Join V(Kim Tae-hung), a skilled archer and avid reader, as he discovers an ancient book in his grandparents' village. The book, filled with mysterious symbols and forgotten stories, leads him on a journey of time travel and romance. As V unravels th...
The chamber stilled. The guard froze mid-swing, the blade gleaming inches from Taehyung's neck.
The King strode forward, his voice like thunder.
King: "Taehyung, I am granting you one final chance. Speak the truth, or this mercy will be your last."
Taehyung raised his battered face, his voice steady despite the weight of the moment.
Taehyung: "Your Majesty, I speak only truth. I love her."
Na-Rae wandered the palace gardens, her thoughts adrift. Suddenly, she remembered her father's words from earlier, I have something to discuss with you, my dear!!
Turning on her heels, she hurried toward the King's chambers, her silken robes rustling against the marble floors.
Back in chambers:
The King's patience snapped. With a sharp motion, his hand connected with Taehyung's face, the resounding slap echoing like a thunderclap. Blood dripped from the corner of Taehyung's mouth, yet he did not flinch.
Taehyung straightened, dropping to his knees again, bowing his head low in submission.
The King's fury surged.
King: "Guards! Show this insolent man what happens to those who deceive me!"
The guards descended, their blows precise and unrelenting. Their fists and feet struck Taehyung with brutal force, but he made no sound. His expression remained impassive, though blood began to soak his tunic, trailing down to the marble floor.
Na-Rae's Arrival
The doors burst open, and Na-Rae froze at the sight before her. Taehyung knelt, bloodied and battered, his breaths shallow. Tears welled in her eyes, her heart shattering at the brutality before her.
Na-Rae: (voice trembling) "Taehyung..."
The sound of her voice made him lift his head, his swollen eyes struggling to focus.
Taehyung: (weakly, with a faint smile) "Minion...."
Her tears spilled over as she ran to him, collapsing to her knees beside him.
Na-Rae: "Taehyung! What have they done to you?" Her hands hovered over his bruised face, her touch gentle but trembling.
The King's voice cut through the air like a blade.
King: "Na-Rae, leave. This man was sent by our enemies to infiltrate our court and deceive you."
Na-Rae's head snapped toward her father, her voice rising.
Na-Rae: "Appa, no! No one sent him. He is not after me-he didn't even approach me first. I approached him first, I loved him first!"
The King's face darkened, his voice a low growl.
King: "You dare speak such foolishness? You are the princess of the Joseon Dynasty! And he?" He gestured at Taehyung with disdain. "A nameless wanderer! A man of no station, no honor. You disgrace your bloodline."
Na-Rae clutched Taehyung's hand, her tears falling onto his bruised knuckles.
Na-Rae: "He has more honor in his heart than any nobleman I have met. You may see a commoner, but I see the man who holds my heart. If you cannot see that, Appa, then you do not see me."
The King's gaze wavered for a brief moment, the fierce loyalty in his daughter's voice piercing through his fury.
Taehyung coughed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Taehyung: "Your Majesty... I have nothing... to offer her... but my love... and my life. If that is not enough... then take it now."
Na-Rae cried out, throwing herself over Taehyung as if shielding him from the King's wrath.
Na-Rae: "If you kill him, you will have to kill me too."
The King stared at his daughter, torn between rage and disbelief. Finally, he turned away, his voice cold but heavy with resignation.
King: "Take him to the dungeon. Let him live-for now. But mark my words, Taehyung. If I find something off you will die a traitor's death."
As the guards dragged Taehyung away, Na-Rae's cries echoed through the chamber.
Na-Rae: "Taehyung! I will come for you, I swear it!"
Taehyung smiled faintly, his strength nearly gone.
Taehyung: (whispering) "Don't cry... Minion..."
And then he was gone, leaving Na-Rae trembling in the silence.
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