The rotten persimmon exploded against Yohan's cheek.
"Traitor's spawn!"
A boot slammed into his ribs. He doubled over, gasping. Mud splattered across his torn sleeves as he hit the ground.
Father, I'm sorry. The thought came unbidden as another kick landed.
Is this how you felt in those final moments?
"Your father sold out our kingdom!" The merchant's son kicked again. "Why are you still breathing?"
Yohan rolled into a ball. Fists rained down on his back, his shoulders, his head. Blood filled his mouth. Sixteen years of carrying his father's sins, sixteen years of being the kingdom's reminder of betrayal.
"String him up!"
"Burn him like the dog he is!"
Hands grabbed his hair, yanking his face up. A woman spat directly into his eyes.
"Please—" Yohan choked.
A fist cracked against his jaw. His vision went white.
Will anyone mourn me when I'm gone? Will they spit on my grave too?
"Begging won't save you!"
The temple bells rang across the marketplace. Dong. Dong. Dong.
"That's enough."
Ice. Pure ice in that voice.
The hands released Yohan's hair. He collapsed face-first into the mud, tasting copper and dirt.
Footsteps backed away. Whispers died to silence.
"Can you stand?"
Yohan lifted his head. A figure in dark robes stood watching him, face hidden in shadow with a ring on his index finger.
"Who..." Yohan's voice came out as a croak.
But the stranger was already walking away, vanishing between the houses like smoke.
Who would dare stop them? Who has that kind of power?
The crowd began to disperse, fear in their eyes now.
---
Minister Kang's fist slammed onto the low table.
The three men kneeling before him didn't flinch.
"The prophecy spreads," Kang hissed. "The heir of heaven will be born of a man cast aside by the kingdom."
That brat should have died with his father. I was too merciful then. I won't make that mistake twice.
"Minister-nim," the lead assassin kept his eyes down. "You're certain it's him?"
"Who else carries the traitor's blood? Who else would..." Kang's lip curled in disgust. "The people whisper. His Majesty listens to whispers."
Candlelight flickered across the assassin's scarred face. "It will be done tonight."
"No witnesses. Make it look like justice."
Kim Jinho destroyed everything once. His spawn won't get the chance.
The men bowed and melted into the shadows.
Kang stared at the flame until his eyes watered. Kim Yohan's father had destroyed everything once.
The son wouldn't get the chance.
---
Crack.
Yohan pressed against the rotting wall, every breath like knives in his chest. His split lip throbbed.
Dogs barked in the distance. Then more. And more.
His blood turned to ice.
They've found me. This is how I die.
Footsteps crunched through dead leaves outside. Multiple sets. Getting closer.
"Search every building."
Yohan squeezed his eyes shut. The gap in the back wall was too small. The front door was blocked. He was trapped.
Father, will I see you soon?
"He's here somewhere."
Torchlight flickered through the cracks in the wood.
The footsteps stopped.
"In here."
The door exploded inward.
But instead of hooded assassins, armed guards poured through. Their armor caught the torchlight, and at their head—
Commander Yoo. That scarred, weathered face was unmistakable.
The King's enforcer. Why would he—?
"Kim Yohan."
Yohan's throat closed. "I haven't—I never—"
"You're needed at the palace."
The words hit him like a physical blow. Palace. Where his father had been dragged. Where his father had died.
*LNot dead. Worse. They want to use me.
"Commander-nim, please." His voice cracked like a child's. "I've done nothing. I swear on my father's—"
"Now."
Yohan's legs gave out and the commander noticed Yohan's bloodied state and order a soldier to steady him and two guards stepped forward. Their hands closed around his arms, lifting him like he weighed nothing.
As they hoisted him onto a mount, Commander Yoo's eyes met his for a heartbeat. Something flickered there—too quick to read, too human for comfort.
His Majesty truly believes this bastard is fated, then Joseon itself will drown in ruin.
Then it was gone.
The palace walls rose before them like golden teeth against the night sky. The gates of the palace loomed ahead. To Yohan, they were not an entrance — but a coffin lid, closing shut.
What could they possibly want with me? What's worth keeping me alive?
Yohan closed his eyes and felt the horse's hooves carry him toward whatever death awaited inside.
Behind them, three assassins watched from the shadows, cursing the royal guards who'd stolen their target.
Their blades would have to wait for another night.