Silent Vows (Boylove)

Chapter 14

"My, my... the consort of elegance behaving so inelegantly," she remarked coolly, her gaze sharp as she took in Daehan's disheveled state. "Running through the halls like a common servant...what a sight."

Before Daehan could apologise, Youngjae's voice rang out, drawing nearer. "Where did you go, my pretty flower?" he called, his tone light and teasing, the nickname rolling off his tongue effortlessly.

Jiyoon's eyes widened slightly, jealousy flashing in their depths as she heard the prince's words.

Youngjae caught up to Daehan, his playful grin vanishing the instant his gaze landed on the princess. His brows knit together in irritation. "Rats," he muttered under his breath.

Daehan instinctively stepped closer to Youngjae, glancing between him and the princess with growing unease.

Princess Jiyoon's eyes narrowed, her tone clipped. "I beg your pardon?"

Youngjae tilted his head slightly, a sly smirk tugging at his lips. "Oh, nothing. Just noting how my palace seems to be infested with rats lately. They have a way of sneaking in uninvited."

The thinly veiled insult hung in the air as Jiyoon's expression stiffened. She recovered quickly, offering a brittle smile. "Perhaps His Highness should consider bringing in a cat to handle such... pests."

Youngjae's smirk deepened. "Oh, no need. I already have a trap in place," he said, his gaze sharp as it flickered over her. "Now, tell me—what brings you here? I was quite clear that no one from the north wing is to visit without permission."

Daehan watched the exchange with wide, curious eyes, his confusion growing.

Jiyoon hesitated, visibly flustered, before bowing slightly. "I... I came to deliver these," she said, holding out a delicately wrapped box of sweets. "They're from my father. A gift for you and... the crown consort." Her gaze lingered briefly on Daehan, the words leaving a sour taste in her mouth.

Youngjae raised a brow, taking the box from her. His fingers brushed over the ornate packaging as he inspected it. "You delivered it personally?" His tone was skeptical, bordering on dismissive.

A faint blush colored Jiyoon's cheeks as she nodded. "I thought it would be more... appropriate."

Youngjae let out a quiet scoff, his lips quirking into a humorless smile. "You could have sent it through a maid," he remarked dryly, his eyes narrowing as he sniffed the box theatrically. "Unless, of course... you've poisoned it?"

Jiyoon's gasp was sharp, her composure faltering. "I would never do such a thing, Your Highness! How could you even suggest-"

Youngjae tilted his head, letting the accusation linger for a moment longer than necessary before breaking into a cold chuckle. "Relax, Princess. It was merely a jest. Though, for future reference, you and your husband would do well to respect the rules of this palace." His words carried a sharp edge, the weight of his authority unmistakable.

Jiyoon bit her lip, bowing deeply to mask her frustration. "Of course, Your Highness. My apologies for the oversight."

"Good," Youngjae replied curtly, his tone leaving no room for further conversation.

Just then, the deep, resonant sound of the royal drum echoed through the corridors, signaling the start of the royal court session.

Youngjae's expression shifted as he turned to Daehan, offering his hand. "Ah, perfect timing. Let's go. The court awaits." Without waiting for a response, he intertwined his fingers with Daehan's and began leading him toward the grand hall.

Daehan followed, startled by Youngjae's sudden decision to take him along. He glanced back over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of Jiyoon's tense expression. Her jaw was set, and her hands were clenched tightly at her sides.