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

Chapter - 46

As they walked back inside, Hyunjin's dizziness intensified, the world around him spinning uncontrollably. He struggled to keep his eyes open, but darkness began to creep in at the edges of his vision. The voices in the banquet hall faded into a distant hum, and he felt as if he were floating away.

"Hyunjin?" Yongbok's voice was distant, laced with concern. He glanced at Hyunjin, whose eyes fluttered shut. "Hyunjin!"

Before Yongbok could react, Hyunjin stumbled, his body swaying dangerously. In a split second, he lost the battle against the darkness, collapsing into unconsciousness.

Yongbok's heart raced as he reached out, catching Hyunjin just before he hit the floor. Panic surged through him as he cradled Hyunjin in his arms, feeling the heat radiate from his skin. "Hyunjin! Wake up!" he urged, shaking him gently.

But Hyunjin remained unresponsive, his face pale and his breathing shallow. A surge of anger coursed through Yongbok, directed at Hongjoong for what he had done to Hyunjin. He clenched his jaw, vowing to make the prince pay for this.

"Damn it," Yongbok muttered under his breath. He carefully lifted Hyunjin into his arms, cradling him against his chest. The young guard felt deceptively light, and Yongbok's protective instincts kicked in, fueling his determination. He moved swiftly through the halls, ignoring the curious gazes of the other guests as he made his way toward the guest rooms.

Once inside the guest room, Yongbok gently laid Hyunjin down on the bed. He brushed the hair from Hyunjin's forehead, his expression softening as he watched the younger man's features relax in sleep. But his anger bubbled beneath the surface, knowing that Hongjoong had put Hyunjin in this vulnerable state.

Yongbok knelt beside the bed, desperately trying to wake him. "Hyunjin, please," he pleaded, his voice filled with urgency. "You have to wake up. I need you to be okay." he couldn't believe Hongjoong had stooped so low. Determined to get to the bottom of this, he stormed out of the guest room, his mind racing with thoughts of how to protect Hyunjin.

He quickly made his way through the hallways, his heart pounding in his chest. When he finally spotted Hongjoong across the banquet hall, surrounded by laughing guests, the prince's casual demeanor only fueled Yongbok's urgency. He pushed through the crowd, finally confronting Hongjoong, his voice strained with anger.

"Hongjoong!" Yongbok called out, catching the prince's attention. "You won't get away with this!"

Hongjoong raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "What's the matter, Prince Yongbok? Did my hospitality not agree with your guard?"

"Hyunjin is unconscious because of you!" Yongbok replied, his voice trembling with worry. "What kind of twisted game are you playing?"

Hongjoong feigned innocence, leaning casually against the wall. "I merely offered him a drink. If he can't handle it, that's hardly my fault."

Yongbok glared at him, feeling a mix of frustration and deep concern for Hyunjin's well-being. "This isn't a game, Hongjoong. You're putting him in danger!"

With one last glare, Yongbok turned away from Hongjoong, his thoughts racing. He needed to inform Minho of what had happened and strategize their next move.

Making his way to Minho's room, Yongbok knocked urgently on the door. Minho opened it, and upon seeing Yongbok's distressed expression, his brow furrowed with concern.

"What's wrong?" Minho asked, stepping aside to let Yongbok in.

"It's Hyunjin," Yongbok blurted, his voice trembling. "He's unconscious. Hongjoong... he spiked Hyunjin's drink during dinner."

Minho's eyes widened with fury, a deep anger brewing beneath the surface. "What? He did what?"

Yongbok nodded, feeling his stomach twist. "He did it on purpose. I couldn't get through to Hyunjin. I don't know how long he'll be out, and I'm terrified for him."

"Enough is enough!" Minho exclaimed, pacing the room. "We're leaving first thing in the morning. There's no point in staying here any longer—Hongjoong made it clear that negotiations are off. We'll return and prepare for war. He will pay for this."

Yongbok felt a wave of relief at Minho's decisive tone. "I just want to make sure he's okay," he said quietly, the worry still gnawing at him. "I can't stand the thought of him being hurt because of that man."

"Hyunjin will be fine," Minho reassured him, his expression softening. "We'll get him back to safety. Just stay with him tonight. I'll gather the others and make sure we're ready to move quickly in the morning."

Yongbok nodded, determination surging through him. "Thank you, hyung. I'll head back to him now."

As he turned to leave, Minho placed a hand on his shoulder, a firm but comforting grip. "We'll make this right, Yongbok. I promise."

With a renewed sense of purpose, Yongbok made his way back to Hyunjin, his heart racing with worry and determination. He would do everything in his power to keep Hyunjin safe, no matter the cost.

Upon returning to the guest room, he found Hyunjin still unconscious, and he gently brushed his fingers through his hair. "I'm here, Hyunjin," he whispered, hoping that his presence would somehow reach him. "You're going to be okay."

As he sat by Hyunjin's side, the weight of the situation pressed heavily on him. He could only hope that morning would bring the clarity and strength they needed to face Hongjoong.