Silent Vows (Boylove)

Chapter 6

"Deception is something I cannot tolerate," Youngjae's words echoed relentlessly in Daehan's mind as he sat perched upon his bed, gazing pensively out of the window. The vibrant sunlight poured through the curtains, casting golden hues across his room, yet within him brewed a storm of conflicted emotions.

Suddenly, a melodious sound floated through the air, seeping into his soul like a balm. It was the zither, its gentle strings resonating with a haunting beauty from Youngjae's chambers. Daehan's heart, heavy with the weight of his thoughts, found solace in the mesmerising melody.

At that moment, a profound longing stirred within him, a desire to break free from the shackles of his worries and dance amidst the ethereal notes. With a surge of determination, he rose from his bed, his movements fluid and graceful as he surrendered himself to the rhythm of the zither.

Each step he took was infused with emotion, every twirl a testament to the turmoil within his heart. Yet, as he danced, a sense of tranquillity washed over him, washing away the doubts and fears that had plagued him moments before. In that fleeting instant, Daehan found himself lost in the beauty of the music, a fleeting respite from the complexities of his reality.

In that fleeting moment of solace, as Daehan's graceful movements danced to the rhythm of Youngjae's zither, little did he realise that he was not alone in his admiration.

Minwoo, passing by Daehan's chambers by chance, found himself captivated by the sight before him. His steps slowed to a halt as he stood entranced, his eyes drinking in the beauty and elegance of Daehan's dance. For a while, he simply observed, silently appreciating the effortless grace with which Daehan moved.

A sly smirk played on Minwoo's lips as he finally tore his gaze away and with purposeful steps, he made his way towards Youngjae's chambers.

"Prince Lee is here, Your Imperial Highness!" the eunuch announced upon Minwoo's arrival, breaking the serene atmosphere that had enveloped the room.

The gentle strains of the zither came to an abrupt halt, replaced by the sound of Youngjae's voice as he responded, "Send him in!"

Minwoo's smirk widened as he entered the chamber, executing a deep bow before the seated figure of Youngjae. "Greetings, crown prince," he uttered, his tone laced with a subtle hint of mockery.

Youngjae's gaze remained cool and collected, his fingers caressing the strings of his zither with practised ease. "Fancy seeing you here," he remarked dryly, his words carrying a weight of scepticism. "I thought you were away quelling the riots."

The corners of Minwoo's lips curled upwards in amusement. "Ah yes, the riots," he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Thanks to your gracious assignment, I had the privilege of handling such a delightful task."

A faint roll of Youngjae's eyes conveyed his exasperation. "According to my sources, quelling such unrest typically requires at least a few days of effort," he stated, his tone tinged with a hint of scepticism. "Yet here you are, returning within a mere day."

Minwoo's smirk deepened at Youngjae's retort. "Your Highness, I've always believed in the efficiency of smart work over hard work," he countered smoothly, his confidence unwavering. "And it seems the emperor shares that sentiment, given his appreciation of my efforts."

Youngjae's scoff echoed in the chamber, a clear indication of his disdain for Minwoo's words. "Good for you," he remarked dismissively, his patience wearing thin. "But what exactly brings you to my chambers?"

A mischievous glint danced in Minwoo's eyes as he leaned in, his grin widening. "Well, since my recent accomplishment owes much to your indirect influence, I thought it only fitting to offer you a token of my gratitude..."