CHAPTER 22
Some instinctively took a step back, while others reached for their weapons, their hands trembling.
The king's expression darkened, his grip tightening on the armrest of his throne.
"You dare?"
His voice was low, dangerous, a warning of the fury that simmered beneath his composure.
Muwon remained still, unfazed. His gaze was locked onto Sihyun, who stood at the center of the chaos, his lips curling into a smirk. His golden-red eyes gleamed, still pulsing with the remnants of his unleashed magic. He tilted his head, daring anyone to step forward.
"I was only proving a point."
"You—!"
One of the ministers stepped forward, his face red with fury.
"This is a demon, a monster! How can His Highness even consider taking him outside the palace? He should be executed immediately!"
Yuhyun was frozen in place, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. His breath was uneven, panic settling in his chest.
"Sihyun... why did you...?"
His voice was barely above a whisper, shaken. His worst fear had just come true—Sihyun was going down a path he couldn't stop.
Muwon finally moved, raising a hand to silence the growing uproar.
"That will be enough,"
he said, his voice calm but firm.
"This was an unnecessary death, but it is exactly why I am taking him outside."
He turned his gaze back to the king.
"If we continue to suppress him, he will only grow more reckless. I will take responsibility for him."
The king's eyes were sharp, unreadable.
"And if you are wrong? If he turns on you the moment you step outside these walls?"
Muwon stepped forward, his expression unwavering.
"Then I will deal with it myself. But I do not believe he will."
Sihyun let out a low chuckle.
"So confident."
Muwon ignored him and waited for the king's decision. The silence stretched unbearably before the king exhaled through his nose, his fingers tapping against the armrest.
"Fine. But additional guards will accompany you. Should anything go wrong, you will be held accountable."
Dohyun and Taejin exchanged uneasy glances, but neither spoke against it. They had no choice but to follow Muwon's lead.
The king's gaze shifted back to Sihyun, his voice heavy with warning.
"You may have been given this opportunity, but do not mistake it for freedom. Any further insolence, and even Muwon won't be able to protect you."
Sihyun's smirk remained, but he gave a mocking bow.
"Noted, Your Majesty."
The meeting was dismissed, the tension lingering in the air. As they left the hall, Yuhyun caught Sihyun's wrist, his eyes desperate.
"Are you really planning to—?"
"Later, Yuhyun,"
Sihyun murmured, pulling away. His gaze flickered to Muwon, who had already started walking ahead, deep in thought.
This trip would be more than just a test—it would determine everything.
The sun hung high in the sky as the palace bustled with tense anticipation. Word of the crown prince's bold decision had spread like wildfire, and the entire court had gathered to witness their departure. Officials stood in clusters, murmuring in hushed tones, their eyes flickering with concern and disbelief. Servants peeked out from behind pillars, curious yet wary. Even the guards shifted uneasily in their positions, gripping their weapons a little tighter.
Sihyun, for the first time since his capture, stood in the open courtyard without the cold weight of the sorcerer chain around his wrists. The freedom sent an electrifying thrill through his veins, his fingers twitching as his magic stirred, unrestrained. He could feel the unspoken fear in the eyes around him, but instead of intimidation, he relished it. He smirked, enjoying the unease he caused.
Yuhyun, standing beside him, was a stark contrast. His unease was palpable, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Unlike Sihyun, who seemed to revel in his regained power, Yuhyun felt only dread. His brother had always longed for freedom, but he feared what Sihyun would do with it.
Muwon, as composed as ever, stood ahead, his gaze unreadable. He showed no sign of regret or hesitation in his decision, his presence commanding and unwavering. Beside him, Dohyun and Taejin exchanged silent glances, their expressions tight with disapproval.
"This is madness,"
Dohyun muttered under his breath.
"He's letting a demon sorcerer roam freely. What if he—"
"He won't,"
Taejin cut in, though he didn't sound convinced.
"The prince has his reasons."
On the raised platform, the king observed the scene, his face void of emotion. His piercing gaze flickered to Sihyun, then to Muwon. He said nothing, merely watching. The weight of his silence pressed upon the gathered court.
Muwon finally turned to his men.
"We're leaving."
The guards hesitated before stepping forward, bringing the horses and supplies. Sihyun glanced at Yuhyun, then back at the palace, his smirk fading slightly. He wasn't coming back to this place. At least, not as a prisoner.
With that final thought, he mounted his horse. The gates creaked open, and with Muwon leading the way, they rode out into the unknown.
The woods around them were eerily still as Muwon, Sihyun, and Yuhyun took a brief break. The horses were tethered to nearby trees, and the guards stood watch, their eyes scanning the horizon. Sihyun, however, seemed unfazed by the surrounding tension, his mind occupied with something else entirely.
Yuhyun sat on a rock nearby, his eyes flicking constantly between Sihyun and the guards, ever vigilant. Though he didn't say much, his gaze never wavered from his brother, a silent, protective force that always hovered around Sihyun. His hand rested near the hilt of his sword, prepared for anything, his instincts constantly on alert.
Muwon, ever watchful of Sihyun's actions, tried to keep the mood calm. He exchanged a few words with the guards, making sure they were all in position. He didn't trust that Sihyun would let him relax for long, especially without the Sorcerer's Chain on him, but he had to admit it was a small relief.
After all Sihyun is unpredictable.