He Walks Alone in the Moonlight [COMPLETED]

IT ONLY TAKES A DAY TO DIE

"What are you doing!" Songmin hissed, stepping close to Jihyun. The servant's heart pounded, his eyes darting between Songmin and the path the princess had vanished down.

"I-I just thought it would be rude to not answer the Princess' question. I am in no position to refuse her." While it was not the entire reason for his actions, it was also not untrue.

"Fool, it seems you truly cannot tell friend from foe even when your opponent lays their cards out in front of you. The princess is not to be trusted, under any circumstance!"

Munyeong stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on the shivering Jihyun. "My Lord, please to not be too harsh on Jihyun. He does not know any better. Besides, it was only his na-"

"And who should have taught him better? Did the Crown Prince not entrust him in your care? It is clear you have taught him nothing about the ways of the palace."

"He has only been here for less than a day!" Munyeong protested.

"And he can meet his death in less than a day!" Songmin spit back. Jihyun stiffened, his eyes blowing wide in alarm as he stared at the advisor. Songmin pointed an accusatory finger at him. "You fear the Crown Prince? I can guarantee you that there are far more vicious people in this palace that would slit your throat at a moments notice. If you think His Highness is a beast, just think about how he became that way. You should never have been brought here in the first place, but since you are, at the very least, I will not allow you to jeopardize everything he has worked for." Tears filled Jihyun's eyes, the lump in his throat burning as he held them back while Songmin berated him. The advisor took another threatening step towards him. "Even if I have to personally-"

"I didn't ask to be brought here! I didn't even want to come! The Crown Prince you are so set on defending dragged me here against my will after taking everything from me! Why would it be my fault! You all keep saying I am affecting the Crown Prince, but I have no say over him! I am just a servant from a military camp, what sway could I possibly hold! You keep saying I will ruin everything. I hope you are right. I want to destroy the Crown Prince, and I want this stupid palace to burn to the ground with all of you in it!"

"You insolent-" Songmin's raised his hand, but it was stopped from falling when his wrist met the wood of a sheathed sword, halting the blow inches from Jihyun's face.

"General Chang," Munyeong breathed a sigh of relief.

"We were explicitly given orders to not lay a hand on him. Are you defying the prince's command?" Chang's tone was dark, his eyes lacking their usual playful glint.

"You're one to talk," Songmin huffed, rubbing at his throbbing wrist.

"I just returned from getting my ass chewed out by him, so I'm in the perfect position to remind you not to piss the prince off. Also, even though Princess Eunbin antagonized you, there is no need to take it out on Jihyun."

"Watch your mouth, soldier. He spoke of wanting the Crown Prince to die, he should be punished for treason. My behavior is never swayed by something as petty as the princess. He offended the Crown Prince."

"Shouldn't the Crown Prince be the one to decide if he was offended or not? If you are so confident he would approve of your response, why don't you go ask him?" Chang taunted.

"Very well. I planned to report to him regardless." Songmin left the scene with a snap of his sleeves, casting a sneer at Jihyun as he passed.

Chang turned around and smiled, patting the top of Jihyun's head. "Don't worry, it will work itself out." Jihyun nodded, the blood draining from his face. He needed to think about something else, anything else.