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tinietaehyun · 11 months ago

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Forsaken [VIII]

[Sorcerer!Taehyun x Royal!Reader] [Series] [Chapter Eight]

Pairing: Sorcerer!Taehyun x Royal!Reader [Ft. Sorcerer!Yeonjun]

Genres: royal!au, enemies to lovers, fantasy, romance, supernatural, action, angst.

Contains: Profanity, flashback, toxic friendship, gaslighting, manipulation, assassination attempt, pregnancy complications, poison, mentions of blood, injury, longer chapter, dialogue heavy.

Links: Forsaken Masterlist || Masterlist

Summary: Taehyun begins to finally unveil the events that shaped who he is today; what caused him to be exiled with his father, what happened in the past for him to despise the Royal Court?

Twisted memories expose the reality of truth in which the vices of jealousy hold the young sorcerer: Yeonjun in captivity. Truly, today would be a glance back into the past, to make better sense of the dreadful impending future.

“Your majesty, I’m afraid things are dire,” the royal physician states. The Queen clutches her lower stomach with teary eyes peering at her husband, “Dear, I…I’m so sorry.”

The noble couple truly wished to bear another child to accompany their first son: Sehun. The physician resumes, “You two have already been struggling in regards to pregnancy, and…well, Sehun’s birth was already full of complications.”

The physician sighs shakily, “With the utmost respect, your majesties. I believe it would be better to preserve the Queen’s health, and abstain from becoming pregnant. She has already advanced in age, as such, her body is more likely to suffer complications as we saw last time.”

The couple’s faces show utter devastation. They had tried everything from medicines to even sorcery. Internally, they both knew deep down, this was the case.

The physician says, “I advise, if you wish to have a second child to opt for surrogacy or adoption, sire.” The King and Queen look at each other bewildered. They were not keen on either, they wished to have a child on their own, but the life of the Queen would be in peril.

All they wished for was to give Sehun a sibling, someone who he could grow attached to, learn to love, for him to have some support when they were no longer around. When they were younger, the couple wished to have one girl and one boy. Though it appears, this would no longer be the case.

Queen Iseul murmurs, her hand shaking, “I…Why not give a chance to one of our beloved children of Fortuna? The Fortuna National Orphanage?” Her lower lip trembles as she speaks. The King frowns; a dull pain resounds in his chest, unable to even imagine the emotional pain his wife was in. “Whatever you wish for dear, whatever seems best,” he replies delicately. He takes her shaking hand, encasing it within his own.

Meanwhile, the young crown prince entertains himself watching the soldiers train. His gaze remains bored as he rests his chin on the palm of his hand. His caretaker stands beside him, her legs aching from standing for so long.

They were all the same in his eyes, the peasants. Good for nothing, not worthy to be in the presence of such high-blood nobles. He always needed to remind them of their standing otherwise they would get too confident. Well, that's what his family members did and said anyway.

He’d grown accustomed to having everything at his whim’s desire. Sehun was adored by his family, a handsome boy, the next heir to the throne. He was fawned by the Royal Court for his blunt and head-first attitude. He’d wear the very same crown he saw his father adorning. One day he would be king, and everything he sees and touches, this entire kingdom would be his. He could do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted!

Well, that’s what Sehun deemed the role of king at this tender age of ten; an immature outlook indeed. But what could one expect from one with such a sheltered and spoilt upbringing, after all, he was the King and Queen’s crown jewel.

He found their baseless nonsense of wanting a sibling, very idiotic. He didn’t need anyone. Sehun never liked sharing anyway. Were they not content with him alone? What’s wrong with an only child?

They thought he was lonely, had no one to talk to close to his age. What a foolish notion, he had plenty of friends! Well, perhaps not plenty, but one.

