Citadel of Hearts: The Empero...

By hoshivelous

36.5K 3.1K 1.3K

"In your quest to lay claim upon me, my body, my land, and my people, heed this, Seungcheol: my heart shall f... More

Introduction and Prologue
Chapter 1: Prettiest is "Mine"
Chapter 2: Intrigued and brave
Chapter 3: Resistance untill death
Chapter 4: Scarf of Lies
Chapter 5: Beau as Rose
Chapter 6: The beauty of Sel
Chapter 7: Threads of Trust
Chapter 8: Forbidden fates
Chapter 9: Clash of Thrones
Chapter 11: Regal Affairs
Chapter 12: Touch to be Longed
Chapter 13: Desire and Devotion
Chapter 14: Fire within you
Chapter 15: Scars on Souls
Chapter 16: Emblem of Love
Chapter 17: Shadows of Betrayal
Chapter 18: Yielding to Love's Dominion
Chapter 19: Dares of Hearts
Chapter 20: Secrets coloured white
Chapter 21: Whispers of Devotion
Chapter 22: Die for you
Chapter 23: Everlasting true bonds
Chapter 24: Love's Labyrinth
Chapter 25: Stars and Secrets
Chapter 26: Betrayal and Love
Chapter 27: Bleed the lies
Chapter 28: Sacrifice for Sel
Chapter 29: Imperial bonds
Chapter 30: Fragrance of despise
Chapter 31: Solace in separation
Chapter 32: Shadows of regret
Chapter 33: Knots of trust and repairs
Chapter 34: Fractured bonds
Chapter 35: Peace in your presence
Chapter 36: True love and affection
Chapter 37: To my other half
Chapter 38: Reunion of two hearts
Chapter 39: Dance of love
Chapter 40: Moonlit desires
Chapter 41: Remorse and Rebuild
Chapter 42: Live Forever
Epilogue: Emperor's Triumph
New book!

Chapter 10: Swords and Seduction

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By hoshivelous

Jeonghan's gaze remained fixed upon Seungcheol's, unwavering in its intensity, as the king gracefully retreated with a dignified step, acknowledging his adversary's victory. With a regal air, Seungcheol lifted his hand and executed two precise claps, a silent command that reverberated through the chamber, signaling his acceptance of the defeat.

In response to this royal decree, a guard materialized at Jeonghan's side, bearing a gleaming sword held aloft with utmost reverence. With a nod of acknowledgment from Jeonghan, the guard presented the weapon, its blade catching the light in a display of polished steel.

The challenge was unmistakable, a testament to the unwavering resolve of both combatants. As Jeonghan accepted the sword, his demeanor remained composed, his eyes never faltering from Seungcheol's, poised and prepared for whatever test of skill and valor lay ahead.

"Take it, my rose," Seungcheol's voice rang out with regal authority, his gaze fixed upon Jeonghan as he gestured towards the sword with a graceful nod of his head. The blade gleamed in the dim light of the chamber, a symbol of power and prowess. "Everything that is mine belongs to you."

Jeonghan clicked his tongue in response, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features as he accepted the sword from the guard. He knew that challenging Seungcheol was a futile endeavor; the king's strength and skill were legendary, and to best him in combat was akin to attempting the impossible.

"But before we proceed, there is one condition," Jeonghan declared, his tone measured yet resolute. Seungcheol arched an eyebrow in curiosity, silently urging Jeonghan to continue.

"I should have expected as much," Seungcheol replied with a wry smile, his voice tinged with amusement. "Tell me, my rose, what is it that you desire? The moon laid at your feet, or perhaps the stars adorning your hair? Whatever your wish, it shall be granted."

With a roll of his eyes, Jeonghan set about removing the sword from its covering, his movements deliberate and controlled. The weight of the blade felt heavy in his hand, a reminder of the challenge that lay ahead. Yet even as doubt gnawed at his resolve, Jeonghan remained determined to see his decision through to the end, come what may.

"We shall discuss that matter at a more opportune time," Jeonghan declared with a regal air, his tone conveying both deference and determination as he took a step forward. Though his gaze remained fixed upon Seungcheol's face, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of unease at the sight of the king's exposed torso.

With practiced poise, Jeonghan averted his eyes from Seungcheol's bare form, his gaze skimming over the intricate red tattoo adorning the king's ribcage. The image of a lion, its mouth agape and teeth bared in a fearsome display of power, seemed to leap off Seungcheol's skin, a symbol of strength and majesty.

"Very well," Seungcheol's voice resonated with regal authority as he issued the command, his tone firm and unwavering. Jeonghan stepped forward, his frame aligning with Seungcheol's in a silent acknowledgment of the challenge that lay before them. With a swift motion, the red cloth that had veiled their swords fell away, revealing the gleaming blades beneath.

As the swords clashed against each other, Jeonghan's expression tightened with determination, his every movement fueled by an unyielding resolve to best his opponent. With each swing of his sword, he poured all of his strength and skill into the fight, his mind focused solely on the task at hand.

