FLASHBACK

"A forthcoming masterpiece."

A voice interrupted her inner turmoil making Namseon flinch and spoiling the strokes of grass that she was painting.

Her gaze met with the owner, and she stood up abruptly, her fragile frame nearly colliding with the low table in front of her, "Your Majesty!" She exclaimed.

Jeong Ho was dressed in a royal blue jeogori. Under the jeogori, a pair of tapered-at-the-ankle trousers were worn, neatly tucked into high leather boots that shone like polished obsidian. A broad leather belt concealed his abdomen.

He came closer, the fabric of the knee-length hanbok-skirt flowing swiftly before his steps ceased, "I see you share a same avocation as me, Your Highness," Jeong Ho spoke with excitement before he noticed a certain heaviness in Namseon's eyes, the sparkle turning to a dark hue that represented her inner turmoil.

His smile slowly faded away as he waited for a response.

After a few moments of silence, Namseon gathered her thoughts and realised that the King was expecting a response, "May I inquire why you are in my quarters, dressed as a sentry, Your Majesty?"

"Huh?" Jeong Ho sighed, glancing at his non-royal clothing, "Ah, this. People do not know me, and I don't always make an announcement in front of the entire clan. I frequently use this route to get into the castle because it is accessible and the walls are not very high," he explained without hesitation.

Namseon sighed in disbelief, "Your Majesty, His Majesty is away for a council meeting."

With a frown, Jeong Ho muffled, "Not again," pausing briefly before continuing, "But hold on, you need to stop calling me with honorifics, it somehow sounds... odd," he said, crossing his hands behind his back.

It was the first time Namseon was meeting Jeong Ho in Yoon Chae's absence. The unexpected appearance made her stiffen as she struggled to contain herself. Her eyes widened at his remark, "I can't do that, Your Majesty!"

Jeong Ho huffed a deeper exhale as if he knew she would answer something like this. He remained silent, not wanting to make things awkward, signalling his attention to the incomplete painting.

Namseon's gaze followed, and she spoke, "Do you perhaps like painting, Your Majesty?"

"I just told you that, Your Highness," Jeong spoke in a significantly low register while shifting his head downwards and gazing directly into her eyes, making her insides shudder from the closeness between them.

"Looks like I spoiled your work, may I correct it?" Jeong Ho asked as he shifted his head backwards. There was something enthralling about him that made Namseon nod in agreement as if she couldn't help but agree to everything he said.

Jeong Ho sat down with his legs folded and his eyes landed on the missing details of the painting. Beside him, Namseon sat on her knees, her hanbok skirt in the shade of yellow and white, blooming on the floor around her like flower petals. She hesitantly watched to figure out his next action.

Jeong Ho hummed before he leaned sideways to grab the brush that was placed at the right upper corner of the table, while at the same time, Namseon tried grabbing it for him as it seemed closer to her. Their fingers brushed ever so slightly. A spark ignited, igniting a warmth that spread through Jeong Ho's chest.

He stole a glance at Namseon, and their eyes met. Her expression was serene, yet there lay a discontent in her eyes. For a few milliseconds, they kept on gazing at each other as if an unspoken connection flickered between them.

Namseon couldn't turn her gaze, yet she forced herself to do so before pulling her hand away. Jeong Ho realised the awkwardness as he abruptly stood up, "I just remembered a task to complete," he said before he turned over and walked away with steady steps.

┈┈┈┈┈

With each passing day, it became more distressing for Namseon; the palace and its secrets were becoming extremely tiring for her mind. She missed her home, her parents. The thought of her life after marriage as a queen started terrifying her; the loneliness was becoming too overwhelming, and so one day she decided to take this to Yoon Chae.

The chilly evening wind rippled through the sleeves of Namseon's jeogori as she descended from the stone veranda of her quarters towards the King's quarters. The two guards who stood at the entrance moved wordlessly aside upon seeing her, offering her bows. She knew where the king would be found, in his working room.

She stepped forward, but before she could slide the door open, the head butler interfered in her path, "Your Highness, His Majesty is currently in a private meeting," he calmly added while not meeting Namseon's gaze.

"But I have something important to talk about!" Namseon almost exclaimed at the butler.

