course, the servants obeyed, albeit with curious minds.

Only when the doors closed did the queen dare to speak first: "Is everything all right?"

"No, Mother. To be quite frank, nothing's alright," he replied, but his gaze was fixed on the other parent who was calmly shaving his beard by his own, now that his son had dismissed the servants. "I want to dissolve the marriage."

The words echoed heavily in the air and all three silently exchanged glances to make sure they were on the same page. Queen Hana let her gaze wander uncertainly to her husband who returned his son's penetrating gaze through the mirror.

"Declined."

Seokjin wrinkled his nose.

"I didn't expect anything else. But either you'll call this thing off or I'll be the one to send the May Clan home. Be sure that your war will be the last concern after this."

He could hear his Mother gasp before his Father answered: "Are you threatening me?"

"Yes. But knowing you, you most likely think I'm speaking empty words."

"Exactly."

The way his Father didn't spare him any glance or show any respect, only assured Seokjin that he would achieve nothing if he maintained his usual calm demeanor. He had already anticipated the King's disinterest in his request.

"Well, then you better put your thick-headed tendencies aside for once, because this is my last thread, and I'm not afraid to turn an entire clan against my own family because of character assassination."

Another moment of silence spread in the room.

Do-Yoon took his time to analyze his son's flushed cheeks and the way he stood tensely yet so confidently in the middle of his room. He couldn't remember the last time they had a civilized conversation without any reproaches or raised walls. Or the way his son's eyes used to sparkle in excitement and youthfulness. Now they were desolated and tired, looking at him as if he were his worst enemy. How had they managed to become so estranged?

"What else do you expect me to do then?"

Something in his gut told him that this was indeed the last thread and as much as he liked to ignore his Seokjin's whines, he sighed in defeat.

"Declare the South as independent. It has the same value as a connection of the two parties."

"The same value?"

Seokjin nodded. "It's not news that the May Clan considers said territory as their property. And there have been many attempts from their side to demand autonomy, as reunions have failed several times." he took a step closer into the room. "When was the last time you visited the folk down there? You hardly recognize the language anymore, thanks to their thick accent, the traditions have changed, the government is no longer the same. Honestly, every time I'm there, it feels like I've left Haehan. It doesn't feel like home."