Nevertheless, one friend was enough. His new friend was rather impressive. Sehun learned at a young age that connections must be valuable. What’s the use in forming a connection when you get no use out of that person? Though this philosophy the young boy was determined to adopt, he found himself being drawn by his sorcerer friend’s amazing sorcery and cool charisma. Choi Yeonjun, son of the Royal Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

Although not noble, he was interesting enough to gather Sehun's attention when the young sorcerer approached him in the gardens one day; he fought back against Sehun’s brutal remarks with wit. It impressed him. Furthermore, he now had someone to complain to, it felt rather pleasant. Yeonjun always seemed to know what to do or to say.

As his eyes glance back up at the soldiers training; his eyes glimmer as he spots a familiar young boy with pale blonde hair and sharp features; Yeonjun. Yeonjun peers over with a charismatic smile and gives a brief wave. It appears though he was heading speedily to the Sorcerer’s Tower. Sehun notes to himself, he’d have to visit the Sorcerer’s Tower properly one day, with Yeonjun.

Yeonjun has always been talented, a people’s person, a mischievous soul always sporting a playful smirk on his lips. Unlike his childhood best friend, Taehyun, who always was seen with a neutral expression and cold gaze. He was more reserved to those he didn’t know well, whereas Yeonjun made connections with ease. Two polar opposites, yet they both connected through sorcery.

Yeonjun’s father and Taehyun’s father had a long history, being classmates previously. The two elder sorcerers were close to the King and were often called upon to solve crises.

Taehyun’s father pioneering sorcery in Fortuna truly was an unexpected twist of fate. Though this twist, albeit bringing a lot of positivity, brought with it jealousy. Yeonjun’s father grew to become resentful. He had become reduced to a mere apprentice, always under Taehyun’s father’s shadow. He despised it.

Thus, when Yeonjun was born, he had one aim. If he could not fulfill his chance at becoming Royal Sorcerer, then his son shall. All he wished for was either himself or his son to surpass his friend and his son, Taehyun. Despite this underlying animosity, Yeonjun’s father played an excellent facade.

Yeonjun hurriedly walks up the winding stairs of the tower; his breaths tumbling out. He would be late to class, if he didn’t hurry. Taehyun’s father was a strict man, he could not disappoint. His father was the same, no, worse.

Memories flood Yeonjun’s mind. Even yesterday night, he was forced to sit up memorising a new set of enchantments and reciting them to his father without a single error. After all, he had to surpass everyone, to become the best. His father had a skill for demeaning him constantly, belittling his ability, and punishing him for the smallest mistakes. Yeonjun hated it, he hated how he had to work harder than the one obstacle in his path to becoming the future Royal Sorcerer. His best friend, Kang Taehyun.

The constant hoard of comparisons his father would make between the two, haunted Yeonjun. Why did Taehyun have such skill, why didn’t Taehyun have to work as hard as he did? It was unfair. Why did his own father view him as a vessel to carry out his desires? The onslaught of pressure was dreadful.

Even the thought of his father would drive him mad. Yeonjun became resentful towards his father, but too afraid to speak back, afraid of the cane his father would grab hold of. All Yeonjun sought was his father’s approval. He’d praise Taehyun for hours but never him. It enraged the young boy endlessly. His mother was no better, only offering a look of pity as she remained silent.

No matter what he did, Taehyun was always one step ahead. A ‘child prodigy’, they said. Of course, they came from a long bloodline of magic users, they had the affinity for it. What’s so special about that? Yeonjun’s thighs burn, finally hauling himself up the final few steps towards the wooden door.

He opens the clunky door breathless, the young apprentices peer at him wide-eyed. Taehyun’s father stands unimpressed, “Late. I expect better from such a skilled student, not a good start to the morning, Yeonjun. Sit down.” Irritation courses through Yeonjun’s fatigued body as he takes his usual seat beside Taehyun.

