CHAPTER 66
"And do you?"
the king asked, voice calm but curious.
"I do now,"
Sihyun answered without hesitation.
There was another pause. Then the king nodded once—slow, firm.
"Very well,"
he said.
"You may return to your quarters. But know this—if you ever betray that promise, not even love will protect you."
Sihyun gave a small bow again.
"Understood."
As he turned and walked away, the weight of the conversation pressed on him—but so did something else.
Resolve.
Outside the throne room...
As Sihyun stepped out of the grand hall, the heavy doors closing behind him with a dull echo, he paused to inhale deeply. The conversation with the king had left him tense, but the sight of a familiar figure leaning against a pillar softened his edge.
"Muwon...?"
he said, surprised.
The crown prince stood waiting, his arms crossed and expression softening the moment their eyes met.
"You took your time,"
Muwon said, then strode forward and wrapped Sihyun in a brief but firm hug.
"I wanted to make sure you came out in one piece."
Sihyun snorted quietly.
"He didn't bite."
Muwon pulled back and gave him a small smile.
"Good. Because now it's my turn."
Sihyun blinked.
"You're going in?"
Muwon nodded.
"I need to speak with him about Vanyul."
Sihyun hesitated.
"Be careful. He'll listen to you… but only as a prince."
Muwon touched his shoulder briefly.
"Then I'll make sure he hears me as a son."
He turned and walked through the massive doors, which creaked open once more, letting him into the golden-lit vastness of the throne room.
Inside the king's grand throne room...
The king looked up, clearly expecting his heir.
"Your Highness,"
Muwon said, bowing formally.
"Speak."
Muwon stood tall, gaze unwavering.
"Vanyul is coming. He called to Sihyun. That alone makes it dangerous. He's unpredictable, and we don't know his intentions—so we're preparing."
The king listened, silent and stern.
"I've already increased the palace guard around the eastern wing,"
Muwon continued.
"The moment he steps foot inside these walls, we'll have sorcerer's chains on standby and defensive spells in place. But..."
The king arched a brow.
"But?"
Muwon exhaled.
"If there's even a sliver of a chance to avoid bloodshed, I want to try."
The king's face remained unreadable.
"You would negotiate with a man who has the power to turn this entire kingdom to ash?"
Muwon nodded.
"Because Sihyun believes it's worth trying—even if he thinks it'll fail. And because I trust his judgment. He knows Vanyul better than we ever will."
The king leaned forward slightly.
"And if the negotiation fails?"
Muwon's voice dropped.
"Then I'll be the first to draw my sword."
The king was silent for a long moment, then finally spoke.
"I never raised you to be soft."
"I'm not soft,"
Muwon said quietly.
"I'm choosing to believe in someone—for once. Just like you believed in this kingdom."
There was a flicker in the king's eyes. Barely there.
Then he leaned back on his throne.
"Very well. The gates will remain open, but the guards will be ready. If this Vanyul steps out of line, he'll be cut down before he blinks."
Muwon bowed again.
"Understood."
"And Muwon…"
the king added, stopping him just before he turned to leave.
"That sorcerer… Sihyun. He is not just your cure anymore. Is he?"
Muwon looked over his shoulder, a soft smile forming.
"No, Father. He's not."
And with that, he walked out.
Later that evening — in a quiet chamber just before Vanyul's expected arrival
The moonlight spilled through the open window, casting pale silver across the room. Outside, the faint sounds of boots and weapons shifting echoed in the corridors — soldiers were stationed, the palace alert and braced.
Inside, Muwon clung to Sihyun from behind, arms wrapped tightly around his waist as if afraid he'd vanish. His chin rested on Sihyun's shoulder, lips brushing against the crook of his neck.
"You're holding me like it's the last time,"
Sihyun said softly, voice low and teasing.
"I'm only going to see Vanyul. Unless..."
he tilted his head slightly,
"...you're jealous?"
Muwon didn't answer immediately. Instead, he tightened his grip and slowly turned Sihyun around to face him. His black eyes searched Sihyun's gold-tinged ones before murmuring,
"Maybe I am. But can you blame me?"
Sihyun's gaze softened.
"I know what he wants from you,"
Muwon whispered.
"And I know what I want."
Sihyun leaned forward slightly, brushing their foreheads together.
"You have nothing to worry about,"
he said.
"I'm yours. Not his."
Muwon closed his eyes briefly, savoring those words. Then he kissed Sihyun — gentle at first, then firmer, deeper. Sihyun responded, kissing him back as his fingers curled lightly into Muwon's robe. His eyes glowed faintly gold, a shimmer of magic stirred by emotion.
Muwon's hand trailed along Sihyun's jaw, down to his neck, his thumb lingering over the marks left behind by the curse-draining ritual.
"I want to spend tonight with you,"
he whispered, barely audible.
"Alone. No guards. No rituals. Just us."
Sihyun's breath hitched for a second before he pulled back with a faint smile.
"As much as I'd love that..."
he said, brushing his thumb across Muwon's lips,
"Vanyul will be here any minute. I can feel it."
Muwon exhaled sharply, frustrated but understanding.
"Then come back to me right after."
Sihyun nodded.
"I will."
Muwon held his hand a moment longer before finally letting go, eyes lingering on him as if memorizing every detail.
Palace Grounds – Nightfall
The courtyard was cloaked in stillness, only the sound of the wind brushing against the trees broke the silence. Soldiers stood hidden in the shadows, eyes alert. Dohyun, Taejin, Yuhyun, and Muwon stood nearby, concealed behind a row of columns, their gazes fixed on the lone figure standing in the open.
Sihyun.
He stood with his hands tucked into his sleeves, face unreadable beneath the moon's glow. The only movement was his cloak fluttering slightly with the breeze. He looked calm—but his fingers were tense, his senses sharp.