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

Chapter - 64

Late into the night, the palace was quiet, save for the faint footsteps of the guards on patrol. Riki crouched in the bushes near the palace's outer wall, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew this was a huge risk, but he couldn't watch Hyunjin waste away in his room any longer. Something had to be done.

After distracting the guards, Riki hurried to meet In-Yeop, who was waiting anxiously near the garden wall. "Riki!" In-Yeop whisper-shouted, rushing over as his younger brother emerged from the shadows. "What in the world are you doing here? Do you have any idea how dangerous this is?"

"Of course, I do," Riki said, rolling his eyes. "But we can't just sit around while Hyunjin hyung suffers. I need to see Prince Yongbok, and you're going to help me."

In-Yeop looked up toward the second floor, where Yongbok's chambers were located. "You do realize his balcony is way too high, right? There's no way you can climb that without getting caught."

Riki smirked, pulling a long, coiled rope from his bag. "That's why I brought this."

In-Yeop raised an eyebrow. "A rope? Where did you even get that?"

"I have my ways," Riki said with a grin. "Now, help me secure it. We'll tie it to that tree over there, and I'll climb up to his balcony."

In-Yeop looked uncertain but eventually nodded. "Alright, but if we get caught, you're taking the blame."

"Deal," Riki said, quickly moving to tie the rope securely to the tree.

Once the rope was firmly in place, Riki tested its strength before starting his climb. The wall was steep, but with the help of the tight rope, he managed to make steady progress toward Yongbok's balcony. In-Yeop watched from below, biting his lip nervously.

When Riki finally reached the top, he peeked over the edge of the balcony, seeing the faint glow of candlelight from inside the prince's chamber. He knocked softly on the balcony door, hoping that Prince Yongbok was still awake.

After a few moments, the door creaked open, and Yongbok appeared, looking confused and cautious. "Who's there?" he asked, narrowing his eyes as he tried to make out the figure in the darkness.

"It's me, Riki," the young boy whispered. "I came to talk to you."

Yongbok stepped closer, his brow furrowed. "I don't know you. What are you doing on my balcony in the middle of the night?"

Riki glanced around nervously, knowing he needed to explain quickly. "You don't know me, but you know my brother," he said. "His name is Hyunjin."

The mention of Hyunjin's name made Yongbok's eyes widen. "Hyunjin? What about him?"

Riki's expression softened as he looked at the prince. "He's not doing well, Your Highness. After he was kicked out of the palace, he hasn't left his room or eaten anything. I thought... maybe you could help him."

Yongbok's face fell, a wave of guilt washing over him. He had been trying to figure out a way to help Hyunjin ever since their separation, but the palace walls had kept him trapped. Hearing that Hyunjin was suffering made his heart ache even more.

"I..." Yongbok hesitated, his voice faltering. "I want to help him. But I'm locked in here too. I can't just leave."

Riki looked down at the ground for a moment before meeting Yongbok's eyes again. "That's why I came to you. My brother and I, we'll help you escape. But we can't do this alone. We need you to help us."

Yongbok glanced back inside his chamber, conflicted. He knew he had to do something for Hyunjin, but the risk was immense. "What's the plan?"

Riki smiled, a glint of hope in his eyes. "First, we need to get you out of here. We'll figure out the rest after that."

Yongbok nodded slowly. "Alright. Let's do this."

Riki handed Yongbok the rope, and together, they prepared for the next step of their dangerous plan.

With a cautious glance around, Riki and Yongbok carefully descended the palace wall, the rope tight in their grip. The night was quiet, save for the soft rustle of the wind in the trees. In-Yeop was waiting below, his eyes darting between the guards to ensure they weren't spotted.

As soon as Riki and Yongbok's feet touched the ground, In-Yeop ushered them behind a thick cluster of bushes, keeping them hidden from view. "Alright, you're out, but it's still dangerous. I'll head back inside and inform the others. You two need to move fast. If anyone catches you, it's over."

Riki gave his brother a determined nod. "Got it. Be careful, hyung."

In-Yeop glanced at Yongbok, who was still adjusting to the situation, and then back to Riki. "Take care of him. And make sure to keep him hidden."

Without another word, In-Yeop turned and disappeared back into the shadows of the palace, slipping inside to find the others and inform them of the escape. Riki quickly handed Yongbok a dark cloak, motioning for him to put it on.

"Here, put this on. It'll help keep you disguised," Riki said, his voice low but urgent. "We can't afford anyone recognizing you, especially not so close to the palace."

Yongbok nodded, pulling the cloak over his head. The fabric was rough but effective in hiding his features. Once he was fully concealed, Riki led him through the palace's back gardens, sticking to the shadows as they navigated toward the outer walls. They moved swiftly and silently, avoiding the patrolling guards as they made their way to the edge of the palace grounds.

After a tense few minutes, they finally reached the outskirts of the palace and slipped through a small gap in the outer wall.