“Why’re you late?” Taehyun whispers. Yeonjun mutters, “Stayed up late, is all.” Taehyun shakes his head, “What have I told you about doing that? It’s going to damage your progress, not enhance it.” Yeonjun’s jaw tightens. Who was he to give advice when he didn’t have to put in effort? Yeonjun dryly hums, “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Taehyun, Yeonjun. Quiet!” Taehyun’s father orders. Yeonjun scoffs, placing his satchel on the empty table beside him. He scoffs, he supposed it had been two weeks since Soobin had left. What a coward. To think he had to gall associate himself with himself and Taehyun.

The lesson resumes as Taehyun’s father teaches theory and spells peering down at his own spell book, precariously bound. A special book that his father had an eye on for a long time. The book contained all the spells Taehyun’s father knew, new draft spells, and other valuable information. It was a treasure trove.

Yeonjun remembers his father once recounting it being the source of a huge argument a few years back. Taehyun’s father allowed no one to look at the book, not even his closest friend. Only Taehyun could. Although it had been resolved, it caused a subtle rift to form between the two sorcerers.

“So this spell will be focusing on enhancing growth. We’ll advance today using seeds. Each pot I’ve placed in front of you contains a rose seed. Through today’s notes, I wish to see you enhance the growth of the seed and make it bloom,” the Royal Sorcerer orders.

The apprentices begin a handful of attempts as Taehyun’s father offers critiques and corrections. Taehyun reads his notes carefully positioning his wand; his father approaches, nudging his elbow lower. Oh, how his father was nothing like his, Yeonjun thinks.

Yeonjun positions his wand as the sorcerer walks over and muses, “Good form, Yeonjun. Keep it up.” Yeonjun nods and peers at Taehyun. Taehyun hums, “Good form, but the question is will the magic be just as good?” Yeonjun rolls his eyes, “Of course it will be. Careful, you’re slouching.” Taehyun smirks, “Let me know if you need help, Jun.” A forced laugh escapes Yeonjun’s lips. Just how arrogant he was, “We’ll see.”

They both resume practice, mouthing out the spells. Yeonjun had previously practiced this spell at his father’s request to get ahead of the class, so as to speak. Though, he couldn’t ever get past the point of the bud - he couldn’t get it to bloom.

The opening of the door resounds and Yeonjun becomes pale at the sight of his father. His father gleams brightly at the Royal Sorcerer. Yeonjun’s gaze darkens, it was all a facade. He saw the fake glint in his father’s eyes, he despised being here. Despised being the royal apprentice.

Nervousness floods his senses. It never went well with his obnoxious father around; he could never properly perform spells with his beady eyes on him. His father beaks at him walking over, “Oh this spell, I recall teaching this to you a few weeks ago?”

Yeonjun nods; his heart racing. His father’s gaze sharpens, “I should hope to see you excel today then, hm?” The crackling of mana energy resounds beside him as he looks over, seeing the stem burst forth out of Taehyun’s pot upwards with remarkable speed.

“Oh how wondrous, Taehyun,” Yeonjun’s father comments. Panic rushes through Yeonjun’s system as his hand trembles. Yeonjun murmurs the spell hurriedly and focuses intensely in the pot in front of him in a flurried attempt to catch up. The seed crackles and a hint of green pops through winding and growing upwards.

“Look at that technique, just exquisite,” his father exclaims, not to him, but to Taehyun. Anger floods within Yeonjun. Even now, he was in Taehyun’s shadow. His father was doing it on purpose, he knew it.

Taehyun’s father warns, “Easy now, too quickly or too slowly can cause the stem to snap, and the flower will instantly die or evaporate. Small bursts of power; boys. No need to compete.”

Yeonjun’s father urges; “Ah, what’s wrong with a little healthy competition? It promotes them to excel?” Taehyun’s father muses, “Like you and me? We all know who’s superior,” he joked. Yeonjun’s father’s jaw tightens and he chuckles dryly, “Oh yes, yes, whatever, Dae-Ho.”

His father’s gaze settles on him. He knew he would be in for a long lecture if he did not succeed, perhaps even a punishment for disgracing him in front of the Royal Sorcerer. Shakily, Yeonjun continues murmuring the spell holding his wand; the plant grows fast.

