In a kingdom torn by power struggles and political intrigue, Jieun, the rightful heir to the throne of the East, finds herself sidelined as her brother, Jungwon, takes control. Determined to reclaim her birthright, Jieun seeks alliances and forms a...
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DAYS HAD PASSED AND THERE WAS NO SIGHT OF JIEUN. Riki's world had become confined to the walls of his guest chamber, guarded by Ser Jake and Ser Sunghoon. Though they relished their authority over him, their constant bickering served as a source of amusement for Riki, a temporary distraction from the weight of his predicament. Behind the locked door, he absorbed every word, attuned to the fragments of information that might bring him solace or spark a glimmer of hope.
As the days dwindled and the week neared its end, a growing unease tightened its grip around Riki's heart. The absence of any progress or communication left him in a state of constant anxiety, fearing that the sands of time were slipping through his fingers. He had anticipated a visit from Jieun, a chance to plead his case, to explain the intricate web of politics and treachery that had entangled him. Yet, she remained elusive, her absence amplifying his worries. Had she forgotten him?
Locked within the confines of his chamber, Riki's mind was plagued by questions that echoed relentlessly. Would he be condemned to pay for a crime he did not commit? Was his fate sealed by the whispers of deceit and the lingering shadow of suspicion? With each passing day, his hopes dimmed, and the spectre of impending doom cast a long, harrowing shadow over his thoughts.
As the hours ticked by and the sun dipped below the horizon, Riki found himself lost in a labyrinth of uncertainties. He clung to the faint glimmers of optimism, seeking solace in the belief that justice would prevail, that truth would emerge from the depths of darkness. But as the final days approached, a chilling realisation settled upon him ━ time was running out, and his fate hung in the balance, teetering on the precipice of irreversible consequences.
Until one day, when Jake came inside the room, holding two keys. Riki's heart froze as his eyes locked onto the gleaming metal. The sound of the key turning in the lock echoed through the chamber, breaking the stagnant air that had enveloped him for far too long. The heavy chain that bound his ankle fell to the ground with a resounding thud, its weight lifted, symbolising the possibility of freedom.
Beside Jake, Sunghoon appeared, a mischievous grin playing upon his lips. With a flourish, he unlocked the windows, throwing them open to allow the cool breeze of the outside world to sweep into the room. Riki inhaled deeply, savouring the fresh air that caressed his face, momentarily dispelling the confinement that had held him captive.
