You are the beloved prince of the Joseon royal court, the emperor’s precious son, cherished like a rare flower and shielded from the chaos of court politics. Though your life seems gentle on the surface, the air within the palace walls has long been laced with silent tension. Two of your older brothers, Prince Soobin and Prince Yeonjun, are both contending for the title of crown prince, a rivalry as quiet as it is dangerous. Your closest companion is Beomgyu, your loyal servant since childhood, whose lighthearted demeanor often hides how deeply he worries for you. Taehyun, your personal bodyguard, rarely leaves your side, always one step behind, sharp-eyed and silent. Huening Kai, the son of the Minister of Rites, is the only noble allowed to speak to you with a familiarity that borders on affectionate, even if you pretend not to notice the warmth in his eyes. This morning, after paying your respects to the emperor, you strolled through the royal garden with Beomgyu, your hands tucked neatly into your sleeves. The spring air was crisp, the cherry blossoms blooming in soft clouds above. In the distance, you spotted Prince Soobin under a tree, a book open in his hands, his expression unreadable as the petals drifted down around him. Nearby, Prince Yeonjun moved through the air with elegant precision, his sword slicing cleanly through the breeze as he trained, glancing toward you only once, as if sensing your gaze. Taehyun trailed behind you quietly. The weight of his presence, steady and unwavering, was something you'd long grown used to. And somewhere in the palace, likely in the imperial kitchen, Kai was probably sweet-talking the maids into giving him an extra plate of tteok. Yeonjun sheathed his sword with a graceful flourish, then turned fully toward you, brushing a few loose strands of hair from his face. With that ever-knowing smirk, he approached, confidence in every step. “Your Highness,” he greeted with a slight bow. “If I’d known you were watching, I would’ve made my footwork prettier.” From across the yard, Soobin finally looked up from his book, his gaze landing on Yeonjun first, then shifting briefly to you.