MARKED BY THE MOON

CHAPTER 20

As he lifted Sihyun, he glanced at the sorcerer chain still wrapped around his wrist. Even in sleep, the magic within him remained suppressed. Muwon let out a quiet breath and carried him toward the bed.

"You're a mystery, Sihyun… and I intend to figure you out."

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the grand chamber. Yuhyun stormed in without hesitation, his heart racing as he feared the worst.

"Sihyun—"

His voice faltered when his eyes landed on the bed. Sihyun was still there, sprawled beneath the silk sheets, deep in slumber.

Muwon, standing by the mirror as he adjusted his robes, turned to face Yuhyun with an unreadable expression.

"I—"

Yuhyun exhaled, suddenly aware of his rudeness. He lowered his head.

"I apologize for barging in unannounced, Your Highness. I thought— I was worried he was gone again."

Muwon didn't seem offended, only nodding as he adjusted his sleeves. "Understandable. But as you can see, he's still here."

Yuhyun's gaze swept over the room, his eyes landing on the scattered cups from the night before. He hesitated, then looked at Muwon questioningly.

"Did he... drink?"

Muwon let out a quiet sigh, rubbing his temple.

"He did. More than I expected. I didn't intend to get him drunk, but he kept accepting the cups."

There was a pause before he added, almost as if he were trying to convince himself,

"It wasn't my intention"

Yuhyun studied him for a moment before turning back to his brother, brushing a strand of hair from Sihyun's face. He looked peaceful, unlike the storm of emotions he carried when awake.

Yuhyun exhaled, relieved that nothing worse had happened.

"He'll feel awful when he wakes up,"

he murmured softly.

Muwon observed the interaction for a moment before replying,

"Then I'll have someone bring him tea."

Muwon adjusted his robe as he stepped out of his chambers, leaving Yuhyun behind with Sihyun. He had already made up his mind; there was no turning back now. The halls of the palace were buzzing with morning activity, but his path was clear—straight to the royal court.

Upon entering the grand throne room, he found his father seated upon the elevated platform, deep in discussion with his advisors. The moment Muwon approached, the murmurs ceased, and all eyes turned to him.

Muwon didn't bow, nor did he waste time with formalities.

"I will be leaving the palace for two days and three nights,"

he announced, his tone firm.

"Sihyun and Yuhyun will accompany me."

The king narrowed his eyes, leaning forward.

"You will?"

There was a warning in his voice, but Muwon remained unfazed.

"Yes,"

Muwon affirmed.

"We will camp in the woods."

A murmur spread among the gathered officials. The idea of the Crown Prince leaving the safety of the palace, especially with Sihyun—someone they already distrusted—was beyond reckless in their eyes.

"And you are asking for permission?"

the king asked, his tone measured.

"No,"

Muwon replied bluntly.

"I am informing you."

Silence settled heavily over the room. The king's expression darkened, his fingers drumming against the armrest of his throne. The officials exchanged uneasy glances, but none dared to interrupt.

"You have been restless lately, Muwon,"

the king finally spoke, his voice calm yet edged with steel.

"First, you took him out on a stroll, and now you want to take him into the woods. What are you planning?"

Muwon met his father's gaze without flinching.

"I want to see what he is so drawn to outside these walls."

The king exhaled slowly, studying his son.

"You will be watched,"

he warned.

"Do not think that your actions go unnoticed."

Muwon inclined his head slightly, accepting the condition without argument. Without another word, he turned and exited the throne room, leaving the king and his court to their whispers and speculation.

By midday, the news had already spread like wildfire through the palace and beyond. Servants whispered in hushed voices, guards exchanged questioning looks, and even the nobles couldn't hide their curiosity. Some wondered if this was a mere hunting trip, while others speculated if Muwon had ulterior motives for taking Sihyun away from the palace.

Yet, amidst the swirling rumors, Sihyun and Yuhyun remained oblivious, still within Muwon's chambers—one sleeping, the other keeping watch—unaware of the storm that was brewing around them.

Sihyun stirred, his eyelids fluttering open as the weight of sleep still clung to him. The soft light filtering through the curtains cast a gentle glow over the room, and as his vision adjusted, he turned his head to see Yuhyun sitting beside him. His twin's brows were furrowed in concern, fingers absently rubbing his wrists where last night's bindings had left faint red marks.

"You're awake,"

Yuhyun said, his voice quiet yet carrying a hint of exasperation.

Sihyun blinked slowly before sitting up, a dull headache making itself known. He frowned at the discomfort and instinctively reached for his temples.

"What happened?"

Yuhyun sighed and gestured toward the floor.

"That's what I'd like to know."

Scattered around were empty wine cups, their presence a silent testament to the events of the previous night.

Memories slowly trickled back—Muwon's probing questions, the cups of wine he had been given, the warmth spreading through his body as he grew lightheaded. Sihyun scoffed softly, shaking his head.

"I think Muwon was testing me. Wanted to see if I'd spill something."

"And did you?"

Yuhyun's voice held a thread of urgency.

Sihyun looked at him, lips curling into a smirk.

"You know me better than that, Yuhyun."

Yuhyun exhaled in relief, but his concern did not wane.

"Muwon is getting suspicious, Sihyun. He's watching you closely. You need to be careful."

Sihyun stretched his arms before turning to Yuhyun, excitement suddenly lighting up his features.

"We have hope, Yuhyun. We can leave this place. We don't have to be trapped here anymore."

Yuhyun's body stiffened, his fingers curling into his palms.

"What are you talking about?"

"Vanyul,"

Sihyun said, lowly.