“Good boy, yes, that’s it. Just like that, delicately now-“ his father warns; slightly sharper. Taehyun flicks his wand delicately upwards and halts when the rose bud forms.

Yeonjun appears to catch up, his own bud forming. Exhilaration fills him, perhaps he could beat him for once! This is the furthest he’d gotten. His eyes meet his father’s glare who waits impatiently. He had to get this right.

“Well?” His father hums sarcastically. Yeonjun’s gaze darkens in annoyance. Taehyun patiently stares at the bud. This was his chance! He murmurs the next incantation and flicks his wand intensely, with fervour. The bud shakes viciously and blooms. Yes! Yes! He did-

The petals begin falling off and shriveling. He had used too much mana. The flower was the most delicate part - he had been too preoccupied in beating Taehyun. Simultaneously, Taehyun gently swirls his wand and after a few seconds of delay, the blood red rose blooms slowly in a beautiful fashion, with one or two petals dropping off.

Yeonjun’s father stiffens; his jaw tightening. “Oh goodness; it appears you got a little excited there, son,” his tone carries weight causing Yeonjun’s legs to quake. He couldn’t win. How foolish was he?

“That’s my boy, good job. I expect you to become a little faster next time okay. Good start for your first attempt,” Taehyun’s father hums. Taehyun nods with a serious expression.

Yeonjun’s father grits out, “What a talented boy you have. If only Yeonjun could be half as good, what an honour to have such a role model as your friend, right son?”

Taehyun asks, “I can help you with the spell if you’d like, it’s quite simple when you break-”Yeonjun cuts in, “No, it’s fine.” Humiliation courses through him. His father drawls, “You need all the help you can get, quit whining, you pompous fool.” Taehyun’s father chuckles, “Come now, he’s a promising sorcerer. We all have different learning speeds.” Yeonjun’s father eases, placing a hand on his son’s shoulder tightly gripping until it hurts, “Of course. I just wish to see my lovely boy, succeed.”

Taehyun smiles sympathetically as Yeonjun averts his gaze, not knowing how to control his rage within. He wished he could be better; that he was the one getting showered with praise instead of constant criticism.

The lesson continues and Taehyun answers questions with ease alongside Yeonjun raising his hand with equal fervour and tenacity. Each upcoming lesson becomes more and more of a competition between the two.

It seems the two young sorcerer’s were gradually souring. Whilst Taehyun took this as friendly rivalry, competition to help each other improve. Yeonjun took it personally, his mindset - to be better, yes, but more than that, to crush Taehyun beneath him.

All through this time, Yeonjun despised seeing his friend’s face. His face being a constant reminder of his second place stature. Distance grew between the two as Yeonjun decided to spend time with his new friend. A noble friend: the Crown Prince, who always sat alone in the garden. Yeonjun was determined to make a better friend. Someone who he knew was in all counts inferior.

The days pass, Sehun quickly becomes dependent on Yeonjun’s presence. A wicked smile plays on his lips. The crown prince was indeed lonely, he knew that, not that Sehun would ever admit it. It made him perfect. After all, who could hate the boy who befriended the bratty crown prince? A boy who was heavy-headed, easily succumbing to praise and flattery. Things Yeonjun knew with ease. After all, he saw his father do it.

Yeonjun’s eyes glimmer as he peers at the twinkling crown on Sehun’s head. He’d become someone better than Taehyun, better than his father. He wanted to aim higher than everyone else. To a position where no one in the nation could criticise him, go against him. Where his word was law. To be king.

Yeonjun hums smiling, poking the crown off Sehun’s head catching it with ease. Sehun scowls, “Hey! Keep your nasty hands off that-“ Yeonjun muses, placing it on his head, peering at his reflection in the water of the fountain. It suited him well. Phenomenally, in fact.

