Chapter Fifty-Two: The Attack

Dan-Bi didn't sleep that night.

His mind raced. Seong-Jin. Jang. The ministers.

He could feel it in his bones.

Something was coming.

Then, at dawn—the palace erupted in chaos.

Dan-Bi was already in the courtyard when he heard it.

Shouts. Steel clashing.

Then—a sharp, pained cry.

His heart stopped.

Dan-Bi ran.

Through the stone pathways, past the gasping maids and frozen guards, until he reached the training grounds.

And there—on the ground—was Seong-Jin.

A dagger buried deep in his shoulder.

Blood soaked his robe. His sword was still in his grip, his breathing ragged, his eyes blazing with fury.

Around him, six men lay dead.

But the assassin who had stabbed him—was gone.

Dan-Bi's stomach twisted.

They wanted him dead.

And they almost succeeded.

Seong-Jin exhaled sharply, wincing. "You're late, Scholar Dan-Bi."

Dan-Bi swallowed hard, kneeling beside him. "You're an idiot, Your Highness."

Seong-Jin smirked weakly. "Tell me something new."

Dan-Bi ripped a piece of his sleeve, pressing it against the wound. "Who were they?"

Seong-Jin's eyes darkened. "Hired blades. But this wasn't their decision."

Dan-Bi nodded. The ministers.

Seong-Jin inhaled sharply, his smirk fading. "You're shaking, Scholar Dan-Bi."

Dan-Bi froze.

He hadn't realized.

His hands—they were trembling.

He forced them still. "You're bleeding, Your Highness. That should concern you more."

Seong-Jin studied him for a moment. Then, to Dan-Bi's shock—he reached up.

And gripped his wrist.

Dan-Bi's breath hitched.

Seong-Jin's voice was low. "You look… terrified."

Dan-Bi's pulse pounded. "Don't flatter yourself, Your Highness. I just don't want you bleeding out before I get my revenge."

Seong-Jin chuckled. "Now that… I believe."

Dan-Bi pulled his hand back quickly. "Let's get you inside."

Seong-Jin sighed. "So bossy."

Dan-Bi ignored him, but as they walked back—he could feel it.

The prince was watching him.

Suspicious. Calculating. Searching.

And Dan-Bi knew.

The more he tried to hide, the more Seong-Jin would chase the truth.