When Peony Blooms #AMBW

Chapter 51

The days had grown lonelier but not without acceptance. Might've been the thoughts of reality that seeped in once he was all alone. However as of today that didn't matter, the king's secluded sanctuary was awaiting the imminent arrival of Seo-jin and Minister Kim.

The wooden doors eventually creaked open, interrupting the quiet to reveal the father and son duo. As they stepped into the chamber, the king slowly lifted his gaze to lock with theirs.

"Ah, my guests have arrived," the king began, his voice carrying a weary note, already filling the room with a strange sort of tension. Seo-jin raised a brow already annoyed at the sight of the king. His father giving him a look of warning that translated into 'behave.' Seo-jin didn't care as he still displayed his distaste.

Upon seeing their faces, the king gestured towards himself. " You two seem hesitant," he implored, his tone softening. His usual stern demeanor seemed to ebb away, replaced with an unexpected gentleness.

The two men ignored him as they walked inside. Once they were settled, he leaned back into his chair, his gaze never leaving Seo-jin's face. His question, when it came, was surprisingly soft, yet it filled the room, resounding against the stone walls with unexpected force.

"Seo-jin," he began, his voice wrapping around the room, imbued with a grave seriousness. "Is the rumor that has been circulating around the court true? Are you indeed my eldest son —."

" If I may." Seo-jin interrupted as he met his gaze, the room fell silent for a beat before he responded, "Yes, it is true, Your Majesty." He paused, his gaze set as he added, "But I must clarify that I harbor no desire to recognize you as my father. Minister Kim is my father."

His words registered in the air like a potent truth, causing the king to blink in surprise. Seo-jin's audacity had certainly taken him aback. Before the king could respond, Seo-jin took a bold step forward, stood still and said, "You could not even love your younger son appropriately. Your lack of action, your negligence, have spoken louder than any declaration of fatherhood ever could."

These words threw the king off balance, even more so as he turned his gaze to Minister Kim, "Minister Kim, why didn't you tell me about this?" he asked, his voice an octave lower, indicating his surprise.

Before Minister Kim could reply, Seo-jin jumped into his defense. "He had no obligation to tell you anything," Seo-jin stated firmly, his eyes burning with conviction. The room went quiet again,

The words, though harsh, were a bitter reality that the king could not refute. The accusations stung like a whip, the king's face paling with every word. His missteps, his wrongdoings, were being thrown back at him, reflecting a reality he'd failed to acknowledge until now.

Seo-jin, undeterred by the king's reaction, continued, his voice resounding with conviction, "Had you been a man, instead of a puppet in the hands of the Queen Dowager, things would have been different."

"Mind your manners," the king admonished. Seo-Jin caught the stern gaze of his father who stood beside him, his eyes echoing a silent warning to tread carefully.

Acknowledging that Seo-Jin's obstinacy wouldn't yield a solution, the king sighed. "Your actions have created a complex situation, we are present here due to the matter of So-ra carrying your child," he elaborated.

"I will take responsibility," the young prince responded. "Your impending appointment as the crown prince complicates the matter, wouldn't you agree?" the king retorted.

Seo-jin negated with a shake of his head. "I do not seek the title of crown prince, for I believe it isn't my rightful position."

"You are refuting the decision of the crown princess?"