He hands Sehun back the crown with an amused smirk, “Eh, it’s not that great. I don’t see the appeal.” Sehun scoffs, “Of course you don’t. You’re not a noble.”

Yeonjun smiles, “Yes, perhaps. It looks better on you anyway. Sehun stiffens peering at him, “Hm.” His lips twitch trying to contain his pleased smile, “Only naturally.” How entertaining, Yeonjun muses within. This was the day; a new ambition festered within the young sorcerer.

Yeonjun would continue to entertain Sehun, listening to his dreadfully long monologues, or performing magic tricks like court jester shamelessly to garner the affections of the Prince.

Two sorcerers once again meet up. An awkward tension simmers between them. Taehyun sits on the flimsy swing under the tree with Yeonjun pushing him. Taehyun’s mind churns; his closest friend had grown awfully distant these past few months.

Taehyun was not a fool; he knew Yeonjun harbored resentment towards him. Yet, whatever help Taehyun offered, Yeonjun dismissed it. He didn’t want help from Taehyun. He found his friend’s state to be rather pitiful, he didn’t think Yeonjun would be the type. He wasn’t blind to Yeonjun’s father’s constant scolding either.

Yeonjun’s environment, his own ego were getting in the way of his improvement. He saw Taehyun as a pure rival, not a stepping stone, a partner to success. Though he didn’t have time to tolerate such foolishness, no, in fact he expected better. What else could he do, if he was distancing himself and denying any advice or practice? What an idiot, Taehyun surmises.

As much as Taehyun enjoyed praise, even at a few points relishing the rivalry between them, it was now clear that this long-standing friendship was nearing its end. He didn’t expect Yeonjun to take this so seriously, he only wished to nudge him a little forward.

“You’ve heard the King’s declaration, they would be electing adoption as the method for their next child,” Taehyun hums. Yeonjun pushes the swing, “Mhm, suppose they can’t do much with Queen Iseul’s health on the line.”

Taehyun’s tone becomes bitter, “I see you’ve been hanging more around the crown prince. Interesting.” Yeonjun’s lips quirk up into a smirk, another shove of the swing, “Yes, I have. He’s more fascinating than I thought.” Yeonjun relished the bitter tone on Taehyun’s tongue.

“How did you make friends with that spoiled loser?” Taehyun scoffs. Yeonjun mutters coldly, “Why? Can I only be friends with you?” Taehyun is taken aback by his defensiveness, “I never said that, it’s just surprising. He’s a little hard to get along with. He’s a brat honestly.”

“What’s it to you, he’s nice to me, and I’m nice to him, we have a few things we both like, and I find him and his ignorance entertaining.” Taehyun snorts, rolling his eyes, “Right.”

The condescension in Taehyun’s tone infuriates Yeonjun. Even then, he didn’t care, in fact he was demeaning his friendship with Sehun. “Just because you’re not a fan of royalty doesn’t mean I’m not.” He gives the swing a more forceful shove. Taehyun muses, “I can tell you have a problem with me. Just say it.”

Yeonjun seethes, “No you, do. You think you’re so much better than me. Even the prince is more humble than you.”

Taehyun releases a cackle, “Good one! What? It’s not like he’s going to hand you over the crown to Fortuna or something for being his only best friend. You’ll always be insignificant to these royal folks.” Yeonjun despises the truth getting thrown in his face like this. He pushes even harder. “Of course not, I..” Yeonjun scoffs, stiffening slightly.

“To think you’d be hanging around an airhead like that,” Taehyun scoffs, “Whatever it is, we can talk this out.”

Yeonjun’s gaze darkens and with his strength he shoves the swing up high causing it to wobble and Taehyun to tumble off scraping his knees and palms. Taehyun hisses in pain, “Ow-, Jun?”

Yeonjun walks over peering down at him and his lips twitch upwards upon seeing the blood seep out of his wounds. Taehyun glances up seeing a condescending expression.

