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

Chapter - 30

As they rode back to camp, Yongbok's mind was a swirl of conflicting emotions. The weight of Hyunjin in his arms was both a comfort and a reminder of how close he had come to losing him. He could feel Hyunjin's shallow breathing, and though the prince tried to stay calm, every slight shift in Hyunjin's body only deepened his concern.

The others trailed behind, maintaining a protective formation. Minho led the way, his jaw set in determination, while Jisung and Seungmin kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, ensuring no lingering enemies could ambush them again.

When they reached the camp, the healers were already waiting, alerted by a guard who had returned ahead of them. The moment they arrived, Yongbok slid off the horse and helped gently lower Hyunjin into the arms of the healers. His fingers reluctantly left Hyunjin's side, and a wave of helplessness crashed over him as he watched them carry him away toward the medic tent.

Yongbok stood there for a moment, frozen. He wanted to follow Hyunjin, but Minho's hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"He's in good hands now," Minho said quietly, his tone softening. "You need to rest."

Yongbok nodded numbly, but rest was the last thing on his mind. He couldn't stop thinking about Hyunjin—how he'd thrown himself in harm's way without hesitation, how his face had twisted in pain as the arrow struck him. And the kiss... that memory still lingered in the back of his mind. Did Hyunjin remember? Did it mean something to him, too?

Minho, sensing the turmoil in his brother, spoke again. "You care about him," he said simply.

Yongbok's head snapped up to meet Minho's gaze. "I..." He hesitated, the words refusing to form. Minho's knowing expression didn't help.

"You don't have to explain it to me," Minho continued, lowering his voice. "But if it's this serious, you need to figure out what it is you're feeling—and what you want."

Yongbok clenched his fists, his throat tightening. Minho was right, but how could he figure that out when everything felt so confusing? He had been trained to be composed, to keep his emotions in check, but with Hyunjin, it was different. He had never felt this kind of protectiveness, this urgency, for anyone else. It was more than duty—much more.

"I need to see him," Yongbok finally said, turning to follow the healers to the medic tent.

Minho didn't stop him this time.

As Yongbok entered the tent, he found Hyunjin lying on a cot, his arm bandaged and his face pale but relaxed. The healers had done their job well, and though Hyunjin was still weak, the immediate danger had passed. He was asleep, his breathing steady now, and Yongbok let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

He stood there for a moment, just watching him. Hyunjin looked so peaceful, so vulnerable, and Yongbok's heart ached with a strange mix of relief and something deeper. Slowly, he walked over and sat down on a stool beside the cot, his eyes never leaving Hyunjin's face.

Yongbok reached out hesitantly, his hand hovering over Hyunjin's. He didn't know what he was doing—didn't know if he should—but his hand gently settled on top of Hyunjin's, fingers curling around his.

Hyunjin stirred slightly at the touch, his eyelids fluttering. Slowly, his eyes opened, and for a brief moment, they were unfocused, disoriented. But then his gaze settled on Yongbok, and his lips parted in surprise.

"Y-Your Highness..." Hyunjin's voice was hoarse, weak from the injury and exhaustion.

Yongbok shook his head, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "No titles right now," he whispered. "Just... rest."