Labyrinth of Love

Lost Love is still 'Love'

Thinking about that fateful birthday party, TaeHyung shivered even now. That night he had to give up the most valuable person of his life, in favor of his brother. The announcement of JaeJoong's marriage with the Imperial General's daughter, Tia, came as the biggest shock for Prince TaeHyung. For a moment, he could not even believe his own ears. He never knew such a thing was plotted behind his back. He could only call it a conspiracy when he watched JaeJoong was nothing but calm throughout the engagement ceremony. It was Tia who showed a baffled expression as if she was not prepared for this event. 

TaeHyung could easily guess that Tia was as confused as him but he also knew the painful fact that Tia could not be any more happy to finally have the man of her dreams. She was quite infatuated with his elder brother, had always been. What pained him was, he did not even get a proper chance to court her or express his own feelings before she was rudely taken away from him. All the accumulated bitterness and fury from losing the love of his life, fell on JaeJoong since JaeJoong knew about this plan but never gave one hint to TaeHyung.

At the end of the night, JaeJoong dared to ask for the birthday gift and it still hurts TaeHyung profusely when he thinks of that fateful moment.

Flashback:

JaeJoong approached TaeHyung who was downing drinks after drinks as soon as the wedding announcement was made. The youngest prince was on his eleventh glass when JaeJoong stopped him. "Don't you think you should stop? You're already at your limit, TaeHyung-ah."

TaeHyung silently swatted away JaeJoong's hand and drank the wine from the glass and refilled again. This time JaeJoong all but snatched the goblet away. "Stop it, TaeHyung. Don't do this to yourself."

"And, why should I listen to you? There's nothing left for me anymore. I just need to forget. So, leave me and my drink alone. Go back and have fun with your fiancé," said TaeHyung, gritting his teeth in absolute irritation.

JaeJoong sighed and murmured in a low voice, "So, I was right all along. You love Tia."

"I'm honoured that you realized, hyung-nim," mocked TaeHyung. "You suspected and still never bothered to confirm with this brother of yours. Let me guess, you also love her, don't you? That's why, you promptly accepted father's arrangement because you don't care about my feelings. You know what crown prince JaeJoong, you are the most selfish person I have ever seen."

The words coming out from TaeHyung's mouth stabbed JaeJoong's heart like a sharpened dagger was piercing his flesh and he flinched. "You're getting it all wrong, Tae. Yes, I like Tia because there's nothing to not like about her. She can win over anybody. But trust me, I'm not in love with her. I even tried to tell father that he should have a talk with you since both of you were close and maybe there was more to your friendship but father did not listen. Please understand Tae, I never wanted to hurt you."

"But you did and don't call me Tae. You've lost all right to call me in endearing names. You could have easily denied this arrangement showing the political cause that a crown prince should strengthen the relationship between kingdoms through his marriage. But you chose to be the obedient prince even if it hurts your younger brother. You are so selfish."

JaeJoong stayed silent knowing the grief and the inebriated state of TaeHyung's mind would not let him see reason. TaeHyung was angry and the anger clouded his rational thoughts. Thus, the crown prince instructed the server not to serve any more drinks to the younger prince and turned around to leave but was held back by TaeHyung's voice.

"Ahh, so you are running away?" sarcasm dripped from TaeHyung's voice.

"Tae, we can't talk tonight because you are already drunk and you would not understand any logic. But..." JaeJoong turned around, "We can talk tomorrow. There's still many days left for the wedding. We can figure out something."

"Don't bother, hyung. You can do nothing now. You did not do when there was time so, no need to try anything for my sake. I don't want your pity." Despite, JaeJoong stopping him, TaeHyung still managed to down another glass of wine.

JaeJoong huffed in annoyance as this pointless conversation with his drunk younger brother was going nowhere. He stepped closer to TaeHyung and said in a low voice, "I'm not pitying you. To prove that I want to ask for my birthday gift from you. The night is not over yet so, you have to give it. I'm counting on your words."

Confused, TaeHyung only blinked at JaeJoong's words. The crown prince said, "Stop drinking and go rest... That's what I'm asking of you. Give me this much, little brother. Tomorrow we can talk when you are sober."

TaeHyung emitted a deep chuckle and said, "Wow, you still have the guts to ask a gift from me although I've given you the most precious thing in my life. But okay, I'll grant you this last thing. Never expect anything from me ever again, hyung-nim because from now you are no longer my elder brother." Saying this TaeHyung left the party.

End of flashback

King V was immersed in his personal inferno where all sorts of painful thoughts and feelings resided. It had been so many years that he had to give up his first and only love until now, to his big brother but still it hurts him equally. Even now tears began to fall whenever he thought of Tia.

A knock was heard on the library door which broke V's trance. He noticed, Jimin had left. An attendant came in and called for the king's attention. V turned around, his usual blank and cold face was waiting for the attendant to speak.

"Your majesty, the new concubines have reached the castle. Sir Jeon had asked me to inform you, my king," said the attendant with all due respect.

"I'll attend to them in an hour. Go and ask JungGuk to meet me in my personal quarter," ordered King V.

"Yes, your majesty. Long live King V." The attendant left to summon JungGuk while V proceeded to his personal chamber to get ready for meeting the future concubines.

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From now on, you all can expect updates on every Tuesday and Friday until I notify you of any change in future. How are you all doing? Hope you enjoy reading this chapter. Until next time...