황실의 사랑 이야기 (Hwangsil-ui Sarang Iyagi) - The Imperial Love Story

Chapter - 19

The grand banquet celebrating the newly appointed guards was in full swing. Lavish tapestries adorned the walls, and the hall was filled with the clinking of goblets and the murmur of excited voices. The air smelled of roasted meats, fresh bread, and the sweet scent of wine. Hyunjin, seated with his new comrades, glanced around the opulent room. As one of the prince's personal guards, he now sat at a more prestigious table, though it felt odd to be so close to royalty.

Han Jisung, Jung Wooyoung, Kang Taehyun, and Park Seongwha—Hyunjin's newly assigned roommates—sat beside him. All four of them, hailing from respected families, seemed perfectly at ease in the lavish surroundings. But despite their social standing, they treated Hyunjin with warmth and friendship.

"Can you believe it?" Jisung whispered, leaning toward Hyunjin. "From the training grounds to a royal feast. I'm still not used to all this luxury."

Hyunjin smirked. "I think it's more overwhelming to be seated so close to the prince."

Wooyoung, always one to catch on quickly, raised an eyebrow and followed Hyunjin's gaze. "Ah, speaking of the prince," he teased. "I notice you've been stealing glances at him all night."

Hyunjin felt heat creep up his neck. "I'm just doing my duty, keeping an eye on him."

"Is that what you call it?" Taehyun added with a grin, causing Seongwha to chuckle softly beside him. "Or are you trying to make sure you don't embarrass yourself after all that tension during training?"

Before Hyunjin could respond, the hall suddenly quieted. King Lee stood, raising his goblet. "Tonight, we celebrate not only the skill and valor of these new guards but also their unwavering loyalty to the kingdom." He raised his glass higher. "To our guards! And to those who protect the royal family!"

Everyone in the room lifted their goblets and toasted, though Hyunjin could feel the weight of eyes on him. Glancing up, his gaze met Yongbok's from across the table. The prince, in his regal attire, seemed to be watching him with an intensity that made Hyunjin's pulse quicken.

As the clapping and cheers died down, Yongbok leaned over to the head of the table and whispered something to one of the attendants. Moments later, Hyunjin felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. The attendant bowed slightly and spoke softly, "The prince requests your presence after the banquet, Sir Hyunjin."

Hyunjin's heart skipped. He looked toward Yongbok, who was now casually speaking with the King. His roommates, however, noticed the subtle exchange.

"Requested by the prince already?" Wooyoung muttered under his breath with a grin. "What's going on between you two?"

Hyunjin shook his head, trying to mask the nervousness bubbling within. "I don't know. But it's probably just for more orders."

Jisung nudged him. "Try not to blush this time when you're around him, alright?"

As the banquet continued, Hyunjin couldn't help but wonder why Yongbok had summoned him. The tension between them was undeniable, but there was something else—something unspoken that lingered in every shared glance and every hesitant exchange. The banquet felt like a blur after that, with his thoughts consumed by what awaited him.

When the feast finally ended, Hyunjin excused himself from his roommates, who shot him knowing glances as he made his way toward the prince's chambers.

Hyunjin made his way down the dimly lit corridors, his mind racing with possibilities of what awaited him. He wasn't sure if it was excitement or anxiety—or both—that fluttered in his chest. Every step echoed faintly, amplifying the anticipation.