Whispers of the Mystery Book

Chapter 106: King Vs Father

The King exhaled heavily, his gaze turning colder.

King: "Because I needed to see if he was a threat to our kingdom. I cannot let an unknown man, someone who came from nowhere, stay in this kingdom unchecked."

Na-Rae froze, her eyes widening in disbelief.

Na-Rae: (shocked) "What? You... you did this to test him? To see if he was dangerous?"

The King nodded solemnly.

King: "If I had known more about him from the beginning, I would not have let it reach this point. But I could not afford to take chances, Na-Rae-not with your safety or the safety of our people."

Tears streamed down Na-Rae's face as she shook her head in disbelief.

Na-Rae: "So everything he endured, all the pain, the risk... it was all because of your suspicions? Father, how could you?"

The King gestured to the royal guards standing nearby.

King: "Take him to one of the palace bedrooms. Ensure he is watched closely."

The guards bowed and moved to escort Taehyung.
The King then turned back to Na-Rae, his tone commanding.

King: "As for you, Na-Rae, return to your chambers. You are not to see him under any circumstances."

Na-Rae's voice broke as she pleaded one last time.

Na-Rae: "Father, this isn't fair! I love him!"

The King's tone grew harsher, cutting her off.

King: "You are a princess, Na-Rae. A princess marries a prince-not an unknown man with no history or status."

Na-Rae's tears flowed freely as she glared at her father, her heart breaking.

Na-Rae: "Your Majesty, you are doing a great job as a king... but not as a father."

The words struck him like a blow, though he didn't show it. Na-Rae turned and walked away, her sobs echoing in the grand hall as she disappeared down the corridor.

The King stood still, his hands clenched behind his back. His face was stoic, but his heart wrestled with the weight of his choices.
The King stood in the grand hall long after Na-Rae's footsteps faded away, his mind heavy with the aftermath of their confrontation. The silence of the room seemed oppressive, the weight of his daughter's words echoing louder than they should.

King: (to himself) "A great king but not a good father... Is that the price of this crown?"

He clenched his fists tightly, his gaze drifting to the large windows, where the golden hues of the setting sun painted the horizon. The image of Taehyung, battered and unwavering, flashed in his mind. Despite his doubts, he couldn't ignore the young man's loyalty and bravery.

Moments later, his trusted advisor, Minister Hwan, entered the hall. Bowing deeply, the older man addressed the King with his usual calm.

Minister Hwan: "Your Majesty, the guards report that the young man has been escorted to his quarters. He is in no condition to cause trouble, yet his resilience is commendable."

The King nodded slightly, his expression unreadable.

King: "I didn't allow him to stay here for commendation, Hwan. I needed to see the truth. Whether his bravery comes from love or hidden motives remains unclear."

The minister hesitated before responding.

Minister Hwan: "With all due respect, Your Majesty, the young man has risked his life without hesitation, even in his weakened state. If he had ulterior motives, would he have acted with such selflessness?"

The King didn't reply immediately, his eyes narrowing in thought.

King: "Even the most loyal hounds can bare their teeth when cornered. I will not risk my kingdom's safety on sentiment."

Before Minister Hwan could say more, a messenger entered and bowed.

Messenger: "Your Majesty, Princess Na-Rae has locked herself in her chambers. She refuses to speak to anyone, even her maids."

The King sighed heavily, dismissing the messenger with a wave of his hand.

King: "Leave her be for now. She needs time to understand."

Minister Hwan: "And what of the young man, sire? What is your decision regarding him?"

The King's gaze hardened once again.

King: "Keep him under watch. Provide him with basic care but ensure he does not leave the palace grounds. I will not allow him near Na-Rae until I am certain of his intentions."

The minister bowed deeply.

Minister Hwan: "As you command, Your Majesty."

To be continued!!!!!

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