Two Kingdoms | Park Sunghoon

26

THE NEXT DAY.
SUNGHOON POV.

Sitting on my balcony railing, I found myself zoned out staring deeply at Aeri's castle, specifically the chamber her room resided in. I tried gaslighting myself into believing my affections for Aeri are a myth and simply an act for the greater good nonetheless, it was useless. My heart truly yearns and craves her touch when she is not near, my eyes and ears await to see her smile and hear her laughter.

"You scheming witch," I chuckles to myself simultaneously as I heard a series of knocks on my door.

"Enter." I shouted from across the room to see one of the palace servants who worked in my father's working chambers. It was easy to predict what they were about to say, and I dreaded it.

"Your Highness, His Majesty the King awaits you in his throne room. Please arrive promptly." Exactly as I predicted. He is most probably going to question me on my interaction with Aeri yesterday and talk about the next steps of action against Aeri and her kingdom. I headed towards the room, suspiciously being wary of my every step nearing the room. Clenching my fists I walked in to see my father grinning as though he knew something. "This can't be good" I thought to myself whilst nearing him.

3RD PERSON POV.

"You called for me?"

"Indeed I did. So tell me, she loves you? This is the peak opportunity to infiltrate her ranks. So far, I could not be more proud of you son." The grinning King spoke softly.

"Uhm... she did profess her love to me yesterday. Our plan seemed to have shaken her quite terribly, however I'm assuming that was the goal. I understand that my next steps are to marry her, are they not?" Sunghoon questioned earning a laugh from the King. He looked at him concerned, wondering if he had done or said something wrong, only for his father to say, "You are learning quickly my dear son, you will make one fine King once my time is over. I now have no fear handing over my kingdom to you. You are free to go."

Sunghoon's eyes lit up upon hearing King Park's words, his heart immediately warming up with pride. He gave his father the brightest smile, showcasing his pearly whites and fangs, and exited the room, only to let out a cheer once entering his room. For once, he felt worthy. The cheerful boy flopped onto his bed, staring at the ceiling with a goofy smile feeling more motivated to pursue his and his father's dreams more than ever. Adrenaline seeping deep into his veins, he rushed out the room to find his Regent. Pacing though every corner of the castle, he was no where to be seen until he scrambled into the palace greenhouse, to see his Regent examining the plants.

"Myung-dae! I've been looking for you everywhere, I have a task for you." Sunghoon spoke with urgency, his smile unfaded.

"Oh, Your Highness." his Regent standing up quickly and bowing, "I didn't notice you, my sincere apologies. What can I assist you with?"

"I need you to visit Queen's aide, Sang-ah, and ask her to discreetly take Aeri's engagement ring back and give it to you. Have her know it is for an upcoming surprise and that Aeri should have zero suspicions on the matter. Quickly go, now!"

Myung-dae scuttled towards the stables and hopped onto his horse as fast as possible, obeying Sunghoon's order with no mistake. Myung-dae had been Sunghoon's Regent for as long as he could remember. He often took care of him in the absence of Sunghoon's mother and loved the young boy dearly. Even though being only a few years older than the Prince, he was not only his older brother but also his best friend. Sunghoon's life inside the castle was lonely, just as every royal, but Myung-dae always made it worthwhile. The Prince found himself ranting and gossiping to him for hours whether it was laughing together or crying together. The Regent loved Sunghoon ever so and would sacrifice himself for him any day without hesitation.

BEHIND CASTLE OF SILLA.

"Myung-dae, what are you doing here?" Sang-ah whisper shouted at the panting man.

"Whatever I am about to say are strict orders from His Royal Highness Park Sunghoon and he ordered you to keep this to yourself only and not cause any suspicion, especially the Queen. The Prince requests you to nab Queen Aeri's engagement ring, which he gifted her, and pass it to me. I believe His Highness has a surprise planned for her to which he requires the ring." He explained lowly.

"Hmm.. the Queen is having her evening bathe at the moment, I can run and grab it from her vanity drawer now for you. Stay here and don't get caught. It'll only raise suspicion." Sang-ah scurried off and could be seen running up the stairs through the tower windows. Within no more than two minutes. she had retrieved the ring, wrapped up in a silk napkin and tied securely. It was worth a fortune after all.

"You're the best, Sang-ah. Thank you!" Myung-dae whispered shyly before placing a small peck on the handmaiden's cheek and running off. Her face flushed red as she placed her hand on her check, unable to comprehend what just happened to her.

"How does the Prince and his aide have such charm? Goodness." She said to herself before rushing back to the Queen before she got out of the bath.