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

Chapter - 17

As Yongbok stood in front of the ornate mirror, his long, dark hair was expertly styled by two servants, who worked with deft hands to tie it up in an elegant fashion. They brushed and adjusted, ensuring that every strand was perfectly in place. Hyunjin stood off to the side, arms crossed, watching the royal treatment with a mix of admiration and annoyance.

"Your Highness," Hyunjin began, struggling to keep his tone neutral, "are you sure you want to leave your hair like that during training? It could be a distraction."

Yongbok turned slightly, his expression a blend of amusement and defiance. "Are you worried I'll be at a disadvantage, or are you simply worried I might look too royal for your taste?"

The servants exchanged glances, sensing the tension rising, but continued their work, focused on their task.

"It's just practical advice," Hyunjin replied, trying to keep the irritation from his voice. "A prince should be mindful of the challenges during training."

Yongbok stepped closer to the mirror, adjusting the collar of his tunic with confidence that made Hyunjin's pulse quicken. "Perhaps you should focus on your own training instead of worrying about how I look."

Hyunjin's frustration bubbled over, his resolve wavering. "Maybe," he shot back, "if you acted like a prince and took this seriously, I wouldn't have to point things out."

The atmosphere grew thick with tension, the air crackling between them. Yongbok's servants froze, sensing the shift, but Yongbok didn't back down. He took a step closer, their faces just inches apart. "Watch your tone. You forget your place, Hyunjin."

Hyunjin felt the heat radiating from Yongbok, the proximity igniting something within him—an urge to stand firm against the prince's authority, yet also something deeper that he didn't want to acknowledge.

Silence enveloped them, both men acutely aware of the unspoken conflict simmering just beneath the surface. The servants, noticing the charged atmosphere, discreetly excused themselves, leaving the two of them alone.

After a moment, Yongbok sighed, the tension easing slightly as he ran a hand through his hair, still perfectly styled. "Let's go. We've wasted enough time," he said, his tone softer but still laced with a hint of challenge.

Hyunjin nodded, feeling a mix of irritation and something else—a flicker of a bond that was beginning to form between them, complicated and uncertain.

As they walked toward the training grounds, Hyunjin couldn't shake the feeling that their relationship was teetering on a knife's edge, caught between rivalry and something unnameable.

As Hyunjin and Yongbok made their way toward the training grounds, the atmosphere shifted yet again. The excitement among the other trainees was palpable; they buzzed with anticipation for the day's announcement about who would officially be named royal guards.

"Can you feel that?" Hyunjin said, trying to lighten the mood despite the lingering tension. "Everyone's practically vibrating with energy. It's like they're about to witness a grand spectacle."

Yongbok smirked, glancing sideways at Hyunjin. "Or they're just excited to see me get my title. It's not every day the kingdom gets a prince who's also a talented fighter."

"Right," Hyunjin replied, rolling his eyes. "Because it's all about you."

"Of course it is," Yongbok teased, but the playful banter didn't quite mask the underlying seriousness of the moment.

As they arrived at the training ground, a hush fell over the crowd. The king, seated on a grand dais with other high-ranking officials, surveyed the trainees with a discerning eye. Hyunjin felt a mix of anxiety and determination swirl within him, knowing the weight of the moment rested on their shoulders.

"Ready to prove yourself?" Yongbok asked, his tone unexpectedly serious.

Hyunjin nodded, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. "More than ever."

The king stood, and the crowd quieted further, his voice carrying authority. "Today, I will choose those who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to protect our royal family. It is an honor and a responsibility that will not be taken lightly."

The trainees stood taller, a mix of pride and nerves coursing through them. Yongbok stepped forward, and Hyunjin felt a surge of protectiveness and pride at the sight of the prince, fully embracing his royal demeanor.

As the trials commenced, Hyunjin watched intently, observing each participant's performance. He noticed the fierce determination etched on each face, especially among those vying for the same honor. He wanted to win, but he also found himself wishing for Yongbok to succeed.

When it was finally Hyunjin's turn, he stepped forward with a steady resolve. The training dummies were set, and he executed his moves with precision. He felt the energy around him shift as he showcased his skills, pouring every ounce of his determination into each strike.

"Impressive," Yongbok said quietly, admiration creeping into his voice as he stood beside Hyunjin, their shoulders nearly touching. "You've trained hard."

Hyunjin barely registered the compliment, too focused on the task at hand. As he delivered a final, powerful blow to the dummy, he heard a gasp from the onlookers, followed by a swell of applause.

The king's gaze shifted toward Hyunjin, his expression inscrutable. "Not only has this one shown talent, but he has also displayed great spirit and resilience. His dedication to the training has been commendable."

Yongbok's gaze locked onto Hyunjin, a flicker of pride in his eyes. Hyunjin's heart raced, feeling a mix of exhilaration and anxiety. The king continued, "I hereby name Hyunjin as one of the royal guards."

The crowd erupted into cheers, but amid the noise, Hyunjin felt a sudden wave of anxiety. The moment was exhilarating, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that everything had just shifted dramatically.

Yongbok clapped him on the back, a grin breaking across his face. "You did it! I knew you could."

Hyunjin managed a smile, feeling a mix of triumph and trepidation. "Thank you, Your Highness."

"Just Yongbok today," he replied, his tone light but with an undercurrent of seriousness. "But seriously, you've earned this."

As they continued celebrating, Hyunjin felt a new dynamic settling between them, a connection that deepened amid the cheers and laughter. Yet the underlying tension still hung in the air, an unspoken acknowledgment of the feelings neither dared to voice.