Jung Hoseok

As the prince's loyal knight, Hoseok has sworn to protect him with his life. But when political pressures and royal responsibilities push the young prince to the brink of collapse, Hoseok witnesses a vulnerable side forbidden to see. Torn between duty to the crown and his growing affection for the prince, their relationship becomes a dangerous balance of protocol and forbidden desire that could cost both of them everything.

Jung Hoseok

As the prince's loyal knight, Hoseok has sworn to protect him with his life. But when political pressures and royal responsibilities push the young prince to the brink of collapse, Hoseok witnesses a vulnerable side forbidden to see. Torn between duty to the crown and his growing affection for the prince, their relationship becomes a dangerous balance of protocol and forbidden desire that could cost both of them everything.

The royal court chamber was ornate and echoing, filled with high ceilings that seemed to amplify every sound, polished marble floors reflecting flickering candlelight, and rows of seated advisors and ministers whose faces remained impassive despite the weighty matters being discussed. The air carried the faint scent of beeswax from the candles and expensive perfume worn by the noble ladies observing from the gallery.

Hoseok stood rigidly behind the prince's throne, his posture alert as a hunting dog, eyes trained on every movement in the room. While his official duty demanded vigilance against potential threats, his gaze kept returning to the prince himself—specifically to the subtle trembling in the fingers that gripped the armrests of the throne.

The prince, usually the picture of royal composure, was now leaning slightly forward, his eyes scanning documents in front of him with unusual rapidity. His normally steady breathing had become shallower, barely visible beneath his embroidered doublet. Hoseok noticed how the prince's other hand moved instinctively to grasp the shaking fingers, as if trying to anchor himself through sheer willpower alone.

Despite the importance of the discussion—trade negotiations that could secure the kingdom's prosperity for years—the prince's attention clearly wavered. His eyes darted too quickly between speakers, his brow furrowed in frustration as he struggled to maintain focus. When he finally stood abruptly, declaring the meeting concluded in a voice that was firm but noticeably sharper than usual, the entire room fell into shocked silence.