CHAPTER 22
Sihyun lay still, back turned to Muwon. The silence between them was thick, only broken by the soft rustle of silk bedding and the distant hum of cicadas outside the window.
Muwon sighed quietly and walked over, slipping beneath the covers beside him. He didn't say anything at first—just gently reached out and wrapped an arm around Sihyun's waist, pulling him close until his chest pressed softly against Sihyun's back.
His fingers slowly caressed the length of Sihyun's arm, warm and steady.
"Don't be angry,"
Muwon murmured near his ear.
"It's only two days. I'll be back before you even miss me."
Sihyun didn't reply immediately. His breathing was calm, but his tone was sharp when he finally spoke.
"If anything happens to you…"
his voice dropped, rough with held-back emotion,
"…I'll burn down this whole palace to find out who's responsible."
Muwon's chest rumbled with a low chuckle, and he smiled.
"That's not comforting, you know."
Sihyun snorted quietly but didn't turn to face him.
"I'm serious,"
he said.
"I'll kill them. Slowly."
"And I believe you,"
Muwon whispered, pressing a kiss to the back of his neck.
A pause.
Then Sihyun added, voice softer this time:
"Make sure you wear the pendant. The protection charm won't work unless it's on you."
Muwon nuzzled closer.
"I already tied it under my uniform."
Another beat passed.
Sihyun finally shifted just a little, allowing Muwon to hold him tighter.
"Don't try to be a hero out there,"
Sihyun muttered.
"Wouldn't dream of it."
They stayed like that—close, quiet, the tension between them slowly easing under the weight of their closeness. The moonlight filtering through the curtains cast a pale glow over the room, and for a brief moment, neither prince nor sorcerer—just lovers clinging to a fragile sliver of peace.
Morning – Palace Courtyard
The sun had barely risen, casting pale golden light over the palace walls. Dew clung to the grass, and a gentle mist still curled near the edges of the trees.
At the gates, horses were lined up, saddled and ready, their breath forming small puffs in the chilly dawn air. The king, clad in a darker version of his ceremonial robe, stood tall and poised beside Muwon.
Royal guards stood in formation, spears upright, eyes sharp. A few trusted attendants bustled about, securing supplies and checking maps, unaware of the deeper shadows hiding behind the elders' approving smiles.
From across the courtyard, Sihyun approached with Taeyang, both wrapped in light cloaks. Taeyang held Sihyun's hand tightly, blinking sleep from his eyes, but his steps were determined. Sihyun's expression was unreadable—his usual calm now layered with unease and a barely veiled storm.
Muwon turned as he saw them, smiling as if it would ease their worries. He walked over and crouched slightly to meet Taeyang's eyes.
"You're up early, little fox."
Taeyang rubbed his eyes and gave a tiny nod.
"Dada said we should see you off like brave soldiers."
"Did he?"
Muwon chuckled, ruffling his hair.
"That's just like him."
Taeyang reached into his pocket and pulled out a small woven charm—clumsily made, obviously rushed, but tied with care.
"I made this… with Dada. For luck."
Muwon took it gently, holding it to his chest.
"Then I'll treasure it with my life."
He then rose and faced Sihyun, who still hadn't said a word.
Their eyes met.
No words needed.
But the silence spoke volumes.
Muwon stepped forward and briefly touched Sihyun's hand.
"Take care of him. And yourself."
Sihyun gave a slight nod, eyes fixed on him. His lips were pressed in a firm line, but his gaze softened just enough.
A few paces away, the five elders stood, each with respectful bows and masked expressions. Elder Baekjin was the first to speak:
"May this journey bring wisdom to both our King and Crown Prince."
The others echoed their blessings.
The king approached Sihyun, eyes gleaming as he gently patted Taeyang's head.
"We'll return soon. Guard the palace until then, little one."
Taeyang puffed up slightly with pride.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Finally, Muwon gave them one last look—first to Sihyun, then to Taeyang—before he mounted his horse beside the king.
Sihyun's heart ached.
But he didn't stop them.
He simply watched, unmoving, as the gates opened.
The sound of hooves echoed off the stone as the royal group began their journey into the woods—unaware that eyes in the shadows were already watching, waiting.
The silence that followed Muwon's absence was heavier than Sihyun expected. The moment the gates had closed behind the king's party, it was as if the warmth had gone with them.
He tucked Taeyang into bed again, brushing back the little boy's bangs. Taeyang mumbled sleepily and curled into the blanket, still dreaming of charms and kingdoms.
Sihyun stood there for a long moment. Then turned and slowly made his way back to the main chamber.
The emptiness greeted him like a familiar ghost.
He sat on the edge of the bed—then stood again. Restless. Angry at the stillness. His hand brushed the pendant Muwon gave him. His throat ached, but no tears came. He paced. Then stood by the window, watching the sunrise melt into full daylight, though it brought him no peace.
A soft knock broke through his spiraling thoughts.
Before he could answer, the door creaked open and Yuhyun entered, followed by Taejin and Dohyun. They didn't carry their usual playful energy today. Instead, there was quiet concern written across their expressions.
Yuhyun spoke first, voice low and calm.
"He told us to stay by you. Make sure you don't cause trouble."
Sihyun turned slightly toward them, his expression unreadable.
"I'm fine."
Yuhyun narrowed his eyes.
"You don't look it."
Taejin leaned against the wall, arms folded.
"You've been up all night, haven't you?"
Dohyun, with his usual softness, stepped forward.
"Be honest with us, Sihyun. You're not alone anymore."
For a beat, silence stretched between them—then Sihyun finally exhaled.
"I want to go after them."
That pulled immediate reactions.
"What?"
Yuhyun said flatly, eyes narrowing.
Taejin straightened.
"You know that's a bad idea."
Dohyun's brow furrowed.
"You think something will happen?"
Sihyun's voice tightened.
"I don't think. I know something's not right."
He looked at them sharply.
"And I can't just sit here and wait for a nightmare to knock on the gates."
Yuhyun stepped forward, lowering his voice.
"The king gave a royal order. And you know how he gets. You follow them now, and it's disobedience."
"Then let him be mad,"
Sihyun said, tired but firm.
"At least I'll know Muwon's safe."
Dohyun glanced at Taejin and Yuhyun, then stepped closer.
"We get it. But running off will only stir the elders—and you know they've been watching you lately."
Sihyun turned away toward the window again, his voice barely above a whisper.
"They won't touch me. Not until Muwon's back."
He clenched his jaw.
"But what if he doesn't come back? What if they planned this?"
That made the room fall completely silent.
Even Yuhyun, always quick to argue, paused at the edge of that question.
Then finally, Taejin muttered under his breath,
"...Shit. You really think this could be a setup?"
Sihyun didn't answer.
He didn't need to.
His silence was enough.