The Enchanted Garden

The king's decision

The days that followed were both a dream and a reality. Minho remained at the palace to make the final arrangements, though he returned to the garden whenever he could. He spoke to his father, the king, and his advisors, trying to convince them that his decision was the right one. Jisung watched from a distance, his heart heavy with worry. 

He knew that Minho's choice wouldn't come without consequences, but he also couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. They were moving forward, and that was all that mattered.

One afternoon, after Minho had been gone for several days, a messenger arrived at the garden with news. Jisung was working among the rosebushes, his hands stained with earth, when he looked up to see a soldier on horseback approaching. 

The man handed him a letter sealed with the royal insignia, and Jisung's stomach sank. He could feel the weight of the letter even before he opened it. He tore the seal, his fingers trembling, and read the words that would change everything.

To Prince Minho's beloved,

The king has spoken. The decision has been made.

Your request for freedom has been granted, but the price will be steep. The palace will not stand for the abandonment of royal duties without consequence. You may leave, but the throne will pass to your brother. There will be no place for you in the kingdom unless you are willing to pledge your allegiance to the crown once again.

Jisung's heart sank further with every word he read. He knew this would be difficult, but the magnitude of what Minho was facing hit him hard. The weight of an entire kingdom, of legacy, was being placed on Minho's shoulders - and the price of love was steeper than Jisung had imagined.

He didn't have time to think more before Minho arrived, his face tense with the burden of the news. Without a word, he took the letter from Jisung's hands, his face going pale as he read the king's decree. When he finished, he let out a shaky breath.

"They've given me an ultimatum," Minho said, his voice strained. "If I leave now, I will be a traitor to the throne. My brother will take my place, and I will have no standing in the kingdom."

Jisung's chest tightened, the fear for Minho's future growing with each passing second. "What are you going to do?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Minho closed his eyes for a moment, as though gathering his strength. When he opened them, his gaze was unwavering.

"I don't know yet. But I know this: I can't be a prince without you, Jisung. I've spent my whole life following orders, but now... I have a choice. I can choose my happiness, my life, or I can follow a path I've never wanted. But whatever I choose, it has to be my choice."

Jisung stepped forward, placing a hand on Minho's arm. "You don't have to do this alone," he said softly. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together."

Minho smiled, but it was a bittersweet smile. "I know. I've never been more certain of anything in my life. And no matter what the future holds, I want you by my side."