Bound by Fate

Chapter 6: A Kingdom's Burden

As Seokjin's father, King Hyunjin, exited the chamber, his hand firmly gripping his son's, there was a brief moment of silence. He had hoped the nightmare was over, that he could take Seokjin far away from this twisted palace and the dark future his mother had orchestrated for them. But just as they neared the grand doors of the palace, a cold, commanding voice echoed behind them.

"Hyunjin, stop."

The voice was unmistakable—his mother, the queen dowager, stood tall at the end of the corridor, her eyes gleaming with a mix of authority and calculation. Her royal robes flowed around her like a river of power, and the moment she spoke, even the guards seemed to tense in her presence.

Hyunjin halted in his tracks but didn't turn immediately. His jaw clenched, and his heart pounded in his chest. He was done with this place, with her manipulations, with her cruelty. But for the sake of his son, he would face her one last time. He slowly turned around, Seokjin's hand still in his grasp.

"Mother," he greeted her with a tight voice, barely able to conceal his disdain.

The queen dowager's eyes flicked over Seokjin briefly, then settled on her son. "You cannot leave," she declared, her voice calm yet unyielding. "Your son is now part of the royal family, and as such, you are bound to this kingdom once more."

Hyunjin's heart sank. He had expected something like this, but hearing it out loud was like a punch to the gut. "I have nothing to do with this kingdom anymore," he said firmly. "You only want me here for a powerful heir, and you've already entangled Seokjin in your schemes."

The queen dowager's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing across them. "The kingdom needs you," she said sharply. "You are to return to the palace, to reclaim your throne until Namjoon takes over. That is the duty of the royal bloodline."

Hyunjin shook his head, disbelief and anger warring within him. "You threw me aside when it suited you," he spat. "Fifteen years ago, you pushed me out because I wasn't what you wanted. You only care about power, and now that you think you've secured it through Seokjin, you want to use me again. I won't allow it."

Seokjin's mother, Queen Hyejin, was by his side now, her hand gripping her husband's arm in silent support. Her eyes were red with tears, and Tae stood behind them, wide-eyed and silent, taking in every word.

The queen dowager's lips tightened. "You can go," she said icily. "But Seokjin stays. He is now part of the royal family."

At her words, Hyunjin froze. His heart plummeted into the depths of his stomach as he turned to look at his son, who was staring back at him with frightened, confused eyes.

"What?" Hyunjin whispered, his voice breaking. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that Seokjin belongs to the royal family now," the queen dowager repeated, her tone unfeeling. "You may leave, but he will remain here as the future consort of Namjoon. You've no right to take him away."

Hyunjin's heart broke at that moment. He looked to his wife, who was now openly sobbing, and Tae, who was frozen in disbelief. The weight of the decision pressed on him like a mountain. He wanted to resist, to scream, to fight—anything to take his son and escape this cruel fate. But deep down, he knew what his mother was capable of. If he refused her, Seokjin would suffer. His family would suffer.

With a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumped. "Fine," he said quietly, his voice filled with a pain that threatened to consume him. "I will do what you ask... but leave Seokjin out of your further plans. I'll protect him, even if it means doing your bidding."

Seokjin's eyes widened, tears welling up. "Father, no..."

"It's the only way," Hyunjin whispered, cupping Seokjin's cheek with a trembling hand. "I'm sorry."