y air of the royal hall. "I see no reason why I should spend anothe

affairs of this kingdom are a joke?" His voice boomed, reverberating off the stone walls. "You, my s

g light filtering through the grand windows. The embroidered dragons on his garment seemed to snarl as if reflecting the prince's mood

he side, shifted uncomfortably but said nothing. His elder brother's tall fra

le beneath layers of powder. "How dare you speak to you

omeoni, do not speak of disgrace when you s

guards stationed near the pillars stiffened, their

the wooden table, the thud resounding like a death knell. "Enough of this insolence

ance. "If that is your command, Your Majesty," he said,

red, an attempt to pacify the storm. "Appa, perhaps M

u were leading men into battle, Seok Hoon. And you-" he pointed a trembling finger at Min Soo, "you cannot eve

ence more deafening than any

ed, his voice hoarse with anger

hawk. Seok Hoon cast a worried glance at his brother but obeyed, exiting with the other

oom seemed to shrink, the ai

wer now, almost a growl. "Do you wish to see this

peak of duty and honor, but all I see is a man clinging to

frustration. "You see only what your narrow mind allows. Do you think ruling is easy? Tha

ising. "You never taught me anything except how to swing a sword and

ps regret. "You will attend the war council," he repeated, his tone bro

any blow. But instead of backing down, he turned

-

herry blossoms swayed gently in the breeze, their petals scattering like tiny

a shaded pavilion. She rose gracefully, her hanbok flowing

ed, not meeting her eyes. "Appa thin

arm. "You make it so hard for him to under

tinged with bitterness. "To him, I'm just a disappointment

in said softly. "He lov

way, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "He can keep his throne,

n S

e said, walking away be

-

d the bustling halls and found solace in the training grounds. The clink of metal and

approached hesitantly, bowing

ok his head

practicing, each swing of the blade a release of the frustration boiling inside him. T

an possessed," a fa

leaning against a post, his ar

er. "You can't keep going on like this,

st, oh wise elder brot

wearing thin. "Stop fighting him. You

erstand, Seok Hoon. You've always been the perfect son. The warri

tly. "We're family, Min Soo. We should be wo

g down on him. "Maybe you're right," he said quietly. "But it'

d, bowing deeply. "Your Highnesses, the feast is a

dly but nodded. "Let'

-

warm glow over the assembled guests. Min Soo took his place at the royal table

e. And as his father raised a cup to toast the unity of the ki

pered, his words meant only for Min Soo's ea