As the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden glow across the palace grounds, Jeonghan returned to his chamber before the onset of dusk. Seungcheol had abruptly concluded their tour when a soldier discreetly whispered urgent news into the king's ear, prompting a solemn shift in Seungcheol's countenance.
With a grave expression, Seungcheol informed Jeonghan that he could continue the tour with Jisoo, but Jeonghan, feigning weariness, gracefully declined, expressing a desire to retire for a brief respite.
Seungcheol, understanding Jeonghan's need for rest, acquiesced without contention. Soon, Jeonghan found himself escorted back to his chamber under the vigilant watch of Mingyu, who had assumed the role of his new guardian. The corridors of the palace were steeped in an aura of quietude as they made their way, the fading sunlight casting long shadows upon the marble floors.
"Pray tell, do you reside within the confines of the palace as well?" Jeonghan inquired, his voice carrying an air of regal curiosity as they traversed the grand halls.
"Yes, Your Highness. My entire lineage has long been tethered to these sacred walls," Mingyu replied with a hint of pride, his demeanor radiating loyalty and devotion. "My husband serves as an esteemed member of the royal advisory, and my son is also a denizen of this castle. Should you wish, you may encounter him attending Prince Jisoo's esteemed sewing classes."
A subtle smile graced Jeonghan's lips at the mention of family, an enduring bond revered even within the hallowed halls of the palace. "Your dedication to your kin is truly commendable," Jeonghan remarked, his tone suffused with genuine admiration.
As they approached the doorway leading to Seungcheol's chamber, Mingyu bowed with solemn reverence. "Your Highness, under any circumstance that you require my assistance, I shall be ever at your service," he pledged dutifully.
With a gracious nod, Jeonghan entered the sanctuary of his chamber, drawing the heavy curtains closed to shield himself from prying eyes. As he shed his outer robe and settled onto the plush bed, a sense of tranquility enveloped him, knowing that Mingyu stood steadfast outside, ever vigilant in his duty to protect the prince.
In the tranquil confines of his royal chamber, Prince Jeonghan's slumber was abruptly disrupted by the insistent tapping at his door. Startled from his restful repose, he stirred beneath the embrace of luxurious silk covers, his senses awakening to the dimly lit room.
With regal poise, Jeonghan reached for his robe, draping it around his form with practiced elegance, a silent proclamation of his dignity and station as a prince of the realm. As he approached the door, his heart quickened with a blend of curiosity and apprehension, the rhythmic knocking echoing like a drumbeat of urgency in the stillness of the night.
"Enter," he commanded, his voice resonating with authority. With a sense of relief, Jeonghan welcomed Prince Jisoo into his chamber, the familiar presence of his fellow prince bringing a measure of comfort amidst the uncertainty of the night.
"Prince Jisoo," Jeonghan acknowledged with a regal nod, his demeanor a portrait of composed patience amidst the intricate tapestry of palace politics. Though his heart still simmered with resentment towards Seungcheol, the prince had resolved to maintain a facade of civility in his interactions with the other inhabitants of Sel, recognizing that they bore him no ill will.
"Prince Jeonghan, did you find the tour of Sel Palace to your liking? Did it bring you enjoyment?" Jisoo inquired with genuine curiosity, his stance exuding a quiet confidence befitting his royal status. As he stood before the bed, Jeonghan graciously made space for him, a silent gesture of respect for their shared noble lineage.
"I did indeed. Seungcheol mentioned your sewing classes for the children of Sel. Is it true?" Jeonghan's inquiry was accompanied by a keen observance of Jisoo's countenance, noting the subtle shift as pride illuminated the prince's features like the soft glow of candlelight in a dimly lit chamber.
"Yes, Seungcheol informed you correctly. I do indeed," Jisoo affirmed with a satisfied smile, his eyes alight with the joy of nurturing young talents within the kingdom. Jeonghan, in turn, offered a nod of approval, acknowledging the importance of such endeavors in fostering a sense of community and skill among Sel's youth.
"That's splendid. I too have a fondness for sewing," Jeonghan revealed in a soft voice, his delicate fingers tracing the intricate patterns of the rings adorning them, a testament to his refined taste and appreciation for fine craftsmanship.
