"The Second Ruler"

•°15°•

The February morning dawned cold and clear over the kingdom of Elsiya, yet the air was filled with the sounds of clashing swords and the sharp twang of arrows hitting their marks.

Soldiers trained with fervor, their breath visible in the crisp air, while the general and commander returned from their mission.

Bearing grave news of the Scythians and the mysterious black-clad assailants who had attacked the kingdoms of Jinmu and geumgang.

In the grand courtroom, the atmosphere was tense. King Ji-woo sat upon his throne, flanked by his trusted allies and the two princes of Elsiya.

The royal guard, now mildly recovered from his wounds, stood beside the King of Goryeo.

The tension was palpable, a heavy silence hanging over the hall.

Ji-woo's voice thundered through the hall.

"I am deeply disappointed in you both. How could my sons hide something so important? This was not only about the assailants but about your safety as well."

The two princes stood in the center of the hall, their eyes cast down in shame.

The weight of their father's disappointment was a heavy burden.

"For almost four years, you have been attacked. Why did you hide this from me?" King Ji-woo's voice was laced with rage and disappointment.

The crown prince bowed deeply, his voice low but clear in the quiet hall. "I apologize, Your Majesty. I thought not to disturb you. I believed this matter to be small."

The royal guard began to speak but stopped when the second prince gestured for silence.

The second prince then bowed deeply, his voice filled with regret. "We are rueful, father. We should have informed you earlier. Perhaps this attack could have been prevented."

King Ji-woo stood, prompting all the other royals to rise as well. He walked towards his sons, his expression stern.

"What you have done is indeed inappropriate, and you must be punished."

Taehyung, Yoongi and Hoseok looked at Ji-woo in surprise, wondering what kind of punishment he had in mind.

The Emperor of Goryeo spoke with concern, "Your Majesty, they are still young. They made a mistake, but should we really punish them?"

King Ji-woo glanced back at Taehyung and chuckled, understanding his concern.

He shook his head and returned to his throne, gesturing for the Emperor of Goryeo to sit.

"Do not fret, Your Emperor The punishment for the crown prince and the second prince will not be harsh."

The Emperor glance at the prince's as Ji-woo announced their punishment.

"Both princes will spend one night and one day in the forest of Shadow wood, This is their punishment, to learn humility and how to be down to earth."

Ji-woo's voice held authority, and the declaration was met with a solemn nod from the Prince's, while other Royals present in the Hall were astonished. And concerned as well.

Shadow wood is known for its dark, foreboding atmosphere, making it an ideal location for exile and punishment.

Those who are banished to Shadow wood are often left to fend for themselves in its dense, shadowy depths.

The forest's eerie ambiance, with its twisted trees and perpetual fog, creates a sense of isolation and fear.

The princes bowed deeply, accepting their fate with a sense of resolve, they tak a quick glance at each other hiding their smiles, which indeed didn't get unnoticed by the Emperor and the two guard's.