A faint lantern glow spilled across the courtyard of the Royal Noble Consort's residence, its tiled roofs neat and restrained, guarded silence hanging in the air. The scent of medicinal herbs lingered faintly, carried by the evening breeze.
"Who are you?" a voice asked.
Prince Seowoo stood just outside his mother's residence, hesitating, his steps frozen as conflicted thoughts weighed on him.
He turned slowly.
The maid's eyes widened. She immediately dropped to her knees, her hands trembling. She had failed to recognize him beneath his simple attire.
"My apologies, Your Highness!" she begged, her voice shaking as she bowed repeatedly.
"It's fine," Prince Seowoo said calmly.
The maid released a shaky breath. A single mistake like that could have cost her dearly.
"Thank you for your great generosity, Your Highness. I deeply regret failing to recognize you," she said, biting down on her lower lip.
Seowoo nodded, his gaze drifting past her—toward his mother's closed chamber.
"Are you here to see the Royal Noble Consort?" the maid asked cautiously.
Seowoo nodded.
"The Royal Noble Consort has gone to see His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Seowoo blinked. "Ah… I see. Please inform Mother of my visit."
"Yes, Your Highness."
With a brief nod, Seowoo turned and left.
Outside, the palace path stretched long and quiet beneath the dimming sky. His steps slowed as old thoughts resurfaced.
Why had his mother always cherished his elder brother more?
He had gone to war, endured the battlefield, hoping to change her perception of him. Yet it seemed her heart had always leaned toward the Crown Prince.
He clenched his jaw, then exhaled slowly.
No… Mother had her reasons.
Hyun Min was the Crown Prince—danger followed him like a shadow. Perhaps her affection was born not of favoritism, but fear.
Seowoo shook his head lightly, steadying himself, and changed direction toward the Crown Prince's residence.
××××
The Crown Prince's residence stood grand and imposing, its wide halls lined with marble pillars and guarded by solemn attendants. Despite its elegance, an air of quiet tension lingered within.
Crown Prince Lee Hyun Min sat upon the elevated platform, his posture composed yet weary.
Before him, Royal Noble Consort Yeonhwa knelt on the cool marble floor, her movements gentle as she lifted a porcelain spoon to his lips.
"Drink slowly," she murmured, her voice soft with worry.
××××
Prince Seowoo approached the Crown Prince's residence.
A guard immediately knelt, preparing to announce his arrival, but Seowoo raised a hand, stopping him.
"Do not announce me," he said quietly.
The guard hesitated, then bowed in obedience.
Seowoo stepped closer to the chamber doors, his heart beginning to race. He hadn't meant to listen—yet his feet refused to move away.
Then he heard his mother's voice.
"Seowoo fought bravely in the war," Royal Noble Consort Yeonhwa said. "Let him be your shield."
Seowoo stiffened.
His fists clenched at his sides, knuckles turning white as her words pierced him.
A shield.
A bitter voice echoed in his mind.
That's all you are.
His lips curved into a tight, humorless smile.
"Mother…" Hyun Min's gentle voice followed.
"No, Hyun Min," the consort continued firmly. "Seowoo is your brother. He should protect you. He has no true purpose in the palace."
Something inside Seowoo cracked.
Unable to endure another word, he turned and stormed away. His footsteps echoed sharply through the corridor, breaking the palace's fragile silence.
His vision blurred as unshed tears burned behind his eyes. He pushed past servants and guards alike, his breath uneven.
He burst through the palace gate, gasping as the cold air hit his lungs, trying desperately to calm the storm raging within him.
××××
Inside the chamber, Hyun Min remained silent, his gaze fixed on the marble floor.
When he finally spoke, his voice was soft—but unwavering.
"Mother."
She looked at him.
"I should be the one protecting Seowoo, not the other way around," he said quietly. "He has given enough—to this family and to the nation."
He lifted his head, resolve clear in his eyes.
"I will not use him as a shield."
"But Hyun Min," the consort said anxiously, "you are the Crown Prince. Your safety is paramount."
"Mother," Hyun Min replied firmly, leaving no room for argument. "Seowoo is my brother. His life is as important as mine."
The consort fell silent, then nodded slowly.
Yet deep within her heart, she vowed to find another way—to protect her son, even if in secret.
××××
Seowoo leaned heavily against a stone pillar, his chest rising and falling as he struggled to steady himself. Hurt and frustration clouded his eyes.
"Your Highness."
Seowoo stiffened.
Lord Shikryeom, the Chief State Minister, approached him with a knowing expression, having just departed from the King's chambers.
Seowoo straightened quickly, brushing away any trace of weakness.
"Lord Shikryeom," Prince Seowoo said, offering a brief bow.
The minister returned the greeting smoothly.
"May I ask what troubles Your Highness?" Lord Shikryeom asked, his tone probing.
Seowoo's expression hardened.
"No. Thank you for your concern," he replied coolly. "Please excuse me."