"Marvelous. Should you ever desire, you are most welcome to join me," Jisoo extended the invitation with a comforting hand placed upon Jeonghan's shoulder, a gesture of camaraderie and support amidst the complexities of palace life. And as Jeonghan offered a silent nod in acceptance, a sense of mutual respect and understanding enveloped them like the embrace of a warm tapestry on a cold winter's night.
"May I inquire as to the reason behind your visit?" Jeonghan ventured, his keen gaze meeting Jisoo's with an air of gentle curiosity. Though he detected a fleeting expression of surprise in Jisoo's eyes, the prince chose to overlook it for the moment, preferring instead to focus on the bond of trust and companionship that bound them together in the royal court of Sel.
"Ah yes, today marks a momentous occasion for all the subjects of Sel and its empire," Jisoo declared with regal solemnity, his voice resonating with the weight of the kingdom's traditions and customs. "In honor of this auspicious day, a grand festival is to be held, a celebration befitting the majesty of our realm."
With a subtle inclination of his head, Jisoo extended the invitation to Jeonghan, his eyes alight with silent anticipation. Though he spoke with the measured cadence of royalty, there was an underlying earnestness in his inquiry, a quiet hope that Jeonghan would graciously accept and partake in the festivities.
"Would you do us the honor of joining in this joyous occasion?" Jisoo's words hung in the air, the weight of centuries of tradition and camaraderie woven into their essence. As he awaited Jeonghan's response, there was a palpable sense of anticipation, a collective yearning for unity and camaraderie among the royal court of Sel.
Jeonghan's regal bearing remained unchanged as he cast his gaze downward, a silent contemplation unfolding beneath the grandeur of the palace's hallowed halls. Though his heart brimmed with reluctance to partake in any event that might inadvertently bolster Seungcheol's standing, the prince recognized the strategic necessity of acquainting himself with the inner workings of the palace.
With a measured exhale, Jeonghan resolved to attend the grand festival, recognizing it as a prime opportunity to immerse himself in the intricacies of palace life. Amidst the opulence of the occasion, he could glean invaluable insights into the dynamics of power and influence that governed the kingdom, laying the groundwork for his own clandestine machinations.
As he weighed the implications of his decision, Jeonghan's mind danced with visions of courtly intrigue and subtle diplomacy, each step calculated to advance his own agenda amidst the tapestry of royal affairs. And in the gathering dusk of the palace's grand halls, he saw not just an event, but a crucible of opportunity, a chance to forge alliances and cultivate allies in the pursuit of his ultimate goal.
With a silent nod of acquiescence, Jeonghan accepted Jisoo's invitation, his resolve unwavering as he embraced the role of princely observer amidst the pageantry and splendor of Sel's most illustrious gathering. And as he prepared to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of palace politics, Jeonghan knew that every interaction, every exchange held the potential to shape the destiny of the realm itself.
"Indeed," Jeonghan remarked, his countenance brightened by a smile that artfully concealed the simmering currents of his true intentions beneath the surface, like shadows dancing upon a sunlit pond.
"Wonderful," Jisoo exclaimed, his voice resonating with palpable excitement as he rose from his seat, a regal figure commanding the room with effortless grace. "I shall summon the maids forthwith to prepare a new ensemble befitting your royal stature. The rich hue of crimson, freshly woven and adorned with intricate patterns, shall drape over you, transforming you into a vision of majestic allure."
With a dignified nod, Jeonghan acknowledged Jisoo's proclamation, his gaze following the departing prince with a keen intensity. As the heavy door swung shut behind him, the atmosphere within the chamber shifted, the air crackling with a palpable tension.
In the solitude of the chamber, Jeonghan's features hardened, his eyes ablaze with a fierce determination that belied his gentle facade. Like a tempest brewing on the horizon, his resolve surged forth, fueled by the fires of vengeance that smoldered deep within his soul.
"Do it, Prince Jisoo," he whispered to himself, his voice a mere echo in the vast expanse of the room. "And know that the corridors and throne of Sel shall bear witness to a crimson tide, flowing with the blood of those who have wronged me."
"And that is your brother choi Seungcheol.."
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-Vaish
Mingyu is married!!! 🥹🎀 And has a son 🫣🎀
What is your favourite trope?