Silent Vows (Boylove)

Chapter 12

Daehan dismissed the maid with a wave of his hand, waiting until she had left before he read the letter again, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized the handwriting.

"Come to the north wing without getting caught if you don't want Youngjae to know your secrets..."

A realization began to dawn on him—he recognized the handwriting. It was the same as the forged letter he had once received, one he had initially believed to be from Youngjae. The truth struck him hard....Minwoo had been behind it all along, manipulating events and using deceit to his advantage.

The paper crumpled slightly in Daehan's hand as he weighed his options. Minwoo knew his true identity and was now attempting to blackmail him, threatening to expose his secret and potentially ruin everything. Daehan's heart pounded in his chest as he considered the implications. If Minwoo succeeded, it would destroy the fragile trust he had begun to build with Youngjae.

He knew what he had to do. Minwoo's threat was too dangerous to ignore, and the only way to protect himself—and perhaps Youngjae as well—was to come clean. The thought of revealing his secret terrified him, but the alternative was far worse. If Youngjae were to find out from someone else, especially Minwoo, it could shatter whatever bond they had formed.

Daehan took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves as he made up his mind. It was better to tell Youngjae everything himself, to be honest before someone else could twist the truth

Daehan's heart raced as he walked down the corridor toward Youngjae's study. As he approached, the guards stationed outside saw him and immediately announced his arrival, "The imperial consort of elegance is here..."

"Come in!" Youngjae's voice called out from inside.

The guards opened the door, allowing Daehan to enter before closing it behind him. Youngjae looked up from his desk, a smirk playing on his lips as he took in the sight of Daehan. "To what do I owe the favor, hmm?" he teased, his tone light and playful.

Daehan felt his throat tighten, his anxiety spiking despite Youngjae's seemingly good mood. He began to use gestures, his hands trembling slightly, "Your Highness, I have something very important to tell you... a confession..."

Youngjae's amusement only grew at the mention of a confession. "A confession, hmm? Well, have a seat first!" He gestured towards the chair in front of his desk, his eyes still twinkling with curiosity.

Daehan hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath and sitting down. His hands fidgeted nervously in his lap, his palms damp with sweat. He could feel Youngjae's gaze on him, waiting for him to confess.

He wanted to tell him everything, to lay bare the secret he had been hiding for so long, but fear held him back. What if Youngjae reacted with anger or, worse, betrayal? What if this confession shattered whatever fragile connection they had built?

Youngjae raised a brow, his gaze sharpening as he leaned forward slightly. "Well?" he urged, his tone demanding the confession.

Daehan clenched his hands into fists, his heart racing as he closed his eyes tightly, trying to summon the courage to say the words. His gestures came quickly, almost frantic, as he began to confess, "Your Highness, please don't kill me... I'll do whatever you say, but I need to tell you... I am not a woman but a... man."

The room fell into a heavy silence. Daehan, too afraid to face Youngjae's reaction, slowly opened his eyes, his breath hitching as he saw the prince's expression—completely unreadable. The silence stretched, and Daehan's anxiety grew, his heart pounding so loudly he could barely hear anything else.

And then, to his utter shock, Youngjae laughed. It was a rich, genuine laugh that filled the room, completely unexpected. Daehan stared at him in disbelief, his mind reeling.