Silent Vows (Boylove)

Chapter 2

"My consort is unable to speak... Allow me to speak on behalf of my spouse," Youngjae announced suddenly, catching everyone off guard, including Daehan himself.

Daehan's gaze shifted towards his husband, a flicker of surprise and gratitude dancing in his eyes at the unexpected show of support.

The emperor's incredulous voice shattered the momentary silence. "What do you mean she can't speak?!" he demanded, his tone tinged with disbelief.

"My consort is mute, father," Youngjae clarified, his voice steady and unwavering.

A gasp escaped Princess Jiyoon's lips, her eyes widening in astonishment. "The crown princess is mute?!" she exclaimed, her shock reverberating through the room, mingling with the newfound understanding of Daehan's silent struggle.

Youngjae's glare bore into Princess Jiyoon, his expression challenging her reaction. "Is there a problem with that?!" he pressed, his tone sharp with defiance.

Jiyoon shook her head, a gentle smile gracing her features. "No, Your Highness... no problem at all," she reassured him.

Turning her attention to Youngjae, the empress posed a pointed question. "Jae, is this the reason you didn't consummate the marriage last night?" Her gaze held a mixture of curiosity and concern.

Youngjae met his mother's gaze, his features inscrutable. "That is not the case, Mother," he responded evenly.

The empress persisted, her tone firm. "Then what is the reason?!" she pressed, her insistence hanging heavy in the air, casting a shadow of tension over the conversation.

Daehan's anxiety mounted with each passing moment, his heart racing as he became increasingly apprehensive about the direction of the discussion.

"I think the Crown Prince didn't consummate the marriage due to the rumours going around..." Prince Minwoo interjected, a smug smirk playing on his lips.

Youngjae's gaze flickered towards Minwoo, a hint of irritation evident in his eyes before he redirected his attention to his father. "Your Majesty, since Prince Lee seems to have ample time to indulge in gossip, perhaps it's best we put his energies to more productive use," he suggested with thinly veiled sarcasm. "How about we dispatch him to the north to address the riots?"

Minwoo's expression shifted from smugness to incredulity. "What?!" he exclaimed, caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events.

The emperor considered Youngjae's proposal before nodding in agreement. "That is indeed a prudent suggestion, Crown Prince. Prince Minwoo, I entrust you with the task of quelling the unrest in the north," he declared with authority.

Minwoo's glare darted between Youngjae and the emperor before finally bowing in acquiescence. "I shall do as you say, Your Majesty," he conceded begrudgingly, his tone laced with resentment. With a formal bow, he acknowledged the emperor's command, albeit with evident reluctance.

"Talking about duties... Jae, I want you to consummate this marriage tonight!" The empress's directive hung in the air with an air of finality.

Youngjae's response was a resigned nod, his expression betraying a hint of reluctance. "Noted," he acknowledged tersely.

For Daehan, the empress's command felt like a death sentence, igniting a profound sense of fear within him as he contemplated the impending ordeal.

"I'll be heading out now," Youngjae announced abruptly, rising from his seat. Without hesitation, Daehan followed suit, his heart heavy with trepidation.

"Why are you leaving so soon, Crown Princess? Stay with us for a while!" Princess Jiyoon's friendly invitation clashed with the tense atmosphere, but Daehan remained silent, acutely aware of the underlying tensions between Youngjae and the other royals.