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

Chapter - 49

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft golden light into Yongbok's chamber. Hyunjin stirred under the covers, feeling the warmth of the blankets and the lingering comfort of being close to Yongbok. As his eyes fluttered open, the first thing he saw was Yongbok sitting at the edge of the bed, already dressed, his gaze focused intently on him.

"Morning," Yongbok said softly, his voice carrying both warmth and concern.

Hyunjin blinked, still feeling a bit groggy from the night before. He rubbed his eyes and tried to sit up, but a slight headache made him wince. "What time is it?" he asked, his voice a little hoarse.

"Still early," Yongbok replied. He reached over and gently pressed a cool, damp cloth against Hyunjin's forehead. "How are you feeling? Does your head still hurt?"

Hyunjin nodded slightly. "A little... but better than last night." He took a deep breath, memories of the evening before the previous came flooding back—Hongjoong's comments, the drink, the dizziness... the way Yongbok had taken care of him. "I can't still stop thinking about Hongjoong and the drink. I didn't cause any trouble that evening...did I?"

Yongbok shook his head, his expression serious but tender. "None of that was your fault, Hyunjin. Hongjoong did something underhanded, and it won't go unpunished."

Hyunjin nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and lingering fear. "Thank you for being there for me. I don't know what would've happened otherwise."

Yongbok took Hyunjin's hand, squeezing it gently. "You're safe now, I promise. But we need to prepare for what comes next. Minho's furious, and I agree with him—we can't trust Hongjoong. We have to be ready for war."

Just then, there was a soft knock on the door before it opened slightly. Jisung peeked in, his expression cautious. "Can I come in?"

"Of course," Yongbok replied, releasing Hyunjin's hand as Jisung entered the room, carrying a tray of food and tea.

"Me and Wooyoung heard everything from the others, and we are both worried for you, Hyun. So, I thought to bring you some breakfast," Jisung said, setting the tray down on the table. "You need your strength after everything."

Hyunjin managed a weak smile. "Thanks Ji." He reached for a piece of bread, but his hands trembled slightly as he did.

"Are you alright?" Jisung asked, his brow furrowing with concern as he noticed Hyunjin's unsteady movements.

"I just feel a bit off from two nights ago," Hyunjin admitted, taking a small bite and chewing slowly.

Yongbok leaned forward, concern etched across his face. "Hyunjin, if you're not feeling well, we can postpone the meeting with Minho."

"No," Hyunjin insisted, shaking his head. "I want to be there. We need to figure out how to handle this."

Jisung nodded, appreciating Hyunjin's determination. "Alright, just take it easy. We'll handle it together."

As they ate, Yongbok's gaze never left Hyunjin, ensuring he was alright. Once they finished, Hyunjin felt a little stronger, and the dizziness began to fade. "Let's go find Minho," he said, determination in his voice.

Yongbok stood, offering his hand to help Hyunjin up. "I'll be right by your side. Always."

Together, they left the chamber, making their way through the palace corridors. The atmosphere was tense, the news of Hongjoong's actions likely spreading quickly. They reached Minho's office, where they found him pacing back and forth, his jaw clenched tightly.

"Hyung," Yongbok said, stepping inside with Hyunjin close behind. "We need to talk."

Minho turned sharply at the sound of their voices, his expression immediately shifting from worry to relief upon seeing Hyunjin. "Hyunjin." He crossed the room coming towards them. "Are you alright?"

"I'm okay, just a bit shaken," Hyunjin reassured him. "But we need to discuss what happened with Hongjoong."

Hyunjin took a deep breath, recounting the events from two nights ago, how Yongbok had found him just in time. The anger in Minho's eyes grew with each word. "We need to prepare for war. This is no longer a negotiation; Hongjoong crossed a line."

"I agree," Yongbok added, his voice steady. "We leave at dawn tomorrow and gather our forces. We can't let him get away with this."

Hyunjin nodded in agreement, feeling a surge of determination. "He won't get away with it. Not while we're together."

With a united front, they began to strategize, knowing that their bond would be tested in the battles to come, but they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.