"Your Highness, the wedding is yet to be announced, and the guests aren't aware of who you are. Your sudden interruption might surface rumours, and if enemies became aware of your identity, it-"

Namseon didn't wait for the head butler to complete his diplomatic speech. She turned over and headed back towards her quarters.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, and her shoulders trembled slightly with each step as frustration consumed her mind. Her breath came in shaky gasps, punctuated by quiet sniffles that echoed in the stillness around her.

She wanted to leave. Leave this life and return to her parents. The thought crossed her mind, and she almost decided to fly away, but as soon as she stepped on the stone veranda of her quarters, her gaze met with a silhouette, and the thought crumbled.

Jeong Ho watched as Namseon slightly bowed while trying to hide her soaked cheeks and teary eyes. He came closer, but Namseon went inside her quarters, signalling him to leave.

Jeong Ho had always admired Namseon for her well-known personality, but ever since their last meeting, something changed within him, in the way he saw her. He couldn't figure it out, yet he was curious. Curious about those eyes that lost their shine. He hesitantly turned around and started walking away, not wanting to act on his intrusive thoughts.

But then a sharp sound stretched in the moment of stillness. Jeong Ho turned over his shoulder, and at the next moment, he was telepathically inside Namseon's quarters.

Namseon stood with glossy eyes that widened when she saw Jeong Ho inside her room. Jeong Ho's gaze flickered between Namseon and the broken vase shattered on the floor beside her. A sigh of relief escaped from his lips as he stepped forward.

"Your Highness, are you okay?" Jeong Ho asked as he carefully slid the broken pieces of porcelain away from his leg.

Namseon wiped the tears from her hand and answered, "I'm f-fine, Your Majesty."

Not convinced by her oblivious response, Jeong Ho further questioned, "Your Highness, are you sure you're not hurt somewhere?"

Namseon's gaze shifted from the floor to Jeong Ho's almond orbs, a glossy case further covered her eyes signaling she was on the verge of tearing up, "Does b-being hurt in the h-heart... considered hurt?" A tear fell down her cheek from her left eye, and she further bit her lip to prevent her breakdown.

Jeong Ho couldn't respond; it all hit him like a shockwave, which further angered him that his friend failed to realise about Namseon. And how well Namseon fabricated it in front of everyone.

His expression showed concern as his eyes softened when he approached her. Jeong Ho knew what he was going to do next would make him feel guilty, but seeing Namseon trembling for whatever reason and almost on the verge of tears, he proceeded anyway.

He gently wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. His one hand rested against her back, offering silent reassurance while the other remained beside his waist, signalling his hesitation.

The moment Namseon felt the warmth of Jeong Ho's embrace, her storm of emotions surged, and she broke down in tears. The sound of her sobs echoed softly against the walls of her desolate quarters. Her hand went to grab the cloth on Jeong Ho's back as she leaned on his shoulder.

"Cry as much as you want. Don't suppress it. It'll ease your mind," Jeong Ho murmured softly, consoling her distressed heart.

Gradually, her sobs began to soften, and Namseon finally regained her composure. She quickly moved away from Jeong Ho and wiped her tears, avoiding his gaze.

"Is everything alright? Would you like me to take this to Yoon Chae?" Jeong Ho finally questioned.

"No!" Namseon hurriedly responded while grabbing Jeong Ho's wrist, "I'll only create a misunderstanding, Your Majesty. "

Hearing her formal way of speaking annoyed Jeong Ho; it was as if Namseon wasn't supposed to call him like that. And this wish of Jeong Ho was going to come true, but at the price of cruel fate, "Then tell me what's wrong? Is somebody within the castle troubling you?"

"You're not supposed to be this kind to me, Your Majesty," Namseon mumbled before pausing, and her glossy gaze met Jeong Ho's, and their eyes met for the briefest moment before Namseon averted her gaze.

"Uh. I'm... just trying to help yo–"

"Because it'll resurface the feelings I've been trying to repress."

This was the first mistake. In these two months spent in the castle, Namseon became increasingly frustrated, unhappy and lonely. She wanted to vent out the whirlwind of emotions that made her nights dark and restless, and so she did it, to the person she wasn't supposed to.

Days passed, and Jeong Ho's attraction towards Namseon increased. After knowing about Namseon's feelings for him, he couldn't get her out of his mind. It wasn't that he wasn't trying to or he wanted to intentionally become obsessed over his friend's fiancée, but Namseon was a walking muse, breathtakingly beautiful. And now he had a reason to obsess over her.

