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

Chapter - 48

The journey back to their kingdom was quiet, filled with heavy thoughts. Hyunjin leaned against Yongbok as they rode, still feeling the aftereffects of what had happened with Hongjoong. His head felt clearer, but the tension in his body hadn't left. He couldn't shake the unease that gnawed at him, knowing Hongjoong's obsession was far from over.

Minho rode ahead, his expression unreadable, while Seonghwa, Taehyun, Seungmin, and Jeongin kept a close formation around them, ever watchful. No one wanted to take any risks, not after the threats that had been made.

By the time they reached the gates of their kingdom, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a soft orange glow over the palace walls. The guards recognized them instantly and swung the gates open, relief clear on their faces as they welcomed their prince and his companions back.

Once inside, Minho dismounted first, his face stern as he turned to Yongbok and the others. "We need to report to the king immediately," he said, his voice sharp. "He needs to know everything. Especially about Hongjoong's actions."

Yongbok helped Hyunjin down from his horse, steadying him with a hand on his arm. "You okay?" he asked quietly, his eyes searching Hyunjin's face for any sign of distress.

Hyunjin nodded, though his mind was still racing. "I'll be fine. Let's go inside."

As they entered the palace, the weight of their mission seemed to press down even more heavily. The hallways were familiar, but after the unsettling events at the enemy kingdom, even the familiar felt laced with danger. Servants greeted them with relief, bowing as they passed, but there was a palpable tension in the air. Word had likely spread that something had gone wrong with the negotiations.

When they finally reached the throne room, the king and queen were already waiting for them. The king rose from his seat, his expression grave as he took in their solemn faces.

"You're back," the king said, his voice thick with concern. "But I can tell from your faces that the negotiations didn't go as planned."

Minho stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, the prince of the southeast kingdom, Kim Hongjoong, has made his position clear. The negotiations are off. He was... unreasonable in his demands, and he made it clear that he seeks war."

Yongbok stepped up beside Minho, his jaw tight. "There's more, Father. Hongjoong showed... an inappropriate interest in Hyunjin. He spiked his drink and tried to take advantage of him. I stopped him, but he made a threat. If he can't have Hyunjin, he won't negotiate, and he's ready to go to war over this."

The king's eyes darkened, fury burning behind them. "This is unacceptable! That arrogant prince dares to insult our kingdom and threaten one of our own like this?!" He pounded his fist against the arm of the throne, causing the queen to flinch beside him. "Hongjoong has made a grave mistake. We will prepare for war."

The room fell silent, the king's words hanging heavy in the air. Minho clenched his fists at his side, his face hardened with resolve. "We will gather our forces and prepare immediately, Your Majesty. But first, we must ensure Hyunjin is well."

Yongbok glanced at Hyunjin, who had been silent throughout the exchange, his expression distant. "I'll take him to rest," Yongbok said quietly. "He's been through enough for today."

The king's gaze softened as he looked at Hyunjin. "Take care of him, Yongbok. We'll need him at full strength for what's coming."

After their tense meeting with the king, Yongbok made a decision. Hyunjin wasn't going to stay in his own chambers tonight—not after what had happened. He needed to be close, where Yongbok could keep an eye on him and make sure he was safe.

Without a word, Yongbok led Hyunjin down the hall, his hand resting firmly on the small of his back. Hyunjin, still feeling drained from the effects of the spiked drink, leaned into Yongbok's steady presence, grateful for his support.

They reached Yongbok's chamber, a familiar place where Hyunjin often found peace. As soon as the door closed behind them, Yongbok gently guided Hyunjin to sit on the edge of the bed. "You're staying here tonight," Yongbok said softly, kneeling in front of him. His eyes were filled with concern, the anger from earlier now tempered by his worry for Hyunjin.

Hyunjin blinked, still feeling a bit disoriented. "In your room?" His voice was quiet, almost unsure.

Yongbok nodded, his tone firm but gentle. "I don't want you to be alone right now. Not after what happened with Hongjoong. I need to make sure you're safe."

Hyunjin's lips curved into a small, tired smile. "You're always protecting me."

"And I always will," Yongbok said without hesitation. He reached up, brushing a strand of hair away from Hyunjin's face. "You mean everything to me, Hyunjin. I won't let anyone hurt you."

Hyunjin closed his eyes for a moment, letting those words wash over him. There was something comforting about being here, with Yongbok, where he felt truly safe. Despite the exhaustion weighing him down, he felt a sense of relief knowing he wasn't alone in this.

Yongbok stood up and began preparing the room, lighting a few candles to give the space a soft, warm glow. Then, he returned to Hyunjin, who was already starting to drift off. Gently, he helped him out of his outer garments and into something more comfortable, treating him with the utmost care.

Once Hyunjin was settled in bed, Yongbok sat beside him, brushing his fingers gently through Hyunjin's hair. "You should rest. Tomorrow will be a long day."

Hyunjin's eyes fluttered open briefly, his gaze finding Yongbok's. "Thank you... for everything."

Yongbok smiled softly. "You don't need to thank me. I love you, Hyunjin. I'll always protect you, no matter what."

Hyunjin's heart swelled at the words, and despite the heaviness that had settled over him from the events of the night, he felt a sense of peace in that moment. With Yongbok beside him, watching over him, he knew he could face whatever was to come.

Slowly, Hyunjin's eyes closed, and he drifted into a deep, restful sleep, knowing that Yongbok was there, keeping him safe.

Yongbok stayed by his side, watching over him as the night deepened, the weight of Hongjoong's threat still lingering in his mind. But for now, all that mattered was that Hyunjin was safe, and Yongbok vowed that he would keep it that way.