ECHOES OF THE BLOOD-STAINED NIGHT

Episode 5 - The Finale

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, "Report," Yoongi commanded, his voice low and commanding, resonating through the somber atmosphere of the room.

The guard, his demeanor composed yet respectful, stepped forward, ready to deliver his update to the king. "Your Highness, Taehyung has been subjected to numerous beatings, but he has remained silent, refusing to divulge any information," he began, his tone conveying both concern and admiration for Taehyung's resilience.

A flicker of interest sparked in Yoongi's eyes as he absorbed the information. "that stubborn rat," he murmured, a hint of approval laced in his voice. "Let him suffer in silence."

A moment of silence lingered in the air before Yoongi spoke again. "Five days until the marriage. Are the preparations in order?" The king's eyes bore into the guard, expecting a satisfactory response.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Everything is ready for the ceremony," the guard replied with a respectful bow.

However, instead of leaving as expected, the guard hesitated. Yoongi's eyes narrowed slightly, detecting the unease in his subordinate.

"What is it?" Yoongi demanded, his tone sharp.

The guard took a deep breath before speaking, "Your Majesty, I... I believe you shouldn't trust Jimin too much."

"Accusing my most trusted knight without evidence is a dangerous game, and spreading baseless suspicions can cost you your life," Yoongi warned, his voice icy. "Are you prepared to stand by your words?"

The guard hesitated for a moment but then nodded with conviction. "I am, Your Majesty. I believe it's my duty to inform you of potential threats."

A dangerous glint entered Yoongi's eyes as he leaned forward, fixing an intense gaze on the guard. "Explain yourself," he commanded.

The guard swallowed nervously but steeled himself. "Jimin has been sneaking out, and his association with Taehyung is known. It's a risk, Your Majesty. He might be plotting something against you."

Yoongi's expression remained unreadable as he absorbed the revelation. The guard's words hung in the air, fraught with the weight of treachery. The king leaned back, tapping his fingers on the armrest in contemplation.

Yoongi's lips curled into a semblance of a smirk. "Very well. Continue your duties. I will consider what you've said."

As the guard exited the room, the grandeur of the throne room seemed to close in on Yoongi. The flickering candles cast dancing shadows, mirroring the uncertainties that now clouded the king's mind.

****

"Why are you crying?" he asked, his voice barely above a murmur, a question laced with bewilderment and a touch of something else, something you couldn't quite name.

He reached out, his fingers hovering hesitantly above your face, then brushing against your cheek, a whisper of warmth against the cool night air.

"How did you do it?" you whispered back, your voice thick with emotion. "How did you bear it all? The secrets, the lies, the constant fear… it must have been so hard."

His eyes softened, the harsh edges melting away as he witnessed your tears.

He cupped your cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray tear that traced a shimmering path down your temple.

"It wasn't easy," he admitted, his voice a low rumble. "Every day felt like walking a tightrope, one wrong step and everything would come crashing down. But I… I had to do it."