Over time, as the wedding approached, their closeness increased. Jeong Ho's caring gestures towards Namseon lured her in, and she finally lost herself in those fleeting moments of passion and love.

Jeong Ho promised to make her his wife, even if it would cost a war against the Min Clan and the friendship he cherished so well. It was devastating to make a decision like that, but he knew that Yoon Chae would never be able to make Namseon happy like he did.

But fate was cruel, things don't always go as planned. Hopes are shattered and promises are broken with the worst of consequences.

┈┈┈┈┈

A thick blanket of grey swallowed the sunlight as raindrops pounded against the ground.

A low growl of thunder reverberated through the air, sending shivers down the spines of civilians. Jeong Ho sat on the cosy cushion placed along the centre table of Yoon Chae's quarters. He nervously fidgeted with his fingers as he watched Yoon Chae take a sip from the porcelain cup. Yoon Chae seemed happier than ever, a small smile lined his lips as he watched the rain pour from the window.

"You were about to discuss something, Jeong. What is it?" Yoon Chae went on with excitement.

Jeong Ho hummed and nervously straightened his back. Piling up all of his tenacity and dedication towards Namseon, he spoke, "The thing is, Yoon, I'd like you... to call off the we-"

"Your Majesty! There's a problem!" A trembling voice exclaimed behind the door, interrupting Jeong Ho.

"Come inside," Yoon Chae ordered.

The head butler rushed inside the room, his hanbok swinging along his feet. His brows were crinkled, signifying that something had gone utterly wrong. "Your Majesty, Lady Namseon," he paused while his head was low.

Yoon Chae's eyes widened when he heard Namseon's name. he abruptly stood up, and Jeong Ho followed, "What happened?! Speak up!" Yoon Chae exclaimed.

"L-lady Namseon... is nowhere to be found."

"WHAT KIND OF BULLSHIT IS THIS?!" Yoon Chae growled, and the head butler shuddered as he shifted back on his feet.

Jeong Ho was too stunned to speak. He froze in his position with wide eyes and a mouth hanging low.

"We received this from her quarters, " the head butler took out a sealed envelope from his sleeve and handed it over to Yoon Chae with his trembling hands.

"Announce a search operation, FAST!" Yoon Chae ordered, and the head butler nodded before rushing towards the exit.

The rain drummed louder, every flash of lightning felt like a bad omen. Thunder rumbled again, and the ground beneath Yoon Chae's feet shook when he read the letter, as if trying to swallow him whole. The letter fell from his grasp, and he stumbled back a step and fell on his knees, his eyes staring at the floor.

Terrified by Yoon Chae's response, Jeong Ho anxiously stepped forward and grabbed the letter, afraid of what he might discover next. His hands quivered, and the letter slipped away from his grip. His eyes welled up with tears, and a whisper escaped from his mouth, "My child," and within milliseconds, Jeong Ho teleported himself out of Yoon Chae's room, leaving Yoon Chae, who was just staring at one corner of the room this whole time.

Namseon was expected to be wise, composed, and unwavering, a perfect symbol for the future Queen. But after finding out about her pregnancy, she felt irrational, agitated and weak for giving in to the temptation. She was ashamed to face Yoon Chae and her parents after realising the shame that she would bring to both the clans, and so she vanished without a trace. Without anyone knowing, not even Jeong Ho.

Still staring at the corner of his room, Yoon Chae felt hopeless. This was the first time in his entire lifetime when Yoon Chae felt this weak. Not even Shadow Wolves were able to shake his vigour like Jeong Ho did. His best man. His only companion.

Yoon Chae didn't know how to react. It was hard to believe. He went numb. The thought of them together, the intimacy, the whispered conversations, clawed at him.

Had he been blind, too trusting to believe in everything that Jeong Ho said? Thoughts swirled inside his head, and he felt a surge of anger so intense that it threatened to consume him. Pushing himself off the floor, Yoon Chae stumbled out of his room and met with Commander Lim in the hallways, who now holds the title of Minister of Defence.