Yeonjun liked this view. A view where he was standing tall and proud with Taehyun on the floor injured, below him, on the ground. Where he belonged. He holds out his hand with a smirk, “Sorry, I thought you liked going up high.”

Taehyun seethes, peering at his hand, shoving it aside, “You know what, forget it. You’ve changed since you’ve been around Sehun.” Yeonjun murmurs, “You’re just jealous I became friends with the crown prince and you didn’t. You don’t suck up to the royals like your father does. Perhaps learn to do it.”

Taehyun’s gaze falters and he murmurs disappointed, “You’re a sorcerer with a lot of talent, you got that? I don’t want you to waste that.” Yeonjun snaps, “I know. I’m not less than you.”

Taehyun sighs exasperated, “I never said you were.” He brushes himself off and walks off; what a waste of his time. Yeonjun’s hands form shaking fists as anger surges through him.

A few more tense weeks pass by, with the two young sorcerer’s relationship souring. Yeonjun’s father was ever so delighted to find out his son had befriended the Crown Prince. For the first time in a long time, he had heard genuine praise from his father. “Good, make your connections now, son.” He would; he would make his way up, so high that his own father would have to bow to him.

————

Currently, Yeonjun sits with a dull expression at a table in the sorcerer’s tower, watching his father complain away as usual, as he cleans up after the Royal Sorcerer’s various experiments frustrated. Yeonjun had grown used to his venting. The Royal Sorcerer had been summoned to the Northern Territory in a hurry, due to an incident in battle. Within his rush, the sorcerer had shoved his precious spell book in a drawer of his desk, which Yeonjun took note of.

Yeonjun hums, “The spellbook is in that drawer.” His father drawls, “It’s locked you fool.” Yeonjun scoffs, “Why not use an object reversal spell? It should open in reverse. We don’t have many chances like today. He was careless this one time.”

Yeonjun’s father muses, “Why, you clever, clever boy. It seems you are improving. Hmph, I must be quick before his brat of a son comes back.”

So his father does so with great patience and skill; the drawer slides open revealing the tattered spellbook - the most prized spellbook of the Royal Sorcerer.

A glint of deranged satisfaction appears in his father’s eyes, even shaking slightly in delight, “How magnificent. Who knows how much he’s hiding in here; all the possibilities? Why doesn’t he just make this known, it’ll benefit everyone?” Yeonjun peers at his father with an amused smirk.

His father flips through the book even noticing some pages fall out to which he grabs and hands over to Yeonjun, “We’ll take whatever we can get from this. I doubt he'll notice a few torn pages missing, hm? Half of this old thing is in pieces anyway.” Yeonjun takes the papers peering down at them with great interest, scanning over the scrawl of handwriting and diagrams.

With just as much ease, his father places the spellbook back using the same spell, allowing the scene to look untouched. He ruffles Yeonjun hair overjoyed; the first proper sign of affection startling Yeonjun. “Excellent my boy, you’ll become a powerful sorcerer with a mind like yours. I’ll continue guiding you, and progressing you ahead.” He resumes darkly, “I’ll soon become Royal Sorcerer, myself, no matter what it takes.”Yeonjun hums with an innocent expression, “Of course father, you will.”

The Royal Court is up in arms about the decision to adopt a child in the coming years. The King and Queen are disgruntled but remain adamant in their decision. The Royal Sorcerer offers his support to the king and successfully allows a force field to be bestowed in the North against Luna, pleasing the King greatly.

This event causes Luna to retreat and the talks of peace to occur rattle the court and cause joy to spread across the land of Fortuna, the land where sorcery leads.

Meanwhile, Yeonjun watches on as countless nobles compliment Taehyun and his father. Even talks of Taehyun’s father being knighted for his contributions were in the midst of conversation during an upcoming ball. It made his father become enraged; this force field was something he also worked on, but with little to no recognition; after all the force field was powered by the Royal Sorcerer’s mana, not his.

Praise upon praise showered the Royal Sorcerer from all directions. Not to mention his beloved son being soaked in his father’s glory.

