CHAPTER 20
The shaman's words spread like wildfire.
By midday, whispers filled every corridor, every marketplace, and every tea house in the kingdom.
"The gods are displeased."
"A vision of chaos… Destruction…"
"It's the Demon Sorcerer, isn't it?"
"What if the betrothal to the crown prince was a curse, not a blessing?"
Even the palace halls buzzed with hushed murmurs. Servants glanced over their shoulders, guards exchanged uneasy looks. The shadow of uncertainty had crept in.
Yuhyun stood in the quiet corner of a veranda, fingers clenched tightly at his sides as he overheard two maidens speaking in hushed tones near the gardens.
"They say the crown prince's consort might bring ruin."
"It's just a rumor… right?"
"But the shaman—!"
He couldn't take it anymore.
Without delay, he turned on his heel and stormed off in search of Muwon.
He found him in the inner courtyard, gazing quietly at the clouded sky. Muwon turned at the sound of Yuhyun's hurried steps.
"Yuhyun?"
"We need to talk,"
Yuhyun said breathlessly.
They began walking side by side through the stone paths of the palace grounds, away from eavesdropping ears. Yuhyun's voice trembled as he finally confessed,
"There's a prophecy… about the 20th tattoo mark."
Muwon stopped walking, eyes narrowing.
"Prophecy?"
Yuhyun nodded.
"It said that if a Demon Sorcerer ever bore the 20th tattoo, they would become something… uncontrollable. A creature of both divine and cursed power. A being neither light nor darkness could command."
Muwon's jaw tensed.
"And you're only telling me this now?"
"I didn't want to scare you—scare him. I thought we had time. But after what the shaman said… I got scared too. What if it's true? What if Sihyun really is—"
"Don't,"
Muwon snapped, his voice sharper than Yuhyun had ever heard it. He took a step forward, eyes flashing.
"Don't finish that sentence."
"But your highness—"
"No,"
Muwon said again, stepping back. His gaze burned.
"You're afraid because of a prophecy. I understand that. But I've seen Sihyun. I've loved him—fought him—trusted him. I won't let anyone, not even you, speak of him like he's some kind of ticking curse."
Yuhyun opened his mouth to respond but was silenced by the pain in Muwon's eyes. The crown prince turned without another word and walked away, his royal robes brushing against the stone path like the closing of a curtain.
He was going to meet the king.
The palace halls, once filled with quiet reverence, now buzzed with hushed voices and stolen glances. As Sihyun walked through the corridor, he could feel the weight of every stare. The once-subtle curiosity in the servants' eyes had turned to unease. Their whispers crawled against the walls like venom.
"Is it true?"
"The shaman saw the end... and he's still walking free?"
"They say it's the demon sorcerer. The cursed prince's betrothed…"
Sihyun didn't need to hear every word to understand. Their eyes said enough. But he kept walking, calm on the surface, the sharp edge of a smile resting on his lips. If they feared him, then let them. He was tired of trying to prove himself to a world that never truly wanted him.
He turned the corner—and paused.
Yuhyun stood there, waiting, as if he'd been searching for him. His expression tightened with concern the moment he saw his brother.
"Sihyun… are you okay?"
Sihyun tilted his head slightly, a soft smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Okay? I've never felt better,"
he said with a strange gentleness, one that didn't quite match the pain lingering in his eyes.
Yuhyun stepped closer, hesitant.
"You've heard, haven't you? About what the shaman said…"
"I did."
Sihyun's voice came out light, almost mocking.
"Word travels fast when people are eager to hate you. Seems like the gods have cursed the kingdom, and I've already been picked as the perfect villain."
He scoffed, eyes narrowing just a little as he turned to face Yuhyun fully.
"Tell me, brother... do you think I'm the chaos? Do you believe I'll be the one to bring ruin to this place?"
Yuhyun's face fell, hurt flashing across his features.
"No—no, I don't think that, Sihyun. Not for a second."
Sihyun's composure flickered, just barely. He let out a soft breath, and his eyes searched Yuhyun's for something—reassurance, perhaps.
"Then you're one of the few."
Yuhyun stepped closer, pulling him gently into a hug.
"You're not alone in this. Whatever comes, we'll face it together. I won't let you go through this by yourself, not again."
