I'm Nothing Without You | BeomJun AU

thirty three

Daniel sat in the cold, damp dungeon, hugging his knees to his chest. The walls of the kingdom's prison seemed to close in around him, amplifying his sense of betrayal. He couldn't shake the feeling of alienation, realizing that his lover's true identity was still a mystery to him. The revelation that his beloved was royalty and he, merely a commoner, cut him deeply. How could he reconcile this disparity? He was just a commoner, one who would risk everything for survival, for love. The stark contrast between their worlds felt insurmountable, and the weight of it pressed down on him, making it hard to breathe. He had sacrificed so much, and yet, it seemed it would never be enough.

A royal guard then unlocked his cell, the heavy door creaking ominously. Daniel lifted his head, his eyes burning with hatred. He scoffed, rolling his eyes before hiding his face against his knees once more. His thoughts raced to his mother, who must be anxiously waiting for his return, and his sick brother, expecting him to bring apples as he always did. The weight of their reliance on him gnawed at his heart.

Suppressing his turmoil, Daniel tried to maintain his composure, but his efforts were in vain. The guard roughly grabbed him, yanking him out of the cell with a force that sent pain shooting through his arm. "Move!" the guard barked, shoving him forward.

Stumbling, Daniel steadied himself and began the long walk to the palace, each step echoing with the heavy boots of his captor. The dread of what awaited him filled his mind, but he steeled himself, determined not to show any more weakness. The grand palace loomed ahead, its opulence a stark contrast to the dungeon's bleakness. The thought of facing the royal court filled him with both fear and defiance.

Daniel was thrown harshly on the ground. He was tied up with chains and a familiar voice that he now despised the most. Daniel then refuses to look at the man and just looked down on the ground. 

"You can now leave us, Maximus."

As soon as the royal guard left, Beomgyu, the crowned king, immediately rushed to Daniel's side. He crawled into Daniel's arms, hugging him as tightly as possible, desperate to offer comfort. But Daniel's reaction was swift and fierce. With a harsh shove, he pushed Beomgyu away, a growl of anger escaping his lips.

"Don't touch me!" Daniel spat, his eyes blazing with fury and hurt.

Beomgyu stumbled back, his eyes wide with shock and pain. He opened his mouth to speak, but Daniel's glare silenced him. Daniel's chest heaved as he looked around, realizing that they were finally alone, with no guards in sight. The walls of the opulent room seemed to close in, intensifying his emotions.

"Do you have any idea what you've done to me?!" Daniel's voice broke, the pent-up anguish pouring out. "I trusted you! i-i.. l-loved you! and you hid the most important part of yourself from me!? Do you know what it's like to be dragged here, treated like shit, while you sit on your throne?"