CHAPTER 59
"Bring the sorcerer forth when the time comes."
He turned from the window with finality in his eyes.
"If there's one thing I've learned, it's that mercy... only delays betrayal."
The shamans bowed deeply before retreating, their movements silent as shadows.
As the chamber emptied, the king sat once more on his throne—but for the first time in years, the seat felt colder than usual, and a flicker of doubt brushed the edge of his thoughts like a passing wind.
Yuhyun sat close, rubbing gentle circles on Sihyun's back as the tension lingered in the air like a brewing storm.
"You've faced worse,"
he whispered, his voice calm but firm.
"Whatever they try… you're still you. And you're not alone."
Sihyun exhaled shakily, eyes distant.
"Am I, though?"
Before Yuhyun could reply, the chamber doors opened.
Muwon stepped inside.
Immediately, Yuhyun rose and bowed with respect, stepping aside without a word as the prince walked past him, his gaze never leaving Sihyun.
Sihyun stood too, slowly, the chain at his wrist clinking softly. The air between them thickened with unspoken emotions.
They stood face to face. The silence stretched.
Sihyun's eyes searched Muwon's, waiting—hoping—for some kind of answer.
Then, quietly but firmly, Muwon spoke.
"Do you trust me?"
Sihyun flinched slightly, the question catching him off guard. His eyes flicked to Yuhyun, seeking something—assurance, maybe—but Yuhyun could only offer a small, uncertain nod.
Sihyun chuckled lowly, almost bitterly, brushing a hand through his hair.
"You ask that like it's easy."
"I mean it,"
Muwon stepped closer.
"Do you trust me?"
A heartbeat passed.
Sihyun looked up again, this time with sincerity softening his sharp features.
"Yes,"
he said, voice quiet but clear.
"Yes, I do. You… you're the first human I've ever trusted."
Muwon's eyes widened slightly. Then a small, warm smile tugged at his lips—relieved, honored, and hopeful all at once.
Behind them, Yuhyun exhaled deeply and smiled faintly, a quiet warmth blooming in his chest.
He's loosening up… finally.
Just then, a palace guard stepped into the room, head bowed respectfully.
"The truth chamber is ready. The prince's guest has been summoned."
Sihyun's soft grin faltered. His fingers curled slightly, and his shoulders stiffened.
Muwon noticed instantly.
Without a word, he stepped close and gently pressed his forehead to Sihyun's. The gesture was tender, intimate—an anchor in the storm of dread.
"You'll be okay,"
Muwon whispered.
"I promise. I won't let anything happen to you."
Sihyun swallowed, his voice barely above a murmur.
"What if it's poisoned?"
The room fell still.
Yuhyun's breath caught, his heart slamming against his ribs as he looked sharply at the prince.
Even Muwon hesitated for a moment, stunned—but then his jaw set. He leaned back just enough to meet Sihyun's eyes with unwavering certainty.
"Then I'll make sure you survive it. I'll come to you—no matter what."
Sihyun didn't reply. His expression was unreadable.
As Muwon gently took his hand and turned to lead him forward, Sihyun resisted, pulling back slightly. His gaze dropped to the floor before rising again to meet Muwon's.
"There are no other sorcerers,"
he said.
"And… I was the one who set Vanyul free."
Muwon… simply smiled.
"I'm glad you're telling me now,"
Muwon said softly.
"But I already knew."
Sihyun blinked, stunned.
"Then… why didn't you say anything?"
"Because I know you,"
Muwon replied.
"And I knew you'd tell me when you were ready. I didn't want to force you."
Sihyun's chest rose and fell with a shaky breath. There were no more words between them. Just the shared, silent understanding in their eyes.
The chamber was silent, heavy with anticipation.
Sihyun stepped in, flanked by Yuhyun, his chains barely clinking as they walked. His eyes flicked across the room—every corner watching him. The king sat tall on his throne-like seat, flanked by the palace shamans. On either side stood Dohyun and Taejin, their expressions unreadable. Muwon remained seated, composed but visibly tense.
Sihyun was led to the chair placed in the center, directly beneath the stained-glass skylight. He sat down slowly, every eye on him.
One of the elder shamans stepped forward, lifting a small porcelain cup filled with glowing amber liquid.
"The Truth Serum, prepared under the moon's blessing,"
he announced, voice echoing.
Just as he moved to present it to Sihyun, Muwon stood.
"Your Majesty,"
Muwon spoke calmly, but firmly.
"Before it is given to him, I ask to test its effect—on someone else."
A ripple of murmurs broke out among the nobles and council.
The king raised a hand, silencing the room.
"Why?"
he asked, voice edged with suspicion.
Muwon bowed low.
"For fairness. If we are seeking truth, let the serum prove itself first."
The king eyed him a long moment, then waved a hand.
"Very well. Bring in a maid."
Moments later, a young servant girl was escorted in. She bowed nervously.
The shaman turned, presenting the cup to her this time. She took it with trembling hands and drank.
Silence followed. All eyes waited.
Minutes passed.
The girl stood quietly, looking confused. She blinked.
"I… I feel fine."
The king dismissed her with a flick of his fingers. She bowed and quickly exited.
The king turned to Muwon, voice cold.
"What were you trying to prove, Muwon?"
Muwon lowered his head, his tone respectful.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I had to be sure."
"Return to your seat,"
the king said sharply.
Muwon obeyed without further word, but his eyes never left Sihyun's.
Sihyun reached for the porcelain cup, his fingers brushing its smooth surface. He lifted it, staring at the glowing liquid for a long, deliberate second before chuckling under his breath.
"This won't work on me,"
he said with a smirk, voice echoing through the room.
"You're all wasting your time."
No one responded.
From where he stood, Yuhyun sighed quietly, thinking, Here he goes again...
One of the shamans stepped forward.
"Why don't we give it a try then?"
he said with a cool smile.
Sihyun's smile faltered slightly. He hesitated, eyes flickering toward Muwon—who gave him the smallest, silent nod. Sihyun exhaled and drank.