Sihyun stood still for a moment before slowly leaning into the hug, eyes drifting shut as the heaviness of the palace's judgment pressed harder on him.
"…Thank you,"
he whispered.
Throne Room — Late Afternoon
The throne room was unusually quiet when Muwon stepped in. The polished floors reflected the soft golden light, but the atmosphere held something heavier. Sitting tall on the throne was the king, expression unreadable. Flanking him in a half-circle were the five elders, each bowing respectfully as Muwon approached.
Elder Minister Hwan Baekjin, hands folded behind his back, stood calmly.
General Nam Gunho watched Muwon with arms crossed and a stern gaze.
Elder Lady Seo Miran gave a faint nod, eyes cool and assessing.
Elder Yoon Jaesuk glanced sideways as though weighing the mood.
High Priest Sangwook, as always, remained unreadable — his prayer beads coiled around his fingers.
Muwon bowed before the king.
"Your Majesty."
The king gave a gentle wave of the hand.
"Rise, my son. I'm sure you've already heard of the shaman's warning."
Muwon straightened.
"I have,"
he said firmly, then added,
"But I hope Your Majesty isn't letting those words cast doubt on Sihyun."
There was the slightest twitch in the king's lips — something between a smile and a sigh.
"No one said anything about doubting the demon sorcerer,"
the king replied calmly.
"I summoned you not because of fear, but because it's time I stop behaving like a sick old man hiding behind advisors."
He stood up slowly from the throne, letting the weight of his authority stretch across the room.
"From now on, I will act as the king I am."
A beat of silence followed—until Elder Minister Hwan Baekjin stepped forward, a carefully measured tone in his voice.
"Your Majesty,"
he said, bowing again,
"perhaps this is the perfect opportunity for Your Highness and the Crown Prince to spend time together. Like father and son. Like king and heir."
"Yes,"
chimed in Elder Lady Seo Miran, her voice silk-wrapped steel.
"His Highness must learn not just from scrolls and strategy rooms—but by being beside the king himself."
General Nam Gunho grunted in agreement.
"And far from the palace distractions. Let it be a time of sharpening."
The king arched a brow.
"And where do you suggest we carry out this training?"
High Priest Sangwook finally spoke.
"The woods of Baesan. Secluded, quiet… fitting for reflection and bonding. A perfect place to teach the prince what it means to lead."
Elder Yoon Jaesuk added smoothly,
"Two days. It is not much, but perhaps enough to awaken something deeper."
Muwon looked mildly surprised, glancing toward the king.
"In the woods, Your Majesty?"
The king nodded, pleased by the idea.
"Two days it is. We'll leave before dawn."
Muwon's expression shifted the moment he heard the words "We leave before dawn." He took a small step forward, his voice respectful yet firm.
"Your Majesty, forgive my forwardness, but… that's too sudden. I need time to prepare. At the very least, I must inform Sihyun and Taeyang—"
He paused, glancing around at the silent elders.
"…They'll be concerned if I disappear without notice. How would they feel, waking up to find I've gone on such short notice?"
The king's gaze sharpened slightly, but his voice remained calm, almost rehearsed.
"You are the Crown Prince, Muwon. There will be times when duty calls without warning. A king must be ready, no matter the circumstances."
Muwon's jaw tightened, but he gave a slight nod.
"Understood."
He didn't argue further. There was no point. The decision was final.
Behind him, the five elders exchanged subtle glances, unreadable to most—but laden with satisfaction.
Elder Minister Hwan Baekjin's lips twitched faintly, as though suppressing a smile.
General Nam Gunho folded his arms, hiding a pleased grunt.
Elder Lady Seo Miran tilted her head slightly, her eyes cool and victorious.
Elder Yoon Jaesuk rubbed his chin with slow satisfaction.
High Priest Sangwook whispered something under his breath—perhaps a prayer… or perhaps a coded message.
Their plan was already in motion.
Separate the crown prince from the demon sorcerer and the ever-watchful Taeyang.
Use the guise of bonding to drag them deep into the woods.
Send spies to follow after.
Create a "sudden ambush."
And if fate was kind, the king and prince wouldn't return.
Muwon bowed one last time.
"Then I shall be ready by dawn."
He turned and walked away, his steps calm—but suspicion quietly curling beneath his skin.