We're Going To The Southern Palace!

Today was going to be a life-changing day for Dohyun, one that would hinge entirely on the decisions of the royal officials. After eleven long years of working like a slave, it was finally the day of his promotion but the position he was assigned would determine his fate.

Three soldier trainees were to be given newly designated posts. Dohyun had his eyes on a very specific one. After all, he needed to prove his loyalty and that he was not the son of traitors.

He stood between two other men, both as well-built as he was, but he raised his chest proudly, demonstrating his strength and capability. Today, they all wore the royal uniform -- a deep red robe adorned with exquisite embroidery and a golden flower blooming on the chest, the symbol of Hwachon, the city of flowers.

"Hey…I heard there's going to be two royal guards. You think you'll get in? I think I'm definitely getting in, though."

Minjae, the man on Dohyun's right, leaned toward him. His breath reeked of fermented fish. Dohyun grimaced and turned his head to the side. How could someone not care to clear their breath on a day like this? He had expected nothing less of Minjae.

"How dare you ignore your senior!" Minjae snapped, his flaring, fat nose nearly covering his tanned face.

"We are no longer senior and junior," Dohyun replied firmly, still avoiding Minjae's gaze. "We'll be equals from now on."

"You--"

The royal doors swung open, sunlight spilling into the room. Two men entered, clearly royal officials of the Prince of Hwachon.

The first wore pristine white silk under a dark brown coat trimmed in gold. A sword hung at his hip, partially concealed by the coat. His hair was cut short, as if he had trimmed it himself - uneven strands of his hair falling over his forehead. His black eyes scanned the room, and the scar stretching from his upper left lip to the lower right gave him a dangerous edge. Sir Ahn. One glance confirmed his high standing among the officials.

Behind him came another man, gentler, with a soft smile and warm brown eyes. His hair was long - the sides braided gracefully and crowned with a golden Sangtugwan, and he wore a blue coat over white silk. He held a fan, possibly a sharpened metal, instead of a sword.

Dohyun's chest tightened. Uncle Hwang. The man who had given him life after his parents had been branded traitors, who had fought for him to have a place in the royal court. One of the main officials of the court, and the only reason Dohyun had survived this far.

"I won't take much time. Let's be quick." Sir Ahn's voice was deep, with an edge of urgency. He pulled an envelope from his robes and began reading aloud.

"Kim Tae-jin. Position - Front Royal Escort of the Princess.

Song Minjae. Position - Royal Guard of the Prince.

Wa--" He paused, eyes narrowing at Dohyun, "Dohyun. Position - Royal Guard…of the Princess."

The decision was made in a matter of seconds. Sir Ahn gave no further look or explanation and left the room, leaving only Hwang behind. He smiled politely.

"Congratulations. You may assume your new positions immediately. Seek guidance from your seniors as needed. As for the Royal Guard of the Prince, follow me." He glanced at Dohyun, whose bowed head betrayed nothing -- neither shame nor happiness -- but Hwang immediately sensed the turmoil.

Minjae, riding the high of his new post, shoved Dohyun aside with his shoulder, flaunting the position Dohyun had worked eleven years to earn. Serving the prince was a dream now gone.

Why? Why must it happen to me? Dohyun thought, chest tightening. He had bested Minjae in every trial, in every test of skill, yet he was relegated to serving a princess he had never seen -- someone who rarely appeared in public.

Hwang gestured for the others to leave. The room cleared, leaving only the uncle and Dohyun.

"What is this, Dohyun?" Hwang asked gently.

"Uncle… you know this is wrong, don't you?" Dohyun's black eyes, dark as ink, lifted slowly, blurred under a mist of frustration. "I have more experience than anyone here! Why can't I serve the prince? The officials… Sir Ahn did this on purpose, right? Because he resents my father!"

"Wang Dohyun!" Hwang's voice rang, grabbing his full attention. "I know you feel wronged but listen. They didn't want to give you any promotion at all. I had to insist that talent, not favoritism, be recognized. This position is the closest they would allow."

He stepped forward, placing strong hands on Dohyun's shoulders. "This is all I could do to help. The Princess's chambers operate differently than the Prince's. Prove yourself there, and you may earn a far greater position. Don't belittle this chance. Use it to climb higher."

"But… the Princess's chambers… hardly have any men. I'll feel awkward being surrounded only by women." Dohyun glanced away, his cheeks holding a faint hue of red.

Hwang chuckled. "That's not a problem. Who knows? Maybe you'll even find your ideal woman there."

"Uncle--"

"That's enough for now. I have to meet with Song Minjae. Pack your things for the Princess's chambers." He drew an envelope from his sleeve and handed it to Dohyun. "Here. Deliver this to the princess. I've included a special request on your behalf."

With a heavy heart, Dohyun accepted his fate and stepped out of the court. His boots hit the stone path with a heaviness that matched the weight inside his chest. A short distance ahead, two familiar silhouettes waited -- both dressed in light blue robes beneath their white uniforms, though their garments carried no emblem. Their hair was tied neatly into buns… well, almost neatly.

One of them had bangs sticking out in every direction.

Lee Minho.

And the calmer one beside him, Joo Kangwon.

Who else would wait for him on a day he needed comfort? Even in his misery, a faint warmth filled Dohyun's chest as he strode toward them and wrapped his arms over both their shoulders. The unexpected weight made the two jolt upright.

"You're here already?" Minho asked, his messy bangs flopping into an eye from the sudden movement.

"Yeah, that was quick," Kang added.

"Sir Ahn came by," Dohyun sighed. "You know how he works."

"So? Did you…?" Kang leaned forward with an expression that suggested he was the one competing for the role.

"Of course."

"You don't look happy," Minho muttered, squinting up at Dohyun as if trying to read the disappointment hidden in his blank expression.

"I'm a royal guard… for the princess."

"WHAT?!"