🌙 Gilded Cage

Chapter 1: The Mark That Burns

The capital of Elarion glittered beneath a velvet sky, its palace towering like a god’s monument. Cold wind whipped through the marble corridors, but Prince Seonghwa stood unmoved on the eastern balcony, a statue in royal blue.

Beneath his left glove, the mark on his wrist pulsed.

He hadn’t felt it in years.

Soulmate marks were born glowing gold, only flaring when one was near their destined match. But Seonghwa’s had always been silent. Dull. Just another story whispered by nobles to give fate meaning.

Until now.

His jaw tightened as the palace gates opened far below. A black carriage rolled in, flanked by the Royal Guard. Seonghwa leaned forward, eyes narrowing.

The door opened—and a boy stepped out.

Not tall. Not noble. But impossible to miss. He moved like fire and danger wrapped in fur-lined coats, gold piercings glinting under moonlight. Sharp jaw. Dark eyes. Lips curled slightly, like he knew he didn’t belong—and dared anyone to say it.

Hongjoong.

The Council’s new strategist. A commoner risen by merit alone.

As if on cue, pain sparked under Seonghwa’s glove.

He exhaled through his nose, straightening.

It can’t be…

“Your Highness,” a servant called gently behind him. “The Council is waiting in the war room. They request your approval on the new strategist.”

Seonghwa turned without a word, glove tight over his burning wrist.

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The war room was dim, lit only by a central chandelier and candlelight licking the walls. Council members murmured among themselves, but all fell silent when Seonghwa entered.

Hongjoong stood at the long table, hands clasped behind his back. His gaze locked onto Seonghwa’s the moment he stepped in.

He bowed—not low enough to be respectful, not high enough to be rude.

“Prince Seonghwa,” he said smoothly, voice calm but sharp-edged. “It’s an honor.”

Seonghwa’s expression betrayed nothing. “Is it?”

Hongjoong smiled faintly. “They say you’re the kingdom’s finest blade. I was curious if the rumors were exaggerated.”

“Would you like to test them?” Seonghwa replied evenly.

The room stiffened.

But Hongjoong only smirked. “Not today, Your Highness.”

The mark under Seonghwa’s glove flared hot—worse than before. He clenched his fist behind his back, the pain threading into his veins.

With a clipped nod to the council, he excused himself and strode down the corridor, each step echoing like thunder. Only when he reached the safety of the shadows did he rip off his glove.

Gold. Glowing. Burning.

No. Not him.

Not a commoner. Not a man with eyes like rebellion. Not someone who made his heart stutter in his chest.

Across the palace, in his guest chamber, Hongjoong sat at the edge of the bed. He lifted his sleeve. Gold light shimmered across his wrist.

His smile faded.

“This will get us both killed.”

this is the first chapter of this book I hope you like this story...