In the inner sanctum of the royal library, Youngjae paced back and forth, his head throbbing from both the lingering effects of a hangover and the weight of recent events. The burden of his duties as crown prince clashed painfully with his burgeoning feelings for Daehan, creating a storm of emotions he struggled to navigate. With a weary sigh, he seated himself at a desk cluttered with ancient scrolls and books, burying his face in his hands, desperately seeking clarity amidst the turmoil.

"Youngjae," a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. It was Sangwoo, his trusted advisor and childhood friend. Concern etched in his features, Sangwoo observed Youngjae's restlessness as he took a seat opposite him, offering a bowl of steaming ginseng chicken soup. "Here... have this... I heard you are hungover," he said softly.

Youngjae looked up, his purple eyes reflecting a mix of frustration and vulnerability. He accepted the soup, lazily stirring it, before voicing his inner turmoil. "Sangwoo, I find myself torn," he admitted, his voice heavy with uncertainty. "My new consort has become a source of... complication in my life. I have never felt like this before... I don't know what is happening..."

Sangwoo regarded him thoughtfully, choosing his words with care. "Feelings are not always a burden, Your Highness," he remarked gently. "Perhaps it is time to consider where your heart truly lies."

Youngjae scoffed, taking a sip of the soup. "Feelings and love are for the weak!" he declared, though his voice lacked conviction.

Sangwoo chuckled softly, shaking his head but refraining from further comment.

"My prince... I need to tell you something important," Sangwoo said, his tone growing serious.

Youngjae wiped his mouth with a napkin and looked at Sangwoo with anticipation. "What is it?"

Sangwoo lowered his voice, the weight of his words evident. "Prince Minwoo didn't handle the riots in the North effectively. Instead of addressing the situation properly, he recruited a few executioners from a village known for producing them." He pulled out a map, pointing to a village about 10 kilometers from the capital and far from the Northern border. "You see... this is the village where he recruited those executioners and sent them to the border to execute the rebels, defying the royal orders."

Youngjae's frown deepened, his frustration palpable. "What?! This is outrageous." He clenched his jaw, anger simmering beneath the surface. "So he pretended to control the riots by himself, but in reality, he just ordered the executioners to do it?!" He scoffed, a bitter edge to his voice. "So this is his 'smart work'? This is the most foolish thing I've ever heard!"

Sangwoo's expression darkened. "And, my prince... the executioners were brutal to the rebels. They mass-murdered them mercilessly, and I fear this may have dire consequences in the long run..."

Youngjae nodded, his eyes narrowing with determination. "You're right! This is a serious offense... but we need proof to report this incident to Father!"

Sangwoo met his gaze with a resolute look. "I recommend we go and visit the village tonight... we'll surely get some proof..."

...................

Jiyoon met with Minwoo's spy in the royal garden, the bright daylight filtering through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on their secretive meeting.

"You must uncover everything about Princess Joo's life," she commanded, her eyes fixed intently on the spy.

"About that, Your Highness..." he began in a hushed tone, glancing around nervously. "According to my sources, the King of Sinbiui has only one daughter who is not mute. Apparently, she was spotted at a tea party recently."

Jiyoon's eyes widened with shock. "Then who is the person in our palace?"

The spy leaned in closer, lowering his voice even further. "I believe the King of Sinbiui has sent a maid in place of the real princess because of the crown prince's curse."

Jiyoon gasped, her face contorting with a mix of anger and disbelief. "This is outrageous..." She fixed the spy with a steely gaze. "I want every piece of information about this imposter. Get to work immediately."

The spy bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Highness." He turned and quickly made his way out of the garden.

As he left, Jiyoon's lips curled into a sinister smirk. "How interesting... The crown prince will be furious when he finds out." She let out a dark, triumphant laugh and hurried off to inform her husband.

...................

Daehan lay on his bed, gazing out of the window when Youngjae entered his room. The sight of the crown prince made Daehan's heart skip a beat. He quickly bowed and paid his respects, his eyes shyly meeting Youngjae's.

Youngjae nodded and sat on the edge of the bed. "I came to check on you. How is your foot?" he asked, glancing at Daehan's bandaged feet.

Daehan used sign language to respond, "I am feeling better than yesterday," he conveyed, his doe eyes locking onto Youngjae's, causing the prince's heart to flutter. Daehan then gestured, "How are you feeling, Your Highness?"

Youngjae nodded, "I had a bad headache earlier, but now I am fine." He gently tucked a few strands of Daehan's hair behind his ear. "I have an important duty tonight... I won't be at the palace. Do not go out and don't let anyone into your room, alright?" he commanded firmly.

Daehan nodded obediently, but a pang of sadness tugged at his heart, knowing Youngjae wouldn't be in the palace and he would be alone.

Youngjae's purple eyes lingered on Daehan for a moment, filled with an emotion that Daehan couldn't quite understand.

"Alright... I'll get going now..." Youngjae said softly, before leaving the room, leaving Daehan alone with his trusted servants and guards.

Later that night, Daehan was asleep when Minwoo managed to bypass Youngjae's security and sneak into his room. A sinister smirk played on Minwoo's lips as he gently caressed Daehan's cheek with his rough hand, causing Daehan to wake up in a panic. Before Daehan could make a sound, Minwoo clamped a hand over his mouth.

"Hush..." Minwoo smirked, "You know, I love everything Youngjae is fond of... and I want to possess everything he has," he whispered, sending a shiver down Daehan's spine.

"I heard a very interesting rumor... that you're an imposter," Minwoo chuckled, watching as Daehan's eyes widened in fear.

"You know Youngjae hates deception and lies. He won't be so fond of you once he learns the truth..." Minwoo smirked. "So, how about you let me use you?" He ran his fingers along Daehan's jawline, pulling him closer, making Daehan squirm in discomfort.

Daehan struggled under Minwoo's grip, desperately trying to push him away.

Minwoo pinned him to the bed and chuckled, "You're a feisty one... but don't waste your energy..." He tied Daehan's mouth and limbs tightly with the ropes he had brought.

"Mmmmffff," Daehan whimpered, tears streaming down his face as he struggled in vain.

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