CHAPTER 3
Yuhyun's Chamber – Early Morning
The gentle morning light streamed softly through the open window, casting gold across the floor. The air was quiet, peaceful.
Muwon stood silently at the doorway, watching Sihyun sleep—his chest rising and falling in calm rhythm, a slight frown etched into his brow even in rest. Muwon's eyes softened. For once, Sihyun looked free of the burden he always carried. Peaceful.
He stepped in quietly, standing near the side of the bed, arms folded behind his back, just... watching.
After a few moments, Sihyun stirred. His brows twitched, lashes fluttered, and his eyes blinked open—still heavy with sleep. At first, he didn't seem to register who was standing in front of him.
Then—
"M-Muwon?!"
Sihyun flinched back against the pillows, his eyes widening.
Muwon smiled gently.
"Good morning."
Sihyun stared at him in disbelief, then sat up quickly, sweeping the sheets over himself instinctively.
"Where's Yuhyun?"
"He went out for a walk,"
Muwon replied casually, his gaze not breaking.
"Said something about checking the scroll room."
Sihyun huffed, still clearly caught off guard.
"And you're just… standing here watching me sleep?"
"You looked peaceful,"
Muwon said, almost fondly.
"Didn't want to wake you."
Sihyun threw him a half-annoyed, half-bewildered look, then began pushing the blankets off and reaching for his clothes.
Out of nowhere, Muwon spoke again, voice low but unwavering.
"Be my man."
Sihyun froze for a second mid-motion, then let out a scoff.
"Not this again,"
he muttered, rubbing his forehead as he stood up.
"Do you ever give up?"
"Not when it comes to you,"
Muwon said softly, watching him move toward the wash basin.
Sihyun gave him a look through the mirror, unimpressed but not entirely irritated either.
"You're impossible."
"And you're still beautiful when you're annoyed,"
Muwon added with a grin.
Sihyun rolled his eyes, trying not to smile.
"Out. I'm getting dressed."
Muwon smirked but made no move to leave.
"Not unless you say yes."
Sihyun grabbed the nearest object—a small towel—and threw it at him.
"Out!"
The towel hit his chest and fell to the floor. Muwon laughed, stepping backward but still not turning around.
"All right, all right. I'm going,"
he said, finally heading for the door.
"But you'll say yes one day, Sihyun. And when you do, I'll be waiting."
Sihyun mumbled under his breath as he pulled on his robe,
"In your dreams…"
But as the door clicked shut behind Muwon, a small smile curved at the corners of Sihyun's lips, just briefly.
Two Days of Persistent Proposals
In the days following Sihyun's rejection, Muwon made it his mission to ask the same question, again and again.
—In the garden, while Sihyun was tending to the lilies.
"Be my man."
Sihyun dropped the watering pot and glared.
"I'll bury you under these lilies."
—During breakfast with the trio.
Muwon passed Sihyun a plate and whispered,
"Be my man."
Sihyun choked on his tea. Yuhyun patted his back while shooting Muwon a warning glare.
—In the palace hallway.
Sihyun was walking with a scroll when he caught sight of Muwon approaching. Without hesitation, he spun and slipped behind a pillar like a sneaky cat.
Dohyun, watching from the other end, muttered,
"He's avoiding him again."
Taejin added
"He's not even subtle about it anymore."
—In the training ground.
Sihyun was showing Yuhyun how to cast a small magic flare for warmth when Muwon appeared out of nowhere.
"Be my—"
"No."
"—flame,"
Muwon finished with a grin.
Sihyun nearly incinerated a tree.
Night – Muwon's Chamber
It had been a long day. Sihyun had finally stopped running—for now. He sat on Muwon's bed, brushing out his hair, silent and lost in thought.
The door opened with a soft creak. Muwon walked in, removed his royal robe, and approached the bed quietly. Sihyun didn't speak, and Muwon didn't push him.
They laid side by side, backs nearly touching, the soft hum of the night air passing between them. Sihyun closed his eyes. It was quiet… peaceful…
Until Muwon's arms gently wrapped around Sihyun from behind.
