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

Chapter - 58

The atmosphere in the royal chamber was tense. King Seokjin sat in his high-backed chair, a look of stern contemplation on his face. Beside him, Queen Eunha folded her hands in her lap, her gaze fixed on the messenger before them. Minho stood to the side, his posture rigid, though outwardly calm. Inside, however, his heart raced, each beat filled with dread.

The messenger, an advisor to the court, shifted nervously on his feet. He knew the weight of the words he was about to speak and the potential consequences they could bring.

"Your Majesties," the advisor began, his voice low but clear. "There have been... rumors circulating within the kingdom. Concerning Prince Yongbok and Captain Hyunjin."

Minho felt his stomach drop. He forced himself to keep a neutral expression, clenching his hands behind his back to stop them from trembling.

King Seokjin raised an eyebrow, his sharp gaze fixed on the advisor. "What sort of rumors?"

The advisor hesitated before speaking again. "It is said that they were seen together, in a manner that suggests... romantic involvement." He paused, allowing the gravity of the statement to sink in. "The news has spread beyond the palace walls. The kingdom is already talking about it."

The silence that followed was deafening. Queen Eunha's expression hardened, her lips pressing into a thin line as she exchanged a glance with her husband. King Seokjin leaned back in his chair, his face unreadable.

"And who brought this information to the court?" the king asked, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable authority.

"It was first reported by a servant, Your Majesty," the advisor replied. "She claims to have seen them together in the royal garden. Since then, other servants have confirmed the story, and the rumors have spread."

Minho's heart pounded in his chest. He could feel a bead of sweat trickling down the back of his neck. How could this have happened? How could their secret have escaped so quickly? He wanted to do something—anything—to protect Hyunjin and Yongbok, but he knew he had to tread carefully.

King Seokjin leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. "And what exactly did she see?"

The advisor swallowed nervously. "The servant claims to have seen Prince Yongbok and Captain Hyunjin... in an intimate embrace, Your Majesty. They were kissing."

At that, Queen Eunha's composure cracked slightly. Her eyes flashed with a mix of shock and dismay. "In broad daylight?" she muttered, incredulous.

Minho's throat felt dry. He kept his face stoic, but his mind raced. Yongbok... how could you have been so careless?

The king stood abruptly, the sound of his chair scraping against the floor echoing through the chamber. "Summon both Prince Yongbok and Captain Hyunjin at once," he ordered, his voice cold and authoritative.

"Yes, Your Majesty." The advisor bowed quickly before hurrying out of the room to carry out the king's command.

As soon as the door closed behind the messenger, the tension in the room became suffocating. Minho remained silent, his mind spinning with possible scenarios, all of them bad. He knew his brother too well—Yongbok was brave, almost to the point of recklessness. And Hyunjin... Minho clenched his jaw. Hyunjin was bound to be overwhelmed.

Queen Eunha stood, smoothing out the fabric of her dress, though the movement seemed more out of agitation than necessity. "This is unacceptable," she said sharply. "How could they be so careless? How could they allow this to become public knowledge?"

Minho's chest tightened at the queen's words, but he kept his voice calm when he finally spoke. "Your Majesties, if I may... perhaps we can resolve this quietly, without causing a larger scandal. The court hasn't officially addressed the rumors yet. We may still have a chance to contain this."