Crown Prince POV-

I paused at the threshold of the royal chamber, the air heavy with unspoken tension. My gaze settled on Crown Princess Lee Dani, who stood in the center of the room. She was a vision of ethereal beauty, her presence commanding attention and yet somehow delicate.

Lee Dani appeared almost otherworldly. Her petite frame, standing at 5'5", was draped in intricate layers of traditional Korean silks that shimmered under the dim light of the room. The hanbok she wore was simple white in colour.

Her hair was styled in an elegant way, adorned with ornate hairpins that sparkled like stars against the midnight sky. Her face, framed by soft tendrils of hair, was serene yet striking; her porcelain skin appeared smooth and flawless, a canvas untouched by the harshness of their world.

Her eyes, a deep, mesmerizing shade, held a quiet strength that seemed to challenge him even as they betrayed a hint of vulnerability. There was a depth to her gaze that spoke of stories untold, secrets buried beneath the surface of her composed exterior. Her lips, painted a subtle red, were set in a soft line, betraying none of the turmoil he imagined she must feel.

My heart clenched with a mix of emotions. I couldn't deny the allure she exuded, an enticing presence that was both captivating and infuriating. She was a member of the Haewon Cho clan, a family i had been grown up to despise, and yet here she was, now bound to me by marriage.

As i stepped further into the room, the air seemed to thicken with the weight of their shared destiny. The thought of running away from this forced union had crossed my mind countless times. But now, standing before her, i have realized that escape was not an option. My fates were intertwined, sealed by the vows they had exchanged.

                                       ♧

When that evil women (Royal head maid cum puppet of Queen Consert cho)

Brought drinks inside, i knew something was mixed in the drink.

The antidote Mu Yeong had provided was beginning to take effect, its protective properties slowly weaving through my system. It was a small vial, unassuming in appearance, yet its contents were potent enough to counteract the sinister concoction that the royal head maid had attempted to slip into my drink. Her loyalty to Queen Consort Cho was unwavering, and her actions were a clear indication of the lengths the Heawon Cho Clan would go to seize control.

CHO HAK JU, the mastermind behind the clan's ambitious plot, underestimated the depth of my foresight. His arrogance blinded him to the reality that I was always two steps ahead. Each move he made was anticipated, each scheme countered with precision. It was a dangerous game of wits, and the stakes were unimaginably high

I played my part really well just to get a reaction out of her but she has strong control over her willpower.

As i stepped closer to her and started giving her kisses like feather, she was breathing hard . I smriked so she does have emotions which she trying hard to control now.

When i saw her bare shoulders again, she doesn't have fair skintone, it's like brownish or more like honey syrup shade, why do i find it attractive?

I  pulled her petite form closer to me,

i know she will eventually surrender and continue her game of seduction but then...

As i leaned closer to Dani, i felt an irresistible urge to bridge the distance between us, my  heart pounding in rhythm with the growing desire but why is antidote not working?

But before i could act on the impulse, i  felt a sharp pressure under my chin. Dani, with her dagger poised, was staring at him with a mix of anger and determination.

Dani- One  more kiss and I will end your life here.

She declared, her voice steady and unwavering. The threat was real, but her eyes those eyes spoke volumes, filled with a fiery passion that matched his own.

Despite the situation, i  couldn't suppress a grin when she pushed me  away.       She sure  is an interesting one.

Dani- Come back to your senses, Lee Chang! Are you insane?

She shouted, her voice a blend of concern and frustration.

As she sniffed the cup, realization dawned upon her. I  watched as her expression shifted from anger to understanding, the pieces falling into place. The drink had been tampered with, laced with toxic herbs meant to cloud his judgment and amplify desires my  struggled to control.

She come closer to me and tried to lift me up and i gave in.

She took me towards my bed and trying to put me on sleep.

She is now singing lullaby for me while covering me up with warm blankets.

I watched her with my sharp eagle eyes, she is slowly drifting to sleep.

Weird she had the chance, she could took the bait to take advantage of my vulnerability but no she choose to treat me like a child. Which more embarrassing to me honestly.

In the midnight i quietly slipped away from all the watchful eyes of guards and went towards Mu yeong.

He must be waiting for me in the library.

I remembered before coming here,

i went to meet my Father,

that Cho Hak Ju again come in way .

Cho hak ju- Your Royal Highness may continue to wait, but his majesty will not return. His illness subsided, so he went to the Queen's Palace. Beom il, escort his Royal Highness Out.

Mu yeong - Your Roayl Highness.

He panted as he came inside the library.

Lee chang- Did you retrive it?

I asked him.

Mu yeing - Yes,.. i almost got caught, but i managed to sneak it out.

He said as he handed me the general.

Lee chang-Father collapsed  ten days ago,at the end of the month..

Chills, fever and a headache the symptoms are severe. There  might not be a cure.

I said as i was going through the gernal.

Mu yeong- Your Royal Highness, why are there no more entries?

Lee chang- This cannot be, those in the Royal Infirmary must write an entry every day without fail. Furthermore, father was in critical condition. Unless

they has something to hide and intentionally  omitted entries.

What is happening to my Father right now in his own palace.

I knew it something  wrong was going on with my father behind those closed door.

Mu yeong- Your Royal Highness, who is physician Lee Seung Hui?

He questioned me.

Lee chang- He was a royal physician but he resigned three years ago. How do you know of him.

I was wondering why he is suddenly asking me this.

Mu yeong- His name is written kn the last entry regarding His Majesty.

He said while handing it over to me.

Lee chang- I must go out in disguise.

Mu yeong- Pardon? In disguise? You cannot, who knows what the Queen will do to you--

Lee chang- She said not to enter the king's palace. She cannot forbid me from leaving the palace.

I was determined to findout the truth about my father.

Mu yueong- Your Royal Highness!!

Lee chang- Prepare to leave. It will be just you and me.

Mu yeong -Then what about the beef pancakes?

He asked me by pulling his  innocent face.

Lee chang- Shhh.

I turned to leave.

Mu yeong- Your Royal Highness-

Lee chang- Now what??

I was irritated with him now.

Mu yeong- What about Crown Princess,

If you leave tonight just like this,

there will be rumours spread like wildfire all over the palace next morning, if  they didn't find you in palace. The people specially the palace maids will talk bad about her.

He was concerned for her.

Lee chang- You are my bodyguard and loyal friend, so stick to that and about her.... i don't give a damn.

Why do i care about her huh!!!

The night was young, and the future uncertain, but one thing was clear: the Heawon Cho Clan would not prevail easily.

Fin.

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Take care gn..