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

Chapter - 50

A few days later, the palace buzzed with activity. The time for strategy and preparations had passed—now, they readied for war. Soldiers lined the courtyards, armor gleaming under the sun as they prepared for the inevitable battle ahead. Black and gold banners of the kingdom fluttered in the breeze, signaling their readiness for combat.

Yongbok stood on the balcony of the war room, gazing out at the assembling troops. His heart was heavy but resolute. Hyunjin, standing beside him, was calm and composed, though tension simmered beneath his surface. The events of the past few days only added fuel to their determination.

"Everything is in place," Minho said as he approached, his voice steady. "We have the upper hand in numbers, but Hongjoong's forces are skilled in guerrilla tactics. We'll need to be cautious."

Yongbok nodded. "We face him on the battlefield, and we finish this. No more games."

Minho glanced at Hyunjin, giving him a concerned look. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

Hyunjin met his gaze. "I'm not the same person Hongjoong thinks I am. He'll see that today."

The final preparations were made quickly. Horses were saddled, weapons were distributed, and the generals briefed their units. The time for action had arrived.

Before departing, Yongbok turned to Hyunjin, his eyes softening for a moment amidst the tension. "Stay close to me during the battle," he said firmly. "I won't risk losing you."

"I'll be right beside you," Hyunjin replied, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

With that, they mounted their horses and led the army toward the open plains outside the kingdom, where Hongjoong's forces awaited them. The landscape stretched wide and flat, a perfect stage for the coming confrontation. The air was thick with anticipation as both armies squared off, the tension palpable between them.

Across the field, Prince Hongjoong sat atop a black stallion, his armor glinting menacingly in the sun. His sharp eyes scanned the battlefield before landing on Hyunjin. His smirk was unmistakable, filled with obsession and dark intent.

The armies stood still for a brief moment, the calm before the storm, and then Hongjoong raised his hand, signaling for his forces to advance.

Battle cries erupted as the armies clashed. Swords rang against shields, arrows cut through the air, and the ground trembled under the weight of thousands of soldiers. Amidst the chaos, Yongbok fought valiantly, cutting through enemy lines with the grace and precision of a seasoned warrior. Hyunjin stayed close to him, their movements fluid as they fought side by side, a testament to their bond.

However, as the battle raged on, Hongjoong's eyes never left Hyunjin. He maneuvered through the fray, edging closer to his target. At last, he saw his opportunity.

In the heat of the battle, Hongjoong ambushed Hyunjin, knocking his sword from his hand and pulling him close. "You should've come willingly, Hyunjin," he whispered darkly in his ear. "Now, let's see what your precious Yongbok will do to save you."

Hyunjin struggled, but Hongjoong was too strong, and with a swift movement, he held a dagger to Hyunjin's throat. "Yongbok!" he shouted across the battlefield, his voice cutting through the chaos like a knife. "Surrender now, or Hyunjin dies!"

Yongbok, hearing his name, turned and saw Hyunjin being held hostage. His heart seized with fear, and he immediately began pushing through the soldiers to reach them. "Let him go!" he yelled, rage and desperation filling his voice.

Hongjoong's smirk grew darker. "You know what I want, Yongbok. Give Hyunjin to me, and I will spare him. Refuse, and I'll end him right here."

Yongbok's hands tightened around his sword, his knuckles turning white. He could see the slight tremor in Hyunjin's body, the dagger pressed too close to his skin. "I will never hand him over to you," he growled, stepping closer, his eyes locked on Hongjoong's.