The King heartily chuckles, placing his hand on Taehyun’s head, “What a splendid father you have, it is without a doubt that you will become the next Royal Sorcerer and surpass your father’s heights.” Queen Iseul smiles, “How handsome you are, a father’s honour is his son’s. Be proud young man, for your lineage.”

Yeonjun’s gaze darkens at the sight and he muses, “How nice it must be.” His father peers down at him placing his hand on his shoulder, “Do not fret son, this insolence will not last long.” Yeonjun hums in intrigue, “You have an idea?”

“Something like that,” his father answers vaguely. A smirk crosses his lips; who was he to get involved or go against his father?

Sehun’s birthday ball was fast approaching; Yeonjun was growing fatigued with Sehun’s draining excitement. His father had been meticulously planning and scanning over the torn pages from Taehyun’s father’s spellbook. Who knows what nonsense is in those tattered pages?

Yeonjun’s glances at his father, swirling a clear liquid in a small vial; a manic glint in his eye. He peers over with a smile, “Son, do you know what this is?” Yeonjun shrugs, not interested in the dull liquid. “This is the key to our success,” His father drawls out with a beaming grin. Yeonjun deadpans.

His father smiles knowingly, “This may look unimpressive, but it’s potent, undetectable. All I have to do is mask its bitter scent with a little sorcery.” Yeonjun’s mind clicks, poison? It’s poison! How daft! “What if you get caught?” Yeonjun mutters, “Surely there’s better ways than this?”

“How much longer can we wait? I’m not getting younger am I? After I become the Royal Sorcerer, you will. Don’t you want that?” Yeonjun sighs peering out the window; it appears his father was too far gone. He remains silent knowing that it was rather a futile pursuit to convince him otherwise.

His father hums, “This is Nightshade, often causing paralysis, hallucinations and death.” Yeonjun flinches, he knows this horrific plant, with no cure for the symptoms it causes. He resumes, “As per custom, when Kang Dae-Ho, goes to get knighted by the King and Queen, they will share in exchange of red wine at the table.” Young Yeonjun’s mind whirrs; he was planning to poison the King and Queen? That’s treason!

“When they drink the wine, they will fall deathly ill.” Where was he going with this? “This is insane, there’s no cure,” Yeonjun snaps. His father chuckles, “So it’s said,” he holds up a piece of paper, “It appears my dearest friend has found an enchantment that reverses the effects of this. All too many fall victim to this pretty plant. How kind of him.” Taehyun’s father came up with a mana pattern which serves as an antidote? That’s unheard of!

“I don’t think this will go well,” Yeonjun murmurs. His father’s gaze darkens, “Just you wait, you brat. You’ll be thanking me. Don’t think you’re so morally high.” Yeonjun sighs; perhaps he would. Or maybe he’d be exiled with this father for treason, who knows?

The fateful night arrives; adrenaline courses through Yeonjun. His father was in a great mood this day; alongside Taehyun’s father. It was a grand celebration of Sehun’s birthday and Taehyun’s father being knighted.

Taehyun glances over coldly, “Hm, surprised you showed up.” Yeonjun icily hums, “Why?”

“My father’s getting knighted, thought you’d be burning with jealousy,” Taehyun muses. Yeonjun’s jaw tightens, “Why, can’t I be happy for you?”

“I just find it hard to believe, we barely talk anymore,” Taehyun scoffs. Yeonjun’s heart burns deeply at his tone and he hums amused, “So what? We’re still close friends, I can’t deny that.” Taehyun stiffens at his response, “Huh, really.” Yeonjun peers back at the table where the royal couple sit and he smiles, “Yeah.”

Yeonjun muses, “I’ve been having a hard time. I’m sure I’ll work past it.” Taehyun rolls his eyes, “Sure. It sucks to see you like this. I miss our friendship y’know?” Likely story; Yeonjun internally scoffs.

