The hallway leading to the King's chamber was long and dimly lit, lined with tall red pillars carved with golden dragons. Palace guards stood motionless on either side, their armor gleaming faintly beneath lantern light.
The closer one walked toward the chamber, the quieter the air became—thick, heavy, suffocating.
Even the servants lowered their breaths near the King's quarters.
At the towering wooden doors engraved with imperial insignia, Prince Seowoo came to a halt.
"Your Majesty, the Second Prince Seowoo has arrived," the eunuch announced formally.
A pause followed.
Then—
"Let him enter," the head eunuch declared from within.
The grand doors swung open.
Seowoo stepped inside.
The King's chamber was vast yet shadowed. Incense smoke curled faintly in the air, unable to mask the scent of medicinal herbs. Heavy silk curtains were drawn halfway, dimming the sunlight. The golden dragon throne stood elevated, but the man seated upon it appeared far from majestic.
The head eunuch carefully helped the King recline against the plush cushions of his throne. His complexion was pale, his breathing uneven.
Royal Physician Jung stood nearby, fingers resting on the King's wrist, his expression grave. Eunuch Ho remained beside him, tense and watchful.
"Your Majesty…" Physician Jung began cautiously, his voice laced with concern.
"Your heart is weakening. The strain upon Your Majesty's body demands immediate attention."
Eunuch Ho subtly shook his head, as if urging the physician to stop.
But the King raised a trembling hand, dismissing the silent warning.
"Continue, Physician Jung," he ordered. His voice was weak—yet still carried the authority of a ruler.
Physician Jung hesitated before bowing his head.
"Your Majesty's condition requires complete rest and careful management. Any further strain… could prove disastrous."
The chamber fell into suffocating silence.
The King slowly lifted his gaze.
His eyes locked onto Prince Seowoo.
Piercing. Searching.
Heavy.
"Enough," the King said at last. "You may leave, Physician Jung."
The command was soft—
But unquestionable.