Summary: The chapter begins with a flashback to Taehyung’s time at the Azure Palace. We learn the full truth behind the betrayal that led to his exile, including the role of his jealous brother and a secret that may tie him to the prophecy. The flashback ends abruptly, tying into his waking in the forest.
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The Azure Palace glimmered under the light of a thousand lanterns, its white stone towers rising against the deep purple of the twilight sky. The scent of blooming jasmine wafted through the air, carried on a gentle breeze. Yet within its grand halls, tension simmered beneath the surface, a crack waiting to fracture.
Taehyung stood at the edge of the grand balcony overlooking the gardens, his ceremonial robes heavy on his shoulders. His brother, Prince Jinseong, lounged behind him, a goblet of wine in one hand and a cruel smile on his lips.
“Look at you,” Jinseong drawled, his voice thick with mockery. “The perfect prince. Everyone loves you, little brother. The courtiers, the advisors, even the servants.” He leaned forward, his smile sharpening. “It must be exhausting.”
Taehyung’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t turn around. “What do you want, Jinseong?”
Jinseong chuckled, rising from his seat and sauntering over. “Straight to the point, as always. You know, that’s what I admire about you.” He placed a hand on Taehyung’s shoulder, his grip firm. “You don’t waste time pretending.”
Taehyung shrugged off his brother’s hand, finally meeting his gaze. “If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, leave me in peace.”
“Peace?” Jinseong’s smile vanished, replaced by a sneer. “There won’t be any peace for you, dear brother. Not after tonight.”
Taehyung frowned. “What are you talking about?”
Jinseong stepped closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “You’ve always been too blind to see it, haven’t you? The court’s love for you, their admiration—it’s not real. They’ll turn on you the moment it’s convenient. And I’m going to make sure it is.”
A chill ran down Taehyung’s spine. “You’re lying.”
“Am I?” Jinseong’s eyes glinted with malice. “You’ve been so busy playing the dutiful prince, so convinced of your own righteousness, that you didn’t notice the whispers. The rumors. They’re saying you’ve been plotting against Father.”
Taehyung’s breath caught. “That’s absurd. I would never—”
Jinseong interrupted him with a laugh. “Of course you wouldn’t. But does it matter? The court believes what they want to believe. And tonight, they’ll have all the proof they need.”
Taehyung’s heart pounded as realization dawned. “You’re framing me.”
Jinseong’s smile widened. “It’s nothing personal, Taehyung. It’s just the way of things. One prince must rise, and the other must fall.”
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The memory shifted abruptly. The grand halls of the palace blurred, replaced by the cold stone of a prison cell.
Taehyung sat on the floor, his ceremonial robes torn and bloodied. Outside the barred window, the sounds of a celebration carried on the wind—music, laughter, the clinking of glasses.
A guard approached the cell, unlocking the door with a sneer. “Your exile awaits, traitor.”
Taehyung rose unsteadily, his head held high despite the weight of humiliation and betrayal. As the guard led him out, he caught a glimpse of his brother standing on the palace steps, surrounded by cheering courtiers. Jinseong’s gaze met his, and for a brief moment, Taehyung saw something unexpected in his eyes.
Regret.
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The flashback ended as Taehyung jolted awake, the forest around him cold and silent. The campfire had burned low, its embers casting faint orange light over the clearing.
He sat up, his heart racing as the memories of the Azure Palace faded into the present. He glanced across the fire to where Jungkook sat, sharpening his blade in the dim light.
“You were dreaming,” Jungkook said without looking up.
Taehyung hesitated. “How do you know?”
“You talk in your sleep.”
Taehyung’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “What did I say?”
Jungkook finally looked at him, his dark eyes unreadable. “Enough.”
Taehyung frowned but decided not to press the issue. Instead, he shifted his gaze to the forest, the shadows beyond the firelight seeming to shift and dance.
“You didn’t sleep,” Taehyung observed.
Jungkook shrugged. “Someone had to keep watch.”
Taehyung’s lips pressed into a thin line. He hated the way Jungkook made him feel—small, vulnerable, like a burden he hadn’t asked to be. But he also couldn’t deny the sense of safety his presence brought, no matter how begrudgingly.
“We should move soon,” Jungkook said, breaking the silence. “The deeper we go, the more dangerous it gets.”
Taehyung nodded, his mind already turning to the challenges ahead.
I’ll return to the palace one day, he vowed silently. And when I do, Jinseong will pay for what he’s done.
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