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

Chapter - 59

Yongbok was forcibly taken back to his chamber by the guards. His heart pounded in his chest as they locked the door behind him, trapping him inside. He threw himself against the door, his fists pounding on the thick wood.

"Let me out!" he shouted, voice filled with desperation. "I need to see him! Hyunjin!"

But no one answered. The silence outside only heightened his frustration, and he slumped against the door, his body shaking with anger and helplessness. All he could think about was Hyunjin being taken away, and it tore him apart.

Meanwhile...

Hyunjin was being escorted out of the palace, flanked by guards on either side. His heart felt like it was being ripped from his chest. How had things fallen apart so quickly? His body trembled as they neared the palace gates.

Just then, familiar voices called out. His friends—Jisung, Wooyoung, Taehyun, Seonghwa, Seungmin, and Jeongin—came running toward him, their faces etched with concern.

"Hyunjin!" Jisung cried, rushing forward, but the guards blocked his path.

"What's going on?" Seonghwa demanded, his voice tight with worry. "Why is Hyunjin being escorted out like this?"

One of the guards spoke, his tone devoid of emotion. "By order of the king, Captain Hyunjin will no longer serve in the palace. He is to be removed immediately."

The words hit Hyunjin's friends like a blow. Wooyoung's eyes widened in disbelief, while Taehyun and Seungmin exchanged shocked glances.

"No, this can't be happening," Jeongin muttered, stepping closer to Hyunjin. "What did you do? Why is the king doing this?"

Before Hyunjin could respond, another figure appeared—In-Yeop, his older brother, rushing toward them, panic in his eyes.

"Wait!" In-Yeop pleaded with the guards. "Please, let my brother go. This is a misunderstanding! You can't take him away like this!"

But the guards were firm in their orders. They ignored In-Yeop's pleas and continued dragging Hyunjin toward the palace gates.

"In-Yeop, I'm sorry," Hyunjin whispered, his voice cracking as tears welled up in his eyes.

In-Yeop's heart broke seeing his younger brother like this. He ran ahead of the guards and threw himself in front of them, desperate to stop them. "Please! Let him go! You don't understand—"

But the guards shoved him aside, their duty clear. They forced Hyunjin through the gates, closing them behind him. The sound of the gates shutting felt like the final nail in the coffin.

As soon as Hyunjin was outside the palace walls, his knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground. Tears streamed down his face, his body trembling as the reality of the situation hit him. He couldn't go back. He couldn't see Yongbok. His world felt like it was crumbling.

In-Yeop rushed to his side, kneeling beside him. "Hyunjin, please... stay calm. We'll figure this out. I promise."

But Hyunjin couldn't stop the tears, his sobs uncontrollable. "I can't... I can't go back. I can't see him anymore, hyung. What are we going to do?"

In-Yeop pulled his brother into a tight embrace, his own heart breaking for him. "We'll figure it out. I swear to you, we'll find a way."

Just then, the sound of footsteps approaching made them both look up. Riki, their youngest brother, appeared, looking worried but composed.

"Father is calling us home," Riki said softly. His gaze fell on Hyunjin, his voice dropping even lower. "More specifically, he's calling you, hyung."

Hyunjin's face went pale, fear gripping his chest. His father. The man he feared most. Facing his father's wrath now, after everything that had just happened—it was too much.

"No," Hyunjin whispered, shaking his head. "I... I can't go. I can't face him."

In-Yeop tightened his hold on Hyunjin, his voice soothing but urgent. "You don't have a choice, Hyunjin. But don't worry, we'll be with you. Riki and I will be there."

Hyunjin's heart raced in terror, and he leaned into In-Yeop's shoulder. He couldn't imagine what awaited him at home, but one thing was certain—facing his father's wrath was going to be another nightmare.