His breath warm against Sihyun's ear, he whispered like a lullaby,
"Be my man…"
Sihyun opened his eyes, stared blankly at the wall for a few seconds… then slowly sat up.
Turning to face Muwon with a warning stare, he spoke calmly but firmly,
"If you say that again… I promise you, you'll be the only one sleeping here tonight."
Muwon blinked… then smirked.
He sat up slightly, reaching for Sihyun's wrist, gently pulling him back down to the bed.
"You don't have to be like this,"
he whispered playfully, nuzzling into Sihyun's shoulder.
"I just like the sound of it coming from your mouth."
Sihyun rolled his eyes but didn't resist. He let himself lie back down, sighing.
"You're a menace,"
he murmured.
"And yet, here I am, holding you,"
Muwon murmured back, arms tightening just a little.
The night melted into quiet warmth between them.
The morning sun cast long beams across the grand hall, where the heavy silence was broken only by the soft echo of approaching footsteps. Muwon stepped in, dressed formally, his presence calm and composed. He bowed respectfully to the king seated on his throne.
The five elders were already present, seated in ceremonial chairs slightly lower than the throne platform. Elder minister Hwan Baekjin, General Nam Gunho, Elder lady Seo Miran, Elder Yoon Jaesuk, and High priest Sangwook — powerful figures who had served the palace for decades — all sat with unreadable expressions, watching Muwon closely.
The king didn't waste time.
"You are the Crown Prince, Muwon,"
he began with a tone that carried both fatigue and authority.
"And as crown prince, it is your duty to look ahead. I summoned you not to speak of the past… but your future. And the future of this kingdom."
Muwon gave a polite bow of the head, eyes calm.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The king leaned forward, resting his hand on the armrest.
"Since Sihyun has rejected your proposal, you must accept that the matter is settled. It is time to consider a concubine. A noblewoman, of course. Someone worthy of standing beside the next king."
The air tightened. One of the elders, Elder Baekjin, cleared his throat, the sound sharp and pointed.
"We believe this is a wise step, Your Majesty,"
Elder Baekjin said.
"His Highness has been distracted long enough. The kingdom needs heirs. The people are watching. It is not simply personal. It is political."
Muwon didn't react visibly. His voice was calm.
"I understand."
"Then you agree?"
asked Elder Seo Miran, eyeing him keenly.
Muwon remained composed.
"I understand the need for the throne to continue… but I will not be rushed into a union I do not want."
The king sighed deeply.
"Muwon. This isn't about what you want anymore. We gave you time. The demon sorcerer rejected you. That's the end of it."
High priest Sangwook leaned in slightly.
"It is dangerous to keep someone like him so close. Sorcerer or not, a demon is still a demon. He has served his purpose. You must move on."
Muwon's eyes flickered, but his voice remained steady.
"Sihyun is not your concern."
The words made the elders exchange glances. Tension settled over the room again.
"You have always been… stubborn, Your Highness. But even the most stubborn trees must bend to the storm, or they break."
Elder Jaesuk said
Muwon kept his silence for a long moment.
"You're being selfish,"
muttered Elder Gunho.
"The royal bloodline will fade if you continue this way."
Muwon took a breath.
"I will consider your words. But I will decide my own path."
The king narrowed his eyes at his son.
"You are a prince. You will become king. You do not have the luxury of sentiment."
The king sigh.
"Very well. The elders will assist you in your next steps. Choose wisely, Muwon."
Then he waved a hand to signal the end of the discussion.
"You may go."
Muwon bowed and turned to leave, his face unreadable, but his hands clenched slightly at his side. Behind him, the elders murmured quietly among themselves, displeased that the prince had not openly agreed to their expectations.
"Mark my words,"
Elder Miran whispered to the others,
"that demon sorcerer may have rejected him, but if the prince still clings to him… it will be our downfall."
Elder Baekjin added
"He speaks as if he's accepted it. But I see fire in his silence. We must keep a close eye."
Elder Gunho nodded.