Red String (Series #1) \\ Ateez ✔

forevermore and beyond

Luna's voice cut through the tension like a knife, her eyes blazing with demand for answers. "Who do you think it might be?"

"You know how the security is uptight within the walls in the palace, no one can easily enter or leave... Unless there is a hand inside the walls" Mingi's gaze swept across the room, his expression grave as he studied the articles on the table.

"What if the mastermind behind all these is in love with Seonghwa?" Wooyoung's voice lowered to a hushed tone, his suspicion heavy in the air. "Think about it: they go after Jangmi first, possibly due to envy or resentment towards her ties with him. And then, almost seamlessly, they set their sights on the Crown Prince himself. It's too precise to be random. There's a calculated pattern here, and it's unnerving."

Jongho nodded in understanding, his expression reflecting the weight of their discovery. "That makes sense," he acknowledged, his voice tinged with worry. "But why would someone in love with Seonghwa target the Crown Prince?"

Their conversation paused as Mingi's sudden realization pierced the air. "If her love for Seonghwa is overpowering, she might see the Crown Prince as an obstacle. By removing him, she believes Seonghwa can become the King."

Speak of the devil, Seonghwa entered the meeting room, and his presence immediately grabbed everyone's attention. Luna and the others paused their discussions, turning their focus towards him.

The Prince's demeanour was cold and distant, reflecting his frustration from the recent court meeting. His icy aura seemed to fill the room, creating an atmosphere of tension and unease among the occupants.

"Well, well, if it isn't our would-be king," Luna remarked a playful twinkle in her eye.

Wooyoung arched an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips and leans in towards Mingi. "Why do I feel like Luna is going to overthrow the Kingdom when Seonghwa ever becomes King?"

"Sounds like something she would do." Mingi whispers back with a scoff.

Seonghwa's face visibly hardened as he heard those words, and he lifted his indifferent gaze and emphasised; "I am not the King," He declared firmly, like the word king itself was poison to his tongue.

The room fell silent, the weight of Seonghwa's declaration hanging in the air. Finally, Hongjoong spoke up, his tone measured but sarcastic. "Not yet,"

Just as Seonghwa was about to continue, Yunho burst into the meeting chambers and almost knocked over a vase in his haste. After a moment of flailing, he quickly composed himself, straightening his posture as everyone shot him a bewildered look.

"What's with the rush?" Jongho inquired, curiosity filling his voice. "Did you stumble upon another crucial piece of information, or are you just eager to join the discussion?"

Yunho took a moment to catch his breath, his chest rising and falling rapidly from his hurried arrival. When he finally spoke, his voice was serious, instantly silencing any trace of amusement in the room.

"The town is being ambushed."

..

After her talk with Chaehwa, Jangmi once again walked through the palace garden, the air was filled with the sweet scent of white roses, just like it always was. The petals seemed to dance in the gentle breeze, casting delicate shadows on the path ahead.