Chapter 32: Hidden Shadows

The evening sky darkened as Jaeha and Seojin returned to the palace. The tension from the duel still lingered in the air, though the victory had been won. Seojin’s heart felt heavy, his mind swirling with thoughts of what had just transpired. He couldn’t shake the feeling that the danger wasn’t over, that Hojin’s parting words were a promise of more to come.

Jaeha, too, was lost in thought as they walked through the grand halls of the palace. His arm throbbed from the injury Hojin had inflicted, but the pain was nothing compared to the weight on his shoulders. He had protected Seojin once again, but he knew this was only the beginning. Hojin wouldn’t stop until he had destroyed everything they had built together.

As they entered Jaeha’s private chambers, Seojin turned to face him, concern etched into his expression. “Your arm… let me look at it,” he said softly, reaching for Jaeha’s injured limb.

Jaeha waved him off with a weak smile. “It’s nothing. Just a scratch.”

Seojin wasn’t convinced. “Jaeha, you’re bleeding. You can’t just ignore it.”

Reluctantly, Jaeha allowed Seojin to inspect the wound. The cut was deep, and though it wasn’t life-threatening, it needed attention. Seojin retrieved a cloth and water from a nearby basin, carefully cleaning the wound with tender hands. As he worked, Jaeha watched him in silence, his heart swelling with emotions he could barely contain.

“You shouldn’t have to do this,” Jaeha murmured, his voice soft. “You’ve already endured enough because of me.”

Seojin shook his head, his brow furrowed. “You fought for me, Jaeha. This is the least I can do. I don’t care about the risks or the dangers… I care about you.”

Jaeha’s chest tightened at Seojin’s words. He had always been strong, determined to protect Seojin at any cost. But in moments like this, when Seojin’s kindness and love shone through, he felt vulnerable, exposed in a way he wasn’t used to.

“I’ll always protect you,” Jaeha whispered, his eyes locking onto Seojin’s. “No matter what.”

Seojin’s hands stilled, and for a moment, they were both silent, lost in the gravity of their bond. There were no words that could fully express the depth of their connection, the unspoken promise between them.

But Seojin’s mind was troubled, his thoughts lingering on Hojin. “Jaeha, what if he’s right? What if… what if Hojin comes back stronger, more dangerous?”

Jaeha clenched his jaw, his eyes hardening. “I won’t let him touch you. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, Seojin. Hojin can try all he wants, but he’ll never break us.”

Seojin nodded, but his heart was still uneasy. He couldn’t shake the feeling that there were unseen forces at play, shadows lurking just beyond their view. The kingdom was a place of secrets, of hidden alliances and dangerous power plays. And now, more than ever, they were at the center of it all.

Just then, a knock echoed at the chamber door. Jaeha tensed, his hand instinctively reaching for the sword that always hung at his side.

“Enter,” he called out, his voice firm.

One of Jaeha’s most trusted guards stepped into the room, his face grave. “Your Highness,” he said, bowing slightly. “There is news. Hojin has not been taken to the dungeons as ordered.”

Jaeha’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”

The guard hesitated, his discomfort clear. “It seems… someone intervened. Hojin is gone, disappeared from the palace grounds.”

A cold wave of dread washed over Seojin, and Jaeha’s expression darkened with fury. “Gone?” Jaeha growled, stepping forward. “How is that possible? Who could have helped him?”

The guard shook his head. “We don’t know, Your Highness. There are rumors—whispers of hidden alliances within the court.”

Jaeha’s fists clenched, his mind racing with possibilities. There were traitors among them, people who sought to undermine his rule and his bond with Seojin. This was not just about Hojin anymore—this was a conspiracy, and it reached deeper than Jaeha had anticipated.

“Double the guards at the palace gates,” Jaeha ordered, his voice cold and commanding. “No one comes in or out without my explicit approval. And find out who helped Hojin. I want names.”

The guard bowed and hurried away to carry out Jaeha’s orders. Seojin stood in the middle of the room, his face pale. “Jaeha… this is bigger than us.”

Jaeha nodded grimly. “I know. But we’ll face it together.”

Seojin swallowed hard, the reality of their situation sinking in. They were no longer just fighting for their love—they were fighting for their survival.

To be continued...