"Tell me, my dear rose, do you always fight with such passion?" Seungcheol quipped, a playful glint in his eye as he feinted left and then lunged forward, narrowly missing Jeonghan's defenses

The clash of steel echoed through the chamber as Jeonghan's relentless assault continued, his strikes driven by a primal instinct to overcome Seungcheol at any cost. With each blow, he sought to draw blood, to prove himself worthy of victory in this ultimate test of skill and valor.

Seungcheol parried each of Jeonghan's strikes with practiced ease, his own blade moving with precision and grace. As they circled each other in the dance of combat, a tense silence enveloped them, broken only by the rhythmic clashing of their swords.

"You fight with fire in your veins, my rose," Seungcheol remarked, his voice calm and composed despite the intensity of their duel. "But remember, true strength lies not only in aggression, but in control."

Jeonghan's lips tightened into a thin line as he redoubled his efforts, his determination unyielding. "And what would you know of true strength, Your Majesty?" he retorted, his voice edged with defiance. "Strength born of privilege is no match for the resilience forged in adversity."

Seungcheol's eyes flashed with a mixture of amusement and admiration at Jeonghan's words. "Ah, but do not mistake privilege for weakness," he countered, his gaze never leaving Jeonghan's. "True strength lies in the ability to rise above one's circumstances, to harness the power within and wield it with purpose."

Their swords continued to clash with resounding force, the air crackling with tension as they fought with all the skill and determination they possessed. In that moment, amidst the chaos of battle, Seungcheol and Jeonghan stood as equals, their words and actions intertwining in a timeless dance of conflict and camaraderie.

"The pursuit of blind revenge is a path fraught with peril, my beloved rose," Seungcheol's voice rang out with a solemn yet authoritative tone as he raised his sword once more, the gleaming blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. With a swift strike, he forced Jeonghan down to his knees, a victorious smirk gracing his lips as he towered over his fallen adversary.

As Jeonghan knelt before him, his hair disheveled and his cheeks flushed with exertion, Seungcheol's gaze softened with a mixture of amusement and concern. He observed the signs of fatigue etched upon Jeonghan's face, a silent reminder of the toll exacted by their fierce duel.

"Indeed, but such a path leads only to ruin," Seungcheol replied, his voice gentle yet firm as he offered Jeonghan a hand up from the ground. "There is still time to choose a different path, my dear rose."

Jeonghan's expression remained defiant as he rose to his feet, his eyes meeting Seungcheol's with unwavering resolve. "If so, then perhaps your time is even shorter," he retorted, a fire burning in his gaze as he stood tall before the king.

Seungcheol's smile widened, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he regarded Jeonghan with a mixture of admiration and amusement. "Ah, but time is a fickle thing, my dear rose," he remarked, his voice carrying a note of playful defiance. "And I have never been one to be bound by its constraints."

With a casual flick of his wrist, Seungcheol lowered his sword, the blade gleaming in the dim light of the chamber as he took a step back, giving Jeonghan space to regroup. Though his demeanor remained relaxed, there was an undeniable air of confidence about him, a silent declaration of his unwavering resolve.

"For every challenge you present, I shall meet it head-on," Seungcheol declared, his voice ringing out with regal authority. "And mark my words, my dear prince, I shall emerge victorious in the end."

With that, Seungcheol squared his shoulders, his gaze locked firmly on Jeonghan's, ready to face whatever trials lay ahead with unwavering courage and determination. In this battle of wills and swords, he was prepared to prove himself not just as a king, but as a warrior worthy of his title.

As Jeonghan stared into the blazing depths of Seungcheol's eyes, a cunning plan began to form in his mind. "If you cannot defeat them with strength, do it with your brain," he thought, his gaze never wavering as he locked eyes with the formidable king. With a subtle flicker of his eyelids, he invoked a mesmerizing technique, softening his vision and casting a subtle enchantment over Seungcheol's senses.

As Seungcheol's demeanor relaxed slightly in response to Jeonghan's subtle influence, the prince couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. Seductive victory, he mused, was still counted as a victory, and he relished the taste of triumph that lingered on his lips as he watched Seungcheol's guard begin to lower.

"Very well played, my Majesty," Jeonghan whispered, his voice barely above a breath as he leaned in close to Seungcheol, his words laden with a potent mixture of admiration and challenge. He felt a thrill course through him as he observed the older man's reaction, the subtle shift in his demeanor betraying the effect of Jeonghan's subtle manipulation.

With a deft movement, Jeonghan hooked his leg around Seungcheol's, swiftly bringing the king to the ground with a calculated maneuver. As his blade hovered dangerously close to Seungcheol's neck, a smirk danced upon Jeonghan's lips, his confidence radiating like a beacon in the dimly lit chamber.

"Strength is indeed a formidable weapon," Jeonghan declared, his voice ringing out with regal authority as he pressed the sword against Seungcheol's throat. "But without proper attention and strategy, it is but a hollow victory, Your Majesty." With a flicker of triumph in his eyes, Jeonghan held his ground, poised to claim his hard-earned victory in this deadly game of wits and swords.

------

-Vaish

Is this a fair play?🤔

Arrange marriage "Choi Seungcheol" or Reimburse Husband "Choi Seungcheol" choose one? 🥹🤌

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