Royal Untamed || Hyunin

Chapter 19

Jeongin watched in silence as the servants arranged his belongings, each movement a reminder of the blunt contrast between his former life and the lavishness of his new surroundings. The scent of polished wood and fresh linen filled the air, enveloping him in a cocoon of luxury that felt suffocating.

Despite the magnificence surrounding him, Jeongin couldn't shake the unease that gnawed at his insides. The luxuries hangings adorning the walls, the plush furnishings, the gilded accents—all of it seemed to mock his humble origins, reminding him of the simplicity he had left behind.

Lost in thought, Jeongin traced the patterns of the tapestries with his eyes, a sense of longing tugging at his heart. He missed the familiarity of his old home, the warmth of his family, the simplicity of his daily life. Yet, beneath the surface, there lingered a stubborn ember of curiosity—a curiosity about the world beyond his humble beginnings, about the man who had brought him here.

As the servants bustled about, arranging his belongings with practiced precision, Jeongin found himself grappling with conflicting emotions. There was a part of him that marveled at the extravagance of his new surroundings, that reveled in the luxury he had only ever dreamed of. But there was another part—a quieter, more hesitant part—that mourned the loss of his simple life, that yearned for the familiarity of the world he was a part of.

Sinking into a plush armchair, Jeongin let out a heavy sigh, the weight of his conflicting emotions pressing down on him like a leaden blanket. He felt adrift in a sea of uncertainty, torn between the appeal of his new life and the pull of the past.

In the silence of the chamber, Jeongin couldn't help but dwell on his feelings for Hyunjin—the man who had brought him here, the man who now ruled over him as king. Despite everything, despite the wealth that surrounded him, there was still a part of him that felt drawn to Hyunjin, that yearned for his presence despite the gulf that now separated them.

As he moved about the room, his footsteps echoing against the polished marble floor, Jeongin couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. Amidst the luxury and uncertainty, one thing remained clear: his life would never be the same again. And somewhere, deep within his heart, he couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps, just perhaps, that wasn't such a bad thing after all.

General Byol entered the room with a measured stride, his eyes sweeping over the rich furnishings with a hint of approval. Jeongin, sensing his presence, stood up instinctively, his gaze meeting Byol's with a mix of uncertainty and respect.

General Byol, observing Jeongin's hesitation, motioned for the servants to leave, his expression unreadable. As the last of them filed out, leaving them alone in the room, Byol turned his attention back to Jeongin, his demeanor calm and composed.

"Sit down, I just came to have a look," General Byol said, gesturing towards the plush armchair opposite him. Jeongin complied, although with a hint of hesitation, sinking into the luxurious cushions with a sense of unease.

General Byol took a moment to study Jeongin, his keen eyes taking in every shade of his demeanor. Despite the lavish surroundings, there was a palpable tension in the air—a tension that General Byol was keen to address.

"Are you comfortable, here?" Byol asked, his voice soft but firm. "Is there anything you need?"

Jeongin hesitated for a moment, his gaze darting around the room as if searching for an escape. But then, meeting General Byol's gaze once more, he shook his head slightly.

"I'm... I'm fine, it’s already too much," Jeongin replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I don't need anything."

General Byol nodded, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. He could sense Jeongin's discomfort, his unease at being thrust into this unfamiliar environment. But beneath the surface, there was something else—a resilience, a determination to adapt and survive.