Citadel of Hearts: The Emperor's Triumph | JC

Chapter 11: Regal Affairs

Seungcheol gazed up at Jeonghan, supine beneath the weight of his sword, yet his pride remained unscathed by this unconventional defeat. Ordinarily, such tactics of distraction would kindle a fierce ire within Seungcheol, prompting swift retribution. However, witnessing Jeonghan employ them didn't kindle the flames of anger as expected.

"Well played, my rose," Seungcheol chuckled, deflecting the blade away from his neck even as its sharpness grazed his index finger, a trifling inconvenience easily dismissed. Rising to his feet with effortless grace, he approached Jeonghan, his towering stature casting a formidable shadow over his defeated adversary.

"Now that victory is yours, inquire of me—what is your desire?" Seungcheol's voice resonated with a regal timbre, his intense gaze fixed upon Jeonghan's countenance, captivated by its soft yet resolutely masculine allure. With each glance, Jeonghan seemed to exude a heightened charm, as if his beauty waxed with every observer's gaze.

"I shall reveal my request in due time," Jeonghan declared, relinquishing his sword to the awaiting guard. Seungcheol nodded in solemn acknowledgment, yet inwardly, his thoughts swirled like a tempestuous sea. He found himself entranced by the movement of Jeonghan's lips, each syllable uttered drawing him deeper into the irresistible allure of the enigmatic figure before him.

"Incredible indeed, witnessing one bring my brother to his knees," Jisoo uttered with a mesmerized gaze, his hand clasping Jeonghan's with reverence, earning a gracious nod and a smile from the nobleman. Seungcheol, his gaze unwavering, remained fixated on Jeonghan as a guard dutifully offered him a hand towel.

"Indeed, your brother ought to engage his mind in combat as well; mere strength befits nothing but a fool of brawn," Jeonghan quipped, a sarcastic grin adorning his features, prompting Jisoo to stifle a laugh in response.

Caught in Seungcheol's lingering gaze, Jeonghan felt a flush spread across his cheeks, a sudden warmth enveloping him as Seungcheol subtly winked in his direction. Swiftly averting his gaze and clearing his throat, Jeonghan attempted to regain his composure.

As Jisoo questioned the sudden change in demeanor, Jeonghan casually dismissed it, attributing the blush to the warmth of the hall, deflecting any further inquiry with ease. Royal and composed, he maintained his noble facade, despite the internal turmoil stirred by Seungcheol's flirtatious gesture.

Jeonghan and Jisoo's steps faltered as they entered the secluded sanctuary of the Sel Palace's backyard garden. The air was thick with the heady scent of blooming flowers, and a gentle breeze whispered through the leaves of the towering pine tree that stood sentinel over the tranquil scene. Beneath its sprawling branches, Jeonghan and Jisoo settled onto a weathered stone bench, the dappling sunlight creating a mosaic of light and shadow around them.

From their vantage point, they gazed out over the expanse of the Sel Empire, its sprawling lands unfurling like a rich tapestry below them. The palace, perched atop the highest point, afforded them a panoramic view of the bustling city below and the verdant countryside stretching into the distance. Even in the distance, the vibrant hues of the Sel Empire's fields and forests danced in the sunlight, a testament to its abundance and beauty.

A wistful smile tugged at Jeonghan's lips as memories of his own homeland flooded his mind. He remembered the sweeping vistas of the Yoon Empire, where the azure sea met the golden sands, and where verdant forests gave way to rolling hills and majestic mountains.

"Missing your home?" Jisoo's voice, soft and compassionate, broke through Jeonghan's reverie, drawing his attention back to the present moment. He turned to meet Jisoo's gaze, the younger man's eyes filled with understanding and empathy.

"Yes," Jeonghan admitted, his voice barely a whisper as he absently toyed with the intricate embroidery on his robes.

Jisoo's hand found Jeonghan's, offering a comforting squeeze. "I can't promise that you'll return home soon, especially with Seungcheol's hold on you," he said gently. "But perhaps, amidst the challenges, you can find a sense of belonging here in Sel. Seungcheol... he wasn't always like this. There was a time when he was kind, compassionate..."