Silent Vows (Boylove)

Chapter 10

In the inner sanctum of the royal library, Youngjae paced back and forth, his head throbbing from both the lingering effects of a hangover and the weight of recent events. The burden of his duties as crown prince clashed painfully with his burgeoning feelings for Daehan, creating a storm of emotions he struggled to navigate. With a weary sigh, he seated himself at a desk cluttered with ancient scrolls and books, burying his face in his hands, desperately seeking clarity amidst the turmoil.

"Youngjae," a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. It was Sangwoo, his trusted advisor and childhood friend. Concern etched in his features, Sangwoo observed Youngjae's restlessness as he took a seat opposite him, offering a bowl of steaming ginseng chicken soup. "Here... have this... I heard you are hungover," he said softly.

Youngjae looked up, his purple eyes reflecting a mix of frustration and vulnerability. He accepted the soup, lazily stirring it, before voicing his inner turmoil. "Sangwoo, I find myself torn," he admitted, his voice heavy with uncertainty. "My new consort has become a source of... complication in my life. I have never felt like this before... I don't know what is happening..."

Sangwoo regarded him thoughtfully, choosing his words with care. "Feelings are not always a burden, Your Highness," he remarked gently. "Perhaps it is time to consider where your heart truly lies."

Youngjae scoffed, taking a sip of the soup. "Feelings and love are for the weak!" he declared, though his voice lacked conviction.

Sangwoo chuckled softly, shaking his head but refraining from further comment.

"My prince... I need to tell you something important," Sangwoo said, his tone growing serious.

Youngjae wiped his mouth with a napkin and looked at Sangwoo with anticipation. "What is it?"

Sangwoo lowered his voice, the weight of his words evident. "Prince Minwoo didn't handle the riots in the North effectively. Instead of addressing the situation properly, he recruited a few executioners from a village known for producing them." He pulled out a map, pointing to a village about 10 kilometers from the capital and far from the Northern border. "You see... this is the village where he recruited those executioners and sent them to the border to execute the rebels, defying the royal orders."

Youngjae's frown deepened, his frustration palpable. "What?! This is outrageous." He clenched his jaw, anger simmering beneath the surface. "So he pretended to control the riots by himself, but in reality, he just ordered the executioners to do it?!" He scoffed, a bitter edge to his voice. "So this is his 'smart work'? This is the most foolish thing I've ever heard!"

Sangwoo's expression darkened. "And, my prince... the executioners were brutal to the rebels. They mass-murdered them mercilessly, and I fear this may have dire consequences in the long run..."

Youngjae nodded, his eyes narrowing with determination. "You're right! This is a serious offense... but we need proof to report this incident to Father!"

Sangwoo met his gaze with a resolute look. "I recommend we go and visit the village tonight... we'll surely get some proof..."

...................

Jiyoon met with Minwoo's spy in the royal garden, the bright daylight filtering through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on their secretive meeting.

"You must uncover everything about Princess Joo's life," she commanded, her eyes fixed intently on the spy.

"About that, Your Highness..." he began in a hushed tone, glancing around nervously. "According to my sources, the King of Sinbiui has only one daughter who is not mute. Apparently, she was spotted at a tea party recently."