Chapter 34: Unseen Threads

The quiet of the night offered no peace. Despite the stillness that wrapped around the palace, both Jaeha and Seojin were painfully aware that danger lurked within the shadows. Jaeha’s grip tightened on Seojin as if he feared losing him at any moment. Seojin could sense Jaeha’s anxiety through his tense posture and knew that his brother’s mind was racing, strategizing, planning.

“We can’t wait for them to come to us,” Jaeha muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. “We have to strike first.”

Seojin pulled back slightly, looking up at Jaeha. “Strike first? What are you planning?”

Jaeha’s eyes flashed with determination. “I’ll flush out every noble who supports Hojin. If there’s anyone in this palace who dares to betray me, I’ll make sure they regret it.”

Seojin swallowed hard. The fierceness in Jaeha’s eyes was something he had grown used to, but now it seemed more intense—driven by desperation as much as determination. The thought of Jaeha descending into darkness, becoming consumed by vengeance, made Seojin’s chest tighten with fear.

“Jaeha, you can’t go down this path,” Seojin pleaded softly. “You’re already surrounded by enemies. Making rash moves could make things worse.”

Jaeha’s expression softened at Seojin’s concern. He reached out, brushing a lock of hair from Seojin’s face. “I’m not afraid of them, Seojin. I’m afraid of losing you.”

Seojin placed his hand over Jaeha’s, his touch gentle. “I don’t want you to lose yourself in this fight. There has to be another way.”

Jaeha sighed, pulling Seojin closer again. “I don’t know any other way, Seojin. All my life, I’ve fought to protect what matters to me. And now, you’re the most important thing in my life. I won’t let them take you away.”

Seojin leaned into Jaeha’s embrace, feeling the warmth of his brother’s arms around him. He understood Jaeha’s need to protect, but he also knew that this fight was no longer just about them. The kingdom was teetering on the edge, and if they weren’t careful, the fragile balance could shatter.

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their situation pressing down on both of them. Seojin’s thoughts wandered back to Hojin, to the twisted look in his eyes as he had spoken of their bond, of the danger that their love posed to the kingdom. Was Hojin truly the only one who thought that way? Or were there more like him, hidden in plain sight, waiting for the right moment to strike?

“I don’t trust anyone here,” Jaeha said suddenly, his voice breaking the silence. “Not even the guards. Not the nobles. They all have their own agendas, their own loyalties.”

Seojin looked up at him, his heart heavy with the same realization. “Then what do we do?”

Jaeha’s eyes hardened with resolve. “We watch. We wait. And when the time comes, we strike.”

Just as Jaeha spoke, there was another knock at the door. Both brothers tensed, their minds immediately going to thoughts of betrayal. Jaeha motioned for Seojin to stay back as he approached the door, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

“Who is it?” Jaeha called, his tone sharp.

“It’s me, Your Highness,” came the voice of one of Jaeha’s most loyal guards, Youngmin. Jaeha opened the door cautiously, finding Youngmin standing at attention.

“What is it?” Jaeha asked, stepping aside to allow the guard into the room.

Youngmin bowed slightly before speaking. “We’ve received reports from the western borders. Hojin’s forces are gathering there. It appears he’s rallying support from the nobles who oppose your rule.”

Jaeha’s jaw tightened. “How many?”

“At least a few dozen nobles have pledged their forces to him, Your Highness. They’re amassing in secret, but our spies have confirmed that Hojin is planning something big.”

Seojin’s blood ran cold at the news. It was worse than they had feared. Hojin wasn’t just planning an attack—he was building an army, and soon, that army would come for them.

“Send more spies to the western borders,” Jaeha ordered, his voice steely. “I want to know every move they make. And prepare our own forces. If Hojin thinks he can challenge me, he’s in for a rude awakening.”

Youngmin nodded and left the room to carry out Jaeha’s orders. Seojin could feel the tension rising between them, the stakes of the game growing higher with each passing moment.

“This is getting out of control,” Seojin whispered, his voice trembling. “Jaeha… we’re going to war.”

Jaeha turned to him, his expression grim. “If that’s what it takes to keep you safe, then so be it.”

Seojin’s heart ached at the thought. He had never wanted this, never wanted to be the cause of so much destruction. But as he looked into Jaeha’s eyes, he knew there was no turning back now.

Their love had set them on a path that could not be undone. And now, with enemies closing in from all sides, they had no choice but to fight.

To be continued...