The Duke & The Prince (NamJin)

The Dark Clouds (pt.2)

Seungcheol's heart pounded as he chased after the kidnappers, his legs burning with effort. "Stop! In the name of the Duke, stop!" he bellowed, but the kidnappers only spurred their horses faster.

"We've got to shake him off!" one of the kidnappers shouted, glancing nervously over his shoulder.

Another man turned, brandishing a weapon. "Stay back, guard, if you know what's good for you!"

Seungcheol's reflexes kicked in as he dodged the attack, his adrenaline fueling his determination. "I won't let you take them!" he growled, his voice a mix of fury and desperation. He clashed swords with the kidnapper, the metallic ring of their weapons echoing through the forest. Seungcheol fought valiantly, his sword flashing in the afternoon sun, striking down one kidnapper after another.

But there were too many. Even as he cut down one attacker, another would appear, slashing at him with ruthless precision. Blood seeped from a deep gash on his arm, but Seungcheol ignored the pain, his focus solely on saving Seokjin and Jeonghan. He fought until his muscles screamed in protest, and still, he pushed on.

By the time Seungcheol had defeated the last of the kidnappers, the cart carrying Seokjin and Jeonghan was long gone. Panting and wounded, Seungcheol tied up the two surviving kidnappers, securing them to the horse he managed to reclaim. With a grim determination, he rode back to the Duke's palace, each step of the journey a testament to his unwavering resolve.

As he approached the palace gates, Namjoon, who had just arrived, rushed to help him. "Seungcheol! What happened?" Namjoon asked, his voice tight with worry.

Seungcheol, bleeding and exhausted, managed to speak. "They... they took the Dutchess and Jeonghan. I tried, but there were too many. These two are all I could bring back."

Namjoon's eyes darkened with fury as he saw the state of his loyal guard. "Get him to the infirmary, now!" he ordered, his voice brooking no argument. Two guards quickly moved to assist Seungcheol, guiding him away to tend to his wounds.

Namjoon turned to the bound kidnappers, his expression lethal. "You will tell me everything," he hissed, dragging them into the dungeon. The dim, cold cell echoed with the sounds of his anger. 

"Who sent you?" he demanded, his voice a low growl.

The kidnappers, defiant at first, soon realized the Duke was not a man to be trifled with. Namjoon's interrogation was relentless, each question punctuated by a new wave of fear. The kidnappers, under the Duke's intense scrutiny, finally broke, revealing their employer's name in a desperate plea for mercy.

Yoongi joined Namjoon in the dungeon, his calm demeanor masking the storm brewing inside. "Junmyeon confirmed it wasn't him," Namjoon said, pacing the cell. "But someone is trying to pit us against each other."

Yoongi nodded, his mind working through the possibilities. "We need to find out who's behind this. If they're targeting both kingdoms, it's only a matter of time before more lives are at risk."

Namjoon's eyes burned with resolve. "We won't let that happen. Let's gather our allies and figure out our next move."

Back in the infirmary, Seungcheol, despite his pain, clung to consciousness. He needed to know that his efforts weren't in vain. As Namjoon and Yoongi delved deeper into the mystery, a silent vow echoed in the Duke's mind: he would bring Seokjin and Jeonghan back safely, no matter the cost.

*A day later*

Jungkook received an urgent letter to return to the Duke's palace immediately. As he made his way back, he encountered Kim Jongin, the Southern King Junmyeon's best shadow guard. The two nodded at each other, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Jongin handed Jungkook a sealed message, which he took directly to Namjoon.

In the Duke's study, Namjoon read the message from Jongin with growing concern. "King Junmyeon's queen has been kidnapped, and she's pregnant," Namjoon said, his voice tense. "He received a letter accusing me of the abduction."

Yoongi entered the study, holding another letter. "This just arrived," he said, handing it to Namjoon. "It claims Seokjin is in Junmyeon's hands."

Namjoon's eyes flashed with anger and worry. "Jongin," he addressed the shadow guard, "take this information to Junmyeon. We need to clear this up and find out who's orchestrating these kidnappings."

Jongin nodded and swiftly departed with the letter. As soon as he left, Jungkook began to share his findings. "I've discovered some clues," he said urgently. "They all point to the Crown Prince. He's behind this."

Namjoon's expression hardened. "Then let's get to the dungeon. We need more answers."

The three men descended into the dungeon, where they found Seungcheol sitting on a chair, looking utterly feral. The kidnappers were hanging by chains, bloodied and broken. 

Seungcheol's face was splattered with blood, none of it his own. He wore only the white pants from the infirmary, his body covered in bandages.

Seungcheol looked up at the Duke and smiled, a chilling sight. "They talked," he said, his voice rough. "It was the Crown Prince's doing."

Namjoon's eyes narrowed. "You did well, Seungcheol. Now we know who's behind this. We need to act quickly and decisively."

Yoongi stepped forward, his mind already working on the next steps. "We'll need to mobilize our forces and secure the palace. If the Crown Prince is involved, there's no telling what his next move will be."

Jungkook nodded. "I'll coordinate with our allies and make sure we're prepared for anything."

Namjoon looked at his closest friends and allies, determination burning in his eyes. "We'll rescue Seokjin and the Queen, and we'll bring the Crown Prince to justice. No one threatens our families and gets away with it."

Seungcheol, despite his injuries, stood up. "I'll be ready to fight, my Lord. Whatever it takes."

Namjoon placed a hand on Seungcheol's shoulder. "Rest and heal. We'll need your strength soon enough."

As they left the dungeon, Namjoon's mind was racing with plans and strategies. The safety of his loved ones and the stability of the kingdom depended on their next moves. The time for action had come, and Namjoon was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

What is namjoon's next move any gusses ?

will be back soon（づ￣3￣）づ╭❤️～(∩^o^)⊃━☆