- Minsung

The golden towers of the Korean kingdom gleamed in the soft light of the setting sun. In the vast halls of the castle, tradition and duty weighed more heavily than the very stones upon which the kingdom was built. Yet, amidst countless rules and expectations, two souls had found each other.

Jisung, the young prince of Korea, lived a life ruled by honor, laws, and future alliances. But beyond the glittering throne rooms and lavish banquets, he had something—someone—real. Minho, a knight loyal to the royal family, was the only freedom Jisung had ever known. Their secret meetings in hidden corners of the castle, the furtive glances during court gatherings, and the promises whispered in the dead of night had become the most precious moments of his life.

Tonight, however, everything was different.

The royal decree had arrived: Jisung was to marry Sally, a noblewoman from a powerful family beyond the Wren River. It was a strategic move that would secure alliances and strengthen Korea's hold on neighboring territories. It didn't matter what Jisung felt or whom he loved. The decision had been made.

Standing alone on the balcony where he and Minho had shared so many secret moments, Jisung clutched the letter announcing their engagement tightly. The breeze carried the scent of spring, tinged with bittersweetness. Footsteps sounded softly behind him; footsteps he recognized without even turning around.

"Minho..." Jisung breathed, his voice breaking. He didn't need to say anything more. Tonight he would change everything, or end it all.