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

Chapter - 43

The ambush was swift and intense, but Minho and Yongbok's group fought back with precision and strength. As the cloaked attackers pressed in, the group remained tight, moving together like a well-oiled machine.

"Stick together!" Minho shouted, his voice clear and commanding.

Yongbok nodded, staying close to Minho, while Hyunjin was at his side, deflecting blows with his sword and keeping any attackers from getting too close. The others, Taehyun, Seonghwa, Seungmin, and Jeongin, fought with equal skill and determination, creating a protective circle around the prince and Minho.

The attackers, though many, seemed surprised by the resistance they faced. They had underestimated the group's strength, and their initial advantage began to wane. One by one, the cloaked figures fell back, retreating into the shadows of the forest.

"They're retreating!" Seungmin called out, his eyes scanning the trees as the remaining attackers fled, disappearing as quickly as they had appeared.

Yongbok, still gripping his sword tightly, breathed heavily as he watched the last of the figures vanish into the trees. His pulse raced, but no one in their group had been seriously hurt. A quick glance around confirmed that they were all still standing, though their clothes were stained with dirt and sweat from the battle.

"Everyone alright?" Minho asked, his sharp gaze sweeping over the group.

"I'm good," Taehyun replied, lowering his sword and catching his breath.

"Same here," Seonghwa added, checking over his shoulder to ensure they hadn't been followed.

Hyunjin wiped his brow, his eyes still alert. "No injuries," he confirmed, glancing at Yongbok to make sure the prince was unharmed.

Yongbok sheathed his sword and turned to Hyunjin, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "I told you I wouldn't go down that easily."

Hyunjin smirked in return. "I never doubted you."

Minho, however, was not smiling. His expression was serious as he stepped forward, scanning the forest once more. "That wasn't random," he said, his voice low. "They were waiting for us."

Yongbok frowned. "Do you think the southeast kingdom sent them? Could this be their way of trying to stop us before we even reach their borders?"

"It's possible," Minho replied. "But whoever they were, they weren't your average bandits. They had a plan."

Seungmin nodded in agreement. "They knew when and where to strike. Someone had to tip them off about our journey."

"Which means we might not be safe for the rest of the trip," Taehyun added, his voice grim.

"We'll have to stay on high alert," Minho said. "They might come back, and next time, they could be stronger—or more prepared."

Yongbok glanced at Hyunjin, who was still scanning the forest. His protector's focus and calm under pressure reassured him, but he couldn't ignore the nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach. The thought of facing more danger on the road ahead made him uneasy, especially if it wasn't just the southeast kingdom they had to worry about.

"We'll make it," Hyunjin said, catching the look in Yongbok's eyes. "I'll make sure of it."

Minho, noticing the exchange, gave a small nod. "Let's keep moving. We've lost enough time already."

With a final glance at the now-empty forest, the group mounted their horses again and resumed their journey. The air around them felt heavier, the weight of the unknown threat hanging over them like a dark cloud.

But despite the tension, they pressed on, determined to complete their mission and protect their kingdom. None of them knew what awaited them at the southeast kingdom, but one thing was certain: they would face it together.

The journey to the southeast kingdom was tense but uneventful after the ambush. With heightened vigilance, the group moved cautiously, keeping watch for any signs of danger. However, as the days passed and they neared their destination, no further attacks occurred. The air grew warmer, and the forest thinned, giving way to the rolling hills and plains that marked the southeast kingdom's borders.

When the towering gates of the southeast kingdom came into view, a collective sense of relief settled over the group. The massive stone walls of the kingdom loomed ahead, a stark contrast to the dense forests they had traveled through. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape.

"We made it," Taehyun said, exhaling in relief as they approached the gate.

Minho and Yongbok exchanged glances, both still on edge despite the quiet arrival. The journey had gone smoother than expected after the ambush, but they knew better than to let their guard down. This was enemy territory, and anything could happen.

As they approached, the guards at the gate spotted them and immediately raised the alarm, signaling their arrival to the royal palace. Within moments, a group of soldiers rode out to meet them.

"State your business," one of the soldiers called out as they approached, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Minho rode forward, his expression calm but authoritative. "We come from the northern kingdom. I am Prince Minho, and this is my brother, Prince Yongbok. We request an audience with your prince."

The soldier eyed them warily but nodded. "You are expected. Follow us."

The gates of the kingdom opened, and the group was escorted inside. The streets were bustling with activity, filled with merchants, townspeople, and soldiers. The kingdom had a different feel from their own—the architecture was more ornate, and the people wore brighter, more elaborate clothing.

As they were led toward the palace, Hyunjin rode close to Yongbok, his eyes scanning their surroundings with sharp focus. He was still on edge, ready to spring into action at the slightest sign of trouble. Yongbok noticed his tension and gave him a reassuring smile, though he, too, remained cautious.

The palace itself was a grand structure, made of white stone with intricate carvings and tall spires that reached toward the sky. They were ushered into the large, opulent courtyard, where a group of royal advisors and soldiers awaited them.

A man in regal clothing stepped forward, his posture stiff and formal. "Welcome, princes of the northern kingdom. I am Lord Ren, the prince's chief advisor. We've been expecting you."

Minho dismounted his horse and gave a curt nod. "We bring gifts of gold and silver as a gesture of peace from our kingdom. We request a meeting with your prince to discuss the matters that threaten both our lands."

Lord Ren studied them for a moment before motioning to the servants behind him. "You will be escorted to the palace to rest and freshen up from your journey. The prince will see you at dinner tonight."

Yongbok and Minho exchanged a look, understanding that they would be under constant watch. "Thank you for your hospitality," Yongbok said, his voice polite but guarded.

The group followed the servants inside the palace, where they were shown to a series of lavish guest rooms. The tension from the journey still hung in the air, but for now, they had arrived safely. They would have to tread carefully from here on out.

As they entered their rooms, Hyunjin stayed close to Yongbok, as always, his protective instincts fully alert. "Do you think the negotiations will go smoothly?" he asked quietly.

Yongbok shrugged, his expression unreadable. "I hope so. But I have a feeling this is just the beginning."

Meanwhile, Minho stood by the window of his own room, looking out over the vast city below. He felt the same unease. Something about all of this didn't sit right with him.

The meeting with the prince would be crucial. One wrong move, and their kingdom could be plunged into war.