His eyes glance back as the crowd roars in anticipation as Taehyun’s father kneels as the sword touches his shoulders. Yeonjun murmurs lowly, “Congratulations, Taehyun.” This was the calm before the storm.

Taehyun peers over in surprise, “You’re oddly nice this evening.” Yeonjun hums amused, “I’ve cooled down, let's say.” Taehyun smirks, “Huh, who’d have thought.”

Applause resounds as the Royal Sorcerer takes his seat at the table pouring red wine for the royal couple with bright gleam, “I insist, your majesties, allow me.” Sehun waves at Yeonjun and he nods in acknowledgment. Yeonjun’s heart races faster than ever.

His father had snuck the poison into the very bottle on that table. This was the moment of truth; as they raise the glasses to their lips tasting the luxury wine.

Moments pass with no commotion and just as Yeonjun believes a failed attempt had occurred; the Queen starts coughing violently, blood splattering across the plates and table. Next, the King, his eyes roll back as blood splatters from his lips. The ballroom is in chaos with screams and rushing footsteps.

Yeonjun peers on lifelessly at the scene. Taehyun is mortified and his father is appalled. The guards rush forward sealing the exits. It was a clear assassination attempt at its finest.

“Someone save the King and Queen! Get the medic! Get the medic!” A court member screams.

Taehyun trembles, “What-” Yeonjun murmurs emotionless, “Someone tried to kill them..”

Yeonjun peers at his father’s blank expression as he steps forward with a fake panicked expression, “How could you? We talked about this, Dae-Ho? Does your greed not end?!”

The Royal Sorcerer freezes confused, “What? What are you fucking talking about?”

Yeonjun’s father summons his wand pointing it at him, “I saw your notes! I knew you were hiding your spell book for a reason- I knew something was wrong, but this, this is unforgivable, my friend!”

Taehyun’s blood runs cold. Yeonjun’s eyes glimmer; so this was what his father had in mind. To frame his friend with treason. How cunning, how tragic. The crowd gasp in horror.

Taehyun murmurs, “No, no…” He pulls Yeonjun by the collar of his cloak and snarls, “What is your father doing? Tell him to stop, Yeonjun! You of a-all people know he would never do that! You know that!” Taehyun screams manically.

Yeonjun peers at his best friend emptily. Taehyun’s knees buckle as he hears Yeonjun’s father continue to berate his father. He cries out tugging on Yeonjun's cloak, “Tell him to stop! W-We’ll figure this out, calm him down- p-please Yeonjun! My father would never!”

Seeing Taehyun so broken on the floor begging on knees. Everyone stares at the two and Yeonjun’s eyes widen as his lips quiver and twitch. An odd sense of fulfillment fills him, a twisted sense of hope and power.

Yeonjun’s eyes glint malevolently as he leans down, “Taehyun, did you really not know? I find that hard to believe?”

Taehyun’s expression deflates, “W-What?”

The people tremble and whisper around them. Yeonjun tilts his head with a twitching smile and manic eyes, trying to compose himself, “Weren't you the only one allowed to see his book? This is wrong! You should have known, no?”

Taehyun lifelessly peers up at the twisted expression on Yeonjun’s face before lunging at him, “You-! You-“ Yeonjun falls back as the crowd rush to pry Taehyun off him. Blood drips from Yeonjun’s nose and Taehyun screams.

Yeonjun’s father peers down at Taehyun’s with malice, “Oh, Dae-Ho, how far you’ve fallen.”

Yeonjun breathes out with a twisted glint in his eye, looking at Taehyun’s thrashing figure, “Taehyun, how could you not know? I knew something was wrong, the moment you distanced yourself from me.” The people murmur atrociously.

As much as Yeonjun didn’t want to take such an abhorrent route, some part of him enjoyed this. Some sick part of him enjoyed seeing his so-called friend breaking down, shattered.

Thus, the young sorcerer would go to embrace betrayal with open arms. That night he became the epitome of betrayal itself.

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