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

Chapter - 44

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the palace, the northern group was led to the grand dining hall where their audience with the prince would take place. The hall was vast, with high ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers. Tapestries of the southeast kingdom's history lined the walls, and a long banquet table was set in the center, overflowing with food and drink.

At the head of the table sat Kim Hongjoong, the prince of the southeast kingdom. He was young, with sharp features and an air of authority that immediately filled the room. His dark eyes glinted with a mix of intelligence and something else—mischief, perhaps, or calculation. He wore deep red and gold robes that matched the regal aura of the room, but his expression remained unreadable as he watched Minho and Yongbok enter.

"Welcome, Princes of the North," Hongjoong said, his voice smooth and composed, though there was an underlying edge to it. "I've heard much about you."

Minho stepped forward, offering a polite bow. "We come in peace, Prince Hongjoong. Our kingdom seeks to prevent conflict between us, and we hope to discuss terms of cooperation."

Yongbok followed suit, bowing but keeping his gaze steady on the prince. He could already sense that this negotiation wouldn't be easy—Hongjoong wasn't the type to show his hand so quickly.

Hongjoong's eyes flickered between the two brothers before his gaze settled briefly on Hyunjin, standing protectively beside Yongbok. A slight smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared. "Ah, yes, peace. Such an admirable goal," Hongjoong mused, leaning back in his chair. "But peace, as you know, always comes with a price."

Minho remained composed, though he could feel the tension building. "We are prepared to offer gold and silver as a token of goodwill and a sign of our kingdom's commitment to peaceful relations."

The prince's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Gold and silver? How generous." He tilted his head, his smirk returning. "But what I'm really interested in is not your wealth. It's your loyalty."

"Loyalty?" Yongbok echoed, narrowing his eyes.

Hongjoong rose from his seat, slowly pacing around the table. "You see, while gold and silver may fill our coffers for a time, loyalty lasts longer. I need to know that the north will stand with me, should a larger threat arise. I need allies I can trust." His eyes bore into Minho's, and then briefly into Yongbok's. "What can you offer me to prove that?"

The tension in the room thickened, and Minho carefully measured his next words. "Our kingdom values alliances. But alliances are built on mutual trust and respect. We cannot offer loyalty blindly without understanding what we are standing for."

Hongjoong chuckled softly, stopping directly in front of them. "That's where the fun begins, Prince Minho. You see, the southeast kingdom has no interest in a one-sided deal. I want more than promises of peace. I want assurances that your kingdom will stand by us through anything."

Yongbok stepped forward, his voice steady but firm. "We did not come here to make empty promises. Our kingdom does not betray its allies."

Hongjoong raised a brow, intrigued by Yongbok's response. "Bold words, Prince Yongbok. I like that. But talk is cheap."

The air was thick with tension, as Hongjoong seemed to be testing their resolve. Just then, he glanced over at Hyunjin once again, his smirk widening ever so slightly. "And what about you?" he asked, directing his question toward Hyunjin. "Are you loyal to your prince?"

Hyunjin stiffened but remained composed. "My loyalty lies with Prince Yongbok and the northern kingdom."

Hongjoong's gaze lingered on Hyunjin for a moment longer before he finally returned to his seat, satisfied with whatever he had gleaned from the brief exchange. "Very well," he said, his tone shifting to something more casual. "We'll continue this discussion over dinner."

As everyone took their seats, the tension eased slightly, but it was clear that this negotiation would be anything but simple. Hongjoong was not just a prince—he was a strategist, and every move he made was calculated. Minho and Yongbok exchanged glances, both knowing they would have to tread carefully if they wanted to secure a peaceful resolution.

As the meal began, small talk filled the room, but beneath the surface, both kingdoms were already engaged in a silent game of power and politics.

"Let's get to the matter at hand," Yongbok said firmly, directing his attention back to Hongjoong.

Hongjoong chuckled softly, his gaze fixated on Hyunjin. "Ah, yes. But first, I wanted to have a talk with Hyunjin" Hyunjin feeling discomfort, shifted a little as he glanced at Hongjoong. "Tell me, Hyunjin," he began, "How does it feel to serve someone so... deserving?"

Hyunjin swallowed hard, feeling heat rise to his cheeks. "I—"

"Is it exhilarating?" Hongjoong continued, leaning forward with interest. "To be so close to someone of such importance? Or perhaps you wish for something more? I could show you a world far beyond your current duties."

Yongbok's protective instincts flared. "Enough, Hongjoong. This is not the time for your games. We're here for serious matters."

"Oh, but you misunderstand. I'm quite serious," Hongjoong replied, his tone playful yet edged with something darker. "I believe Hyunjin could be a valuable asset to my kingdom. After all, loyalty like his is hard to come by. Don't you agree, Hyunjin?"

Hyunjin's discomfort deepened. "I—I'm loyal to my prince," he stammered, trying to keep his composure.

"Ah, loyalty is so noble, but it can also be... limiting." Hongjoong's gaze roamed over Hyunjin, making him feel exposed. "Imagine what it would be like to be free from such chains. To explore your true potential."

The tension in the room thickened, and Yongbok placed his hand over Hyunjin's, squeezing a little, as he spoke. "We're not interested in your manipulative games, Hongjoong. Let's focus on the negotiations."

Hongjoong straightened, his expression shifting slightly. "Very well. But I can't promise I won't keep an eye on Hyunjin. He's far too interesting to overlook."

As they proceeded with the formalities of the negotiation, Hyunjin couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Hongjoong's lingering gaze was unsettling, his flirtatious comments echoing in Hyunjin's mind like an unwelcome song.