Sacrifice || ENHYPEN FF

𝕭𝖆𝖈𝖐𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞

~hai~

-Start of Backstory-

The moonlight spilled faintly across the silken sheets, the only witness to the crime about to unfold. The King lay still, his breath heavy with exhaustion, oblivious to the shadow gliding closer.

Queen Miyeon raised the dagger, its edge gleaming cold in the pale light. Without hesitation, she drove it deep into his chest.

The King jolted awake, a strangled gasp tearing from his lips. His eyes widened in horror, locking on his wife — the woman he once adored — now staring down at him with eyes full of venom. He clawed at her arm, but she twisted the blade cruelly, silencing him forever.

Behind the half-open door, a pair of wide eyes watched.

Seorin, frozen in place, felt her body tremble violently. She wanted to scream, to run, to call for help — but instead, she gripped the frame, staring as her father's life drained away. Fear choked her lungs, but as her mother turned, wiping the blade clean with unhurried grace, something else flickered within her — a dark, twisted relief.

Miyeon's gaze softened when it fell upon her daughter. She stepped forward, pressing a blood-stained hand against Seorin's cheek.

"My precious... my jewel of a daughter" she whispered, her voice velvet and poison all at once. "Never speak of what you saw tonight. If even a word escapes your lips, they will imprison us both. Do you understand?"

Seorin nodded weakly, her tears drying into a strange, eerie calm. For the first time, she felt chosen. For the first time, she felt powerful.

~~~~~~~

The next morning, the palace erupted in chaos. Courtiers shrieked, guards rushed about, ministers gathered in panic.

"The King is dead!"

The wails echoed through the marble halls, shaking the kingdom to its core.

In the grand court, Queen Miyeon stormed in, draped in black silk, her eyes swollen from false tears. She expected the ministers to bow, to hand her the reins of power.

But instead, the herald raised his voice.

"By the late King's decree, the crown shall pass to his eldest son — Prince Heeseung."

Gasps rippled through the chamber.

Miyeon's eyes blazed with fury. She slammed her fist against the throne's armrest. "He is a mere child!" she screamed. "A mere commoner! How dare you place the crown on his head?"

One minister stepped forward, his voice calm but resolute. "Your Majesty, it was the King's command. We must honour his will. The bloodline matters not — the eldest son is rightful heir."

"That boy is no son of the King!" Miyeon shrieked, her voice cracking with rage. "He is filth dragged from the streets! How dare you defy me!"

The council lowered their heads, murmuring amongst themselves, unwilling to bow to her tantrum.

And so the crown rested upon young Heeseung's brow.

Despite his youth, despite his common birth, he carried himself with a quiet strength. Months passed, and with the help of loyal ministers and wise advisors, the kingdom began to flourish. Trade revived, the people rejoiced, and hope blossomed once more.