Chapter 37: A Kingdom’s Call

The atmosphere in the palace became more intense with each passing hour. Every corner buzzed with preparations for the inevitable clash between Jaeha’s forces and Hojin’s army. The looming battle weighed heavily on Seojin’s mind, and no matter where he turned, the tension was palpable. Each soldier he saw seemed to carry the burden of an uncertain future.

Seojin stood alone in one of the palace’s vast gardens. The wind rustled through the trees, but it did little to calm the storm brewing within him. His thoughts were consumed with fear—not just for himself and Jaeha, but for the kingdom that had been thrust into turmoil. He knew this wasn’t just a war of territory or power. It was a war rooted in forbidden love, an obsession that had spiraled beyond control.

“How did it come to this?” Seojin whispered to himself.

He thought back to the days when they were children, when life had been simpler. Back then, Jaeha’s love had been different—protective, but not possessive. It had been innocent, untainted by the weight of royal duties or societal expectations. But as they grew, so did Jaeha’s obsession. Now, they stood on the brink of war, all because of that obsession.

Footsteps echoed behind him, pulling Seojin from his thoughts. He turned to see Youngmin approaching, his face troubled.

“Your Highness,” Youngmin said with a bow, “I came to check on you.”

Seojin forced a small smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m fine, Youngmin. Just… thinking.”

Youngmin nodded, stepping closer. “I understand. These are difficult times for all of us.”

Seojin could hear the concern in his voice, and for a moment, he considered confiding in him—telling him about the fear that gripped his heart. But he quickly dismissed the thought. There were some burdens Seojin had to carry alone, and the truth of his and Jaeha’s relationship was one of them.

“How are the preparations?” Seojin asked, changing the subject.

“Everything is moving as planned,” Youngmin replied. “The soldiers are ready, and Jaeha is finalizing the strategy with the commanders.”

Seojin’s chest tightened at the mention of Jaeha’s name. He couldn’t help but worry for him. No matter how strong or skilled Jaeha was, this war would test him in ways they had never imagined.

“Seojin,” Youngmin’s voice softened as he addressed him by name rather than title, “I know this is difficult for you. But you must trust in Jaeha. He’s doing everything he can to protect you and the kingdom.”

Seojin nodded, though the knot in his stomach didn’t ease. He had always trusted Jaeha, but as the days passed and the stakes grew higher, that trust felt like a double-edged sword. Jaeha’s determination to protect him had become an all-consuming force, and Seojin feared what that might cost them both.

“I know,” Seojin said softly. “But sometimes I wonder if his love for me is blinding him.”

Youngmin didn’t respond immediately. He stood beside Seojin, gazing out at the gardens as the wind picked up. “Jaeha’s love for you is strong,” he said finally, “but it’s also what drives him. Without you, he wouldn’t have the same strength to face what’s coming.”

Seojin turned to look at him, surprised by the sincerity in Youngmin’s words. He had always known that Jaeha loved him, but hearing it from someone else made it feel more real, more daunting.

“But what if that love is the reason we lose everything?” Seojin asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Youngmin met his gaze, his expression calm but serious. “Then it’s up to you to help him find balance. Love can be a powerful weapon, but it needs to be tempered with reason. You and Jaeha are stronger together than apart.”

Seojin’s heart ached at the truth in Youngmin’s words. He had always been Jaeha’s anchor, the one who kept him grounded. But now, as the world around them spun out of control, Seojin wasn’t sure if he could still play that role.

Before he could respond, a distant sound caught their attention. The unmistakable clang of metal echoed through the air—soldiers sparring in preparation for battle. The sound sent a chill down Seojin’s spine.

“They’re almost here,” Youngmin said, his voice grim. “We don’t have much time.”

Seojin swallowed hard, the reality of the situation crashing down on him once again. Hojin’s army was closing in, and soon, everything would be decided on the battlefield. Seojin turned away from the garden, his mind racing.

“I need to see Jaeha,” Seojin said suddenly, his voice filled with urgency.

Youngmin bowed. “Of course, Your Highness. I’ll escort you.”

Together, they left the gardens and made their way through the winding halls of the palace. The tension in the air seemed to thicken with each step they took. Servants and soldiers alike moved with purpose, their faces etched with determination and fear. Seojin could feel the weight of their stares, the unspoken knowledge that he was at the heart of this war.

When they reached the war room, Seojin hesitated for a moment, his hand resting on the door. He knew that once he stepped inside, there would be no turning back. This was the moment where everything would change—where the path they had chosen would either lead them to victory or ruin.

Taking a deep breath, Seojin pushed the door open.

Inside, Jaeha stood at the center of the room, surrounded by maps and scrolls. His commanders stood nearby, discussing strategies in hushed tones. The moment Seojin entered, Jaeha’s gaze snapped to him, his expression softening for just a moment before he returned to his commanding demeanor.

“Seojin,” Jaeha said, his voice a low rumble. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

Seojin stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest. “I needed to see you.”

Jaeha dismissed the commanders with a nod, and they left the room, leaving the two brothers alone. The silence that followed was heavy, filled with the weight of unspoken fears and doubts.

“I know what you’re going to say,” Jaeha began, his voice steady but tense. “You’re worried.”

Seojin nodded, his throat tight. “I am. This war… it’s because of us, Jaeha. Because of what we are.”

Jaeha’s eyes darkened, and he took a step closer to Seojin. “It’s because of Hojin’s ambition. Don’t ever think this is your fault.”

Seojin shook his head, tears welling up in his eyes. “But if it wasn’t for our love—”

Jaeha cut him off, his voice fierce. “I don’t regret loving you, Seojin. Not for a second. And I’ll fight anyone who dares to challenge that.”

Seojin’s heart twisted, torn between the love he felt for his brother and the fear of what was to come. “I don’t want to lose you, Jaeha. I don’t want this war to take everything from us.”

Jaeha cupped Seojin’s face, his touch gentle despite the strength behind it. “You won’t lose me. I’ll protect you, no matter what.”

Seojin closed his eyes, leaning into Jaeha’s touch. But even as he did, the uncertainty lingered, a dark cloud hanging over them both.

To be continued...