황실의 사랑 이야기 (Hwangsil-ui Sarang Iyagi) - The Imperial Love Story

Chapter - 9

As the days passed, Hyunjin found himself spending far more time with the prince than he had ever imagined, much to his frustration. It was his duty now, after all—being Yongbok's personal guard meant staying by his side at all times, even during the most mundane moments.  But Yongbok didn't make it easy. From the very first day, the prince went out of his way to give Hyunjin tasks that felt less like guard duty and more like menial chores.

"Hyunjin," Yongbok called one morning, standing tall near the entrance of his tent. "I left my sword back at the training grounds. Go fetch it."

Hyunjin bit back his irritation, knowing this was yet another of Yongbok's petty commands meant to remind him of his place. He had just returned from an exhausting training session, his body aching with every step. Now he was expected to run back across the grounds for something Yongbok could easily retrieve himself.

"Yes, Your Highness," Hyunjin replied through gritted teeth, bowing slightly before heading off.

As he walked away, he could feel Yongbok's eyes on his back, likely reveling in his discomfort. The weeks had been filled with moments like these, where Yongbok found new and creative ways to exert his authority. There were days when Hyunjin was assigned to guard Yongbok's tent for hours on end, even when there was no threat in sight, simply to waste his time. Other times, Yongbok would call on him for the smallest, most insignificant tasks, as if daring him to object.

But Hyunjin refused to give him the satisfaction. He followed every order to the letter, determined to prove that he was more than just some commoner to be looked down upon. If Yongbok thought he could break him, he was wrong.

Back at the training grounds, Hyunjin retrieved the sword, his grip tightening on the hilt. Each task, no matter how trivial, only fueled his determination to train harder, to rise above the petty power games the prince played. He would not be humiliated so easily. If Yongbok wanted to treat him like a servant, then Hyunjin would endure it—but he would also prove that he was worthy of respect.

When Hyunjin returned, Yongbok barely glanced at him, sitting at a table within his ornate tent, sipping wine. The contrast between their lives couldn't have been starker. While Hyunjin wore the same armor day in and day out, stained with sweat and dirt, Yongbok lounged in luxury, his elegant robes and pristine surroundings a constant reminder of his royal status.

"You took your time," Yongbok remarked idly, reaching for the sword. His tone was dismissive, as if Hyunjin's efforts weren't worth noting.

Hyunjin set the sword down on the table without a word, refusing to rise to the bait. He had learned that silence was his best defense in these moments. Any sign of frustration would only encourage Yongbok further.

Yongbok looked up at him, his sharp eyes narrowing. There was something unreadable in his gaze, a flicker of... something Hyunjin couldn't quite place. Amusement? Annoyance? Whatever it was, it was fleeting. Felix quickly returned his attention to his wine, taking a slow sip.

"You're dismissed," he said finally, waving his hand dismissively.

Hyunjin bowed again, more out of habit than respect, and turned to leave. As he exited the tent, he let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Each encounter with Yongbok left him feeling like he was caught in a silent battle, one where neither of them would back down. But no matter how many tasks Yongbok threw his way, Hyunjin would not yield.

He had already come too far to let the prince break him now.

Yongbok had been relentless in assigning Hyunjin menial tasks ever since he became his personal guard. But today was different. Today, the prince had pushed him too far.