Blades in the Court
POV: Cheng Court / Xae Rin
The first clash of steel rang out in the grand hall of the palace. Torchlight flickered across walls adorned with ancestral banners as rebels and loyalists collided in sudden chaos. Ministers who had whispered treason were now brandishing weapons, and the Crown Prince's guards fought with precision, protecting him and the few loyal ministers who had not wavered.
Xae Rin stood tall on the balcony above the fray, observing. His eyes burned with a cold light. "Let them come," he murmured, voice low but carrying across the hall. "Heaven does not bless the weak, nor the traitorous."
A loyal general rushed to him. "Your Highness, the Prime Minister has rallied a third of the court soldiers. They aim for the treasury and the Empress' quarters!"
Xae Rin's expression hardened. "Then split your forces. Protect the treasury. Protect the Empress. And leave none of them standing who would betray this dynasty."
The battle erupted below, swords clashing, shouts echoing through the marble halls. The smell of smoke and blood filled the air. It was the first active test of his reign.
POV: Nae Yi / Cheng Dynasty
In her private tower, Nae Yi observed the chaos through a polished obsidian mirror. She smiled coldly as she saw ministers fall and loyalists fight for survival. Every death, every scream, every betrayal fed her resolve.
"They believe they can rise against me," she whispered. "Fools. Every blade, every heart, every soul bends to my will — or it will break beneath it."
Her eyes glimmered with anticipation. "And soon, Giyeok will step into the storm. She will find the boy… and I will see if love can stand against duty."
POV: Giyeok / Li Dynasty
By the edge of the city, Giyeok crouched in the shadows, surveying the flames of unrest. Xiao Xing was beside her, blade in hand, eyes scanning every alleyway, every street.
"They've begun," she murmured.
"Yes," he replied. "…And it won't end until either Cheng falls, or we face them head-on."
Their hands brushed as they moved silently, and Giyeok felt her pulse quicken. She could not allow herself to falter. Yet the nearness of Xiao Xing, his warm presence, the sound of his voice — it twisted her resolve in ways she had never known.
"…We fight together," he whispered, glancing at her. "No matter what comes."
She nodded, pressing her palm lightly to his. "…Together."
The word hung between them, fragile and dangerous, like glass over fire.
POV: Rebellion / Ministers & Soldiers
The rebellion spread like wildfire through the palace. Ministers who had once plotted in whispers now marched openly, supported by a faction of soldiers who had been swayed with promises of power and fear of the prophecy.
The Prime Minister's voice carried authority: "Seize the treasury! Hold the Empress! Do not let the boy consolidate power. The High Priestess' prophecy has shown us… the Crown Prince is a threat. Strike now, strike decisively!"
Soldiers obeyed, and the first skirmishes erupted in hallways, stairwells, and courtyards. Blood spilled as power clashed with ambition.
Yet Xae Rin's presence on the balcony, calm and unyielding, seemed to rally those who remained loyal. His aura, quiet but undeniable, inspired courage even in the hearts of the most fearful guards.
POV: Xiao Xing & Giyeok / Li Dynasty
Xiao Xing and Giyeok entered the city under the cover of smoke and shadows, moving swiftly through alleys to reach the palace. The sounds of chaos — clashing steel, shouted orders, screams — were everywhere.
"This is worse than I imagined," Giyeok muttered, her dagger drawn.
"Then we make it worse for them," Xiao Xing said grimly. "For every life they take unjustly, for every innocent they harm… they will answer to us."
Their movements were synchronized, silent and deadly. Giyeok's form was fluid, almost artful, as she disarmed opponents with minimal effort, while Xiao Xing's strikes were precise and lethal. Together, they were a storm within the storm.
Amid the fighting, their hands brushed repeatedly, each touch electric, each glance laden with unspoken emotion. Despite the carnage, the moments between them were charged with tension — the realization that love and duty were beginning to collide dangerously.
POV: Nae Yi / Cheng Dynasty
In the upper chambers, Nae Yi's smile widened as she observed the chaos through enchanted mirrors. Ministers fell, guards bled, the city burned — yet none had yet struck the boy she truly desired: Qu Xiao Xing.
Soon, she thought. The girl will face her greatest test. And the boy… will see how fragile love can be when duty stands in the way.
She called for Giyeok. "It is time," she said softly. "The boy is within reach. Show me if the steel of your heart is stronger than the blood of your loyalty."
Giyeok bowed silently, though her eyes betrayed conflict. She could feel the weight of the order in her bones. Killing him would fulfill her master's will… yet her heart screamed otherwise.
Closing Scene: The Heart of Chaos
By midnight, the palace was a battlefield. Fires flickered across the courtyards, swords clashed in echoing halls, and screams filled the night air.
Xae Rin moved among loyalists, issuing commands with calm precision, his eyes scanning for the traitorous Prime Minister.
Xiao Xing and Giyeok advanced toward the inner sanctum, fighting side by side, each strike a promise, each movement a declaration.
And above it all, Nae Yi watched, her eyes gleaming with anticipation and malice. "Let the pieces fall," she whispered. "And when they do… let the boy learn the price of defiance… and the girl learn the cost of love