"Your Majesty, I've released the search ope-"

"Minister Lim, announce a political emergency against the Kim clan! All of our allies should break ties with them! And in worst situation, prepare the soldiers for a battle!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Yoon Chae then teleported himself to the Valley of Violas to find Namseon, but instead he met with the person whom he'll never be able to forgive and cherish once again.

"Yoon," Jeong Ho whispered as his eyes widened with fright to face his friend. Yoon Chae furiously stepped forward, his jaw tight, his eyes burning with a mixture of hurt and fury.

The familiar comfort that lay between them was replaced by a palpable tension.
The ignited flames of anger inside Yoon Chae were so immense that even the rain pour couldn't douse them. He went on and landed a punch on Jeong Ho's face.

Jeong Ho stumbled to his side, finally meeting Yoon Chae's gaze. His eyes were bloodshot, filled with a guilt that did little to soften the blow.

"Why did you do that, Jeong?! JUST WHY?!?!" Yoon Chae exploded as he grabbed Jeong Ho by his jeogori, his voice rising. He couldn't control the tremor of rage that coursed through him.

Jeong Ho's face crumpled, "Let's just find her first, Yoon. We'll talk later."

"Find her first? Why? So that you can slip into my Queen's bed again?! Was she that good?!"

Rage erupted inside Jeong Ho as his brows curled upwards. He proceeded smash his head against Yoon Chae's, pushing him backwards, "YOU CALL HER YOUR QUEEN YET YOU TALK ABOUT HER LIKE THAT?!" Jeong Ho paused for a second and inhaled before he spoke again, "IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF YOU! ONLY IF YOU HAVE TREATED HER RIGHT!"

Yoon Chae's glare peirced through Jeong Ho's soul before he holded Jeong Ho by his neck and smash him on the ground, "WHAT DO YOU EVEN KNOW ABOUT US?! YOU'RE A DISGUSTING LIAR, JEONG!" Yoon Chae yelled as he positioned himself on Jeong Ho, grabbing his neck again.

Jeong Ho coughed from the lack of air inside his body but he managed to speak, "Were y-you... aware of how s-she was struggling to fit... in the castle, how l-lonely... she was?!" The nerves on Jeong Ho's face popped from the pressure as he spoke.

Upon hearing, Yoon Chae's grip loosened for a second before it tightened again, "AND YOU TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO BETRAY ME?!" He ruthlessly gagged Jeong Ho to an extent that Jeong Ho's complexion paled as he coughed and lost his grip on Yoon Chae's wrist.

'𝐼𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑒, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝒉𝑢𝑟𝑡 𝐽𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝐻𝑜, 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑀𝑎𝑗𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑦. 𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝐼 𝑏𝑒𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢!'

The last few words written in the letter echoed inside Yoon Chae's mind as Namseon's voice and with hesitation his grip loosened as he retreated his hands back from Jeong Ho's neck.

Yoon Chae stared at him, his chest heaving. He wanted to scream, to punch him, to tear him apart piece by piece. But the anger was slowly giving way to a profound sense of loss, a hollowness that echoed through his soul. That the woman he fell for was gone.

Gone.

And the friendship he could bet his life on was ruined.

Ruined into ashes.

END OF THE FLASHBACK

┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

Inside the Royal Court of Kim clan

"When I heard about his sudden departure, I was on the verge of going insane. Angered at myself, I wished to be the one leaving instead of him. But I held back. For the civilians, for the clan," Jeong Ho paused and palced his hand on Yoongi's shoulder, "You should do the same. Held back. The pain will slowly fade away but a King should withstand all odds," Jeong ho completed as he gently patted Yoongi's back.

With a mix hesitation and a newly found trust Yoongi slowly nodded, his narrow inclined eyes puffed up from all the crying.

"Let's end this rivalry here, I'll–"

Jeong Ho couldn't finish his words as he crashed to the wooden floor with a sickening thud. His brow furrowed in a mask of sudden confusion as he felt a burning sensation all across his body. The King of the Kim clan lay dethroned, not by battle or rebellion, but by the insidious hand of treachery. His eyelids slowly fell over his eyes as he finally lost consciousness.

It all happened within milliseconds. A look of utter disbelief crossed Yoongi's face, quickly replaced by a dawning horror. His eyes darted around the room, as if searching for an explanation. Panic crept up inside his bones, and he screamed, "GUARDS!? TAEHYUNG!? ANYONE AROUND?!"

✧