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

Chapter - 29

As Yongbok helped Hyunjin retreat from the chaos of battle, his heart raced with fear, frustration, and a sense of urgency. Hyunjin's face was pale, and the blood from the arrow wound soaked through his sleeve, leaving a crimson trail on the forest floor as they moved. The guards were still fighting fiercely, pushing back as much as they could while retreating toward the camp.

They finally reached a small clearing, a temporary reprieve from the battle. Yongbok gently lowered Hyunjin onto a fallen log, crouching beside him. "Stay here," he said, his voice shaking slightly. "I'm going to get you help."

Hyunjin groaned in pain, trying to hide just how badly he was hurting, but it was clear from his labored breathing and the way he clutched his arm that he wouldn't be able to hold on much longer without medical attention.

"I'm fine," Hyunjin gasped, though it was obvious he wasn't. "You need to help the others."

Yongbok ignored him, looking around frantically for any sign of a healer. But the battlefield was a mess of chaos, and it was difficult to focus with the sounds of clashing swords and shouts echoing around them. His mind raced, torn between staying by Hyunjin's side and joining the fight.

Just as Yongbok was about to leave in search of help, he saw Seungmin and Jisung rushing toward them, swords drawn as they fended off a few enemies that had followed them into the clearing.

"Hyunjin!" Jisung exclaimed, eyes wide with worry as he knelt beside his injured friend. "You're hurt!"

"I'll be fine," Hyunjin gritted out through clenched teeth, though the pain was evident in his voice.

Seungmin quickly surveyed the situation, glancing between Yongbok and Hyunjin. "We need to get him back to camp. This wound is bad." His voice was calm, but there was an edge of urgency to it.

Yongbok nodded, grateful for their presence. "I'll cover you," he said, gripping his sword tightly. "Get him out of here."

But before they could make a move, a sudden surge of enemies emerged from the trees, cutting off their escape route. Yongbok's heart pounded as he positioned himself in front of Hyunjin, ready to defend him at all costs.

Seungmin and Jisung stood by his side, prepared to fight, but it was clear they were outnumbered. The enemies closed in, their weapons gleaming in the morning light. Yongbok's mind raced as he calculated their odds. They were trapped.

"Looks like we're in for a fight," Seungmin muttered, tightening his grip on his sword.

Jisung glanced at Hyunjin, worry flickering across his face. "We'll protect him, no matter what."

Yongbok felt a surge of determination wash over him. He couldn't let Hyunjin—his Hyunjin—get hurt any further. He positioned himself in front of Hyunjin, his sword raised and ready to defend him. The enemies charged toward them, and Yongbok braced himself, preparing to meet them head-on.

The clash of steel echoed through the clearing as Yongbok fought with all his strength, his movements precise and deadly. Every strike was fueled by the burning need to protect Hyunjin. Seungmin and Jisung fought by his side, cutting down enemy after enemy, but more kept coming.

In the midst of the battle, Yongbok spared a glance at Hyunjin, who was struggling to stay conscious. His vision blurred, and his grip on the log tightened as he tried to stay upright. Seeing him like that made something snap inside Yongbok.

"No one touches him," Yongbok growled under his breath, his sword cutting through the air with renewed ferocity. He fought like a man possessed, driving back the enemies with every ounce of strength he had.

Just as it seemed like the fight would never end, the sound of reinforcements came thundering through the trees. Minho and the remaining guards charged into the clearing, their arrival turning the tide of the battle. The enemy forces, realizing they were outnumbered, began to retreat, disappearing into the forest as quickly as they had come.

As the last of the enemies fled, Yongbok dropped to his knees beside Hyunjin, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "Hyunjin," he murmured, his voice thick with worry. "You're going to be okay."

Hyunjin's eyes fluttered open, and he managed a weak smile. "Told you... I'd be fine," he whispered, though the pain in his voice was undeniable.

Seungmin knelt beside them, quickly examining Hyunjin's wound. "We need to get him back to camp and have a healer look at this immediately," he said, his tone serious. "He's lost too much blood."

Minho dismounted his horse, rushing over to assess the situation. "Get him to the medics," he ordered, his voice firm but full of concern.

Yongbok nodded, his heart still racing. "I'll stay with him."

Jisung and Seungmin helped lift Hyunjin onto a horse, carefully making sure his injured arm wasn't jostled too much. Yongbok climbed up behind him, wrapping an arm around Hyunjin to keep him steady as they began the slow ride back to camp.

As they rode, Yongbok couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. He had wanted to talk to Hyunjin about his feelings, but instead, Hyunjin had nearly died saving him. That guilt mixed with the lingering fear and something else—something deeper that he hadn't fully acknowledged until now. He cared about Hyunjin more than he was willing to admit.

Hyunjin's head rested against his shoulder, his breathing shallow but steady. Yongbok tightened his hold on him, vowing silently that he would protect him, no matter what.

The battle might be over, but something else had just begun.