Chapter 38: The Last Promise

The air in the war room hung heavy with tension as Jaeha’s hand lingered on Seojin’s cheek, his fierce gaze locking onto his brother’s tear-filled eyes. Despite the looming war and the countless lives that hung in the balance, the only thing that mattered to Jaeha in this moment was Seojin—his twin, his love, his reason for fighting.

Seojin, however, couldn’t help but feel suffocated by the weight of Jaeha’s promise. He knew his brother’s love was all-consuming, but at what cost? How many lives would be sacrificed for the sake of their forbidden bond? The kingdom, their people—everything seemed to spiral out of control because of them.

“Jaeha,” Seojin began, his voice soft but strained. “You can’t keep promising to protect me at all costs. What about the kingdom? What about the people who look to you as their future king?”

Jaeha’s grip on Seojin’s face tightened, though not enough to hurt. “I will rule this kingdom, and I will protect it,” he said, his voice firm. “But none of it means anything without you by my side.”

Seojin’s heart ached at Jaeha’s words. He wanted to believe him, wanted to accept the love that Jaeha so freely offered, but he couldn’t ignore the nagging fear that their relationship would destroy everything they had fought to protect.

“You’re asking me to choose between you and the kingdom,” Seojin whispered, his voice trembling. “How can I do that?”

Jaeha shook his head, his eyes narrowing with determination. “I’m not asking you to choose. I’m telling you that you don’t have to. I’ll make sure we win this war, and when I take the throne, no one will dare challenge us.”

Seojin pulled away from Jaeha’s touch, stepping back as the weight of his brother’s words pressed down on him. “And if we lose?” he asked, his voice barely audible. “What happens then?”

Jaeha’s expression darkened. “We won’t lose. I won’t allow it.”

There was a finality in Jaeha’s voice that left no room for argument, but Seojin wasn’t convinced. He had seen the way Jaeha’s obsession with him had grown over the years, consuming every part of his brother’s life. And now, that same obsession was driving them toward a war that could tear their kingdom apart.

“I’m scared, Jaeha,” Seojin admitted, his voice breaking. “I’m scared of what this will cost us.”

Jaeha’s features softened as he reached out to Seojin again, pulling him into his arms. “I know,” he murmured against Seojin’s hair. “But you have to trust me. I will never let anything happen to you. No matter what, I will protect you.”

Seojin closed his eyes, resting his head against Jaeha’s chest. He could hear the steady rhythm of his brother’s heartbeat, and for a moment, it was enough to calm the storm of emotions raging inside him. But even as he allowed himself to find comfort in Jaeha’s embrace, the doubts remained.

“I want to believe you,” Seojin whispered. “I really do. But this war… it’s not just about us anymore. It’s about the kingdom.”

Jaeha pulled back slightly, his hands resting on Seojin’s shoulders. “The kingdom will survive, Seojin. We’ll make sure of it. But I need you to stay with me—to trust me.”

Seojin hesitated, his heart torn between the love he felt for his brother and the fear of what was to come. He wanted to trust Jaeha, to believe that they could come out of this war unscathed, but deep down, he knew that nothing was certain.

“I’ll stay,” Seojin said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. “But promise me one thing, Jaeha.”

Jaeha’s eyes softened as he looked at Seojin. “Anything.”

“If it comes to it,” Seojin began, his voice trembling, “if we lose… promise me you won’t throw away your life for me. The kingdom needs you, Jaeha. The people need their king.”

Jaeha’s jaw tightened, his expression hardening. “I can’t make that promise, Seojin.”

Seojin’s heart sank, but he pressed on. “Please. You’re their future king. If something happens to me—”

“Nothing will happen to you,” Jaeha interrupted, his voice fierce. “I won’t let it.”

Seojin looked up at him, his eyes pleading. “Jaeha, please. Promise me.”

For a long moment, Jaeha didn’t respond. The silence between them was heavy, filled with unspoken fears and the weight of the impending war. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Jaeha sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

“I promise,” he said quietly, though the words felt hollow.

Seojin knew Jaeha well enough to understand that his brother had no intention of keeping that promise. But for now, it was enough. It had to be.

Jaeha pulled Seojin back into his arms, holding him tightly as if he could protect him from the world by sheer force of will. Seojin closed his eyes, allowing himself to be enveloped in his brother’s warmth, even as the doubts continued to gnaw at him.

Outside, the sounds of soldiers preparing for battle echoed through the palace, a constant reminder of the war that loomed on the horizon. And though Jaeha’s arms around him felt like a shield, Seojin couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was coming.

To be continued...