Chapter Forty-Seven: A Dangerous Invitation

Dan-Bi knew the prince wouldn't let things go so easily.

He had barely left the council chambers when a messenger intercepted him.

"Scholar Dan-Bi." The young man bowed, offering a sealed letter. "His Highness, the Crown Prince, has requested your presence tonight."

Dan-Bi's fingers hovered over the letter. He already knew what this was—a test.

Still, he took the letter, unsealing it with careful precision.

"Scholar Dan-Bi, your sharp mind intrigues me. Let us discuss your findings in private. Come to the East Pavilion at the third watch of the night."

No unnecessary words. No pleasantries.

A challenge in the form of an invitation.

Dan-Bi's smirk faded. This was bold. The East Pavilion was not a place for casual meetings—it was private. If Seong-Jin wanted to confront him without an audience, it meant he was growing impatient.

Or worse—he was growing obsessed.

Dan-Bi folded the letter and tucked it into his sleeve.

Let the prince make his move. He would be ready.

—

The East Pavilion – Midnight

The pavilion was dimly lit, the warm glow of lanterns casting long shadows against the wooden pillars.

Dan-Bi stepped inside, posture straight, his every movement calculated.

Seong-Jin was already there, standing near a small table where a tea set had been prepared. He did not look up immediately, instead pouring himself a cup, as if Dan-Bi were of no importance.

Dan-Bi bowed slightly. "Your Highness."

"Sit."

A command, not a request.

Dan-Bi remained standing.

Seong-Jin finally met his gaze, eyes sharp with something unreadable. "Do you always disobey orders?"

Dan-Bi smiled faintly. "I find that following orders blindly leads to ruin."

A slow, amused exhale from the prince. "Careful, Scholar. People who say such things tend to find themselves missing."

Dan-Bi tilted his head. "Is that a threat, Your Highness?"

Seong-Jin set his cup down with a quiet clink. "It's a warning."

A heavy pause.

Then the prince leaned back slightly, observing him. "You handled the council well today."

Dan-Bi stayed silent.

Seong-Jin smirked. "Too well."

Dan-Bi lifted a brow. "Would you rather I had fumbled, Your Highness? It would have made things less interesting for you."

The amusement in Seong-Jin's eyes flickered—like a match igniting before it burned too hot.

"Interesting." His voice was almost lazy. "Is that what you think I want?"

Dan-Bi didn't answer. Instead, he let the silence stretch between them.

Seong-Jin studied him, fingers tapping lightly against the table. "You're hiding something."

Dan-Bi exhaled a soft laugh. "Then find out what it is."

A sharp glint crossed the prince's eyes. "I intend to."

Then, before Dan-Bi could react, Seong-Jin stood and closed the distance between them.

Dan-Bi's breath caught—but only for a second. He did not step back, even as the prince's gaze bore into his, searching.

"Tell me," Seong-Jin murmured, voice low and dangerous, "why does it feel like you are playing a game only you know the rules to?"

Dan-Bi's heartbeat was steady. He smirked. "Because I am."

Seong-Jin's jaw clenched.

Then—a sharp flick of his wrist.

Before Dan-Bi could react, the prince reached forward and tugged at his collar.

A test.

A dangerous, foolish test.

Dan-Bi's hand snapped up, grabbing the prince's wrist before he could pull further. Their faces were close now—too close.

Dan-Bi's voice was quiet, but lethal. "Do not overstep, Your Highness."

Seong-Jin did not move. The heat of his stare was suffocating.

Then, finally, he released his grip, stepping back.

Dan-Bi adjusted his robe as if nothing had happened, his smirk returning. "I appreciate the tea, but if this is all Your Highness wished to discuss, I will take my leave."

Seong-Jin watched him.

Dan-Bi turned—only to hear the prince's voice, softer this time.

"I will expose you."

Dan-Bi stilled.

Then, without looking back, he murmured, "Then I look forward to watching you try."

And with that, he walked away, leaving Seong-Jin alone in the pavilion.

The prince exhaled sharply, his hands clenching at his sides.

What is it about you, Dan-Bi?

—