The royal archery grounds stretched wide beneath the open sky, the earth neatly leveled and swept clean. Wooden targets stood in precise rows, their painted bull's-eyes worn from years of practice. Tall trees surrounded the field like silent sentinels, their leaves rustling softly as a breeze passed through, carrying the faint scent of pine and sand.
The king raised his arrow, his eyes fixed intently on the target ahead. Yet his thoughts were far from steady, weighed down by the burden of the throne he carried alone.
"It's a bull's-eye," the guard announced, lifting the flag high.
The king lowered his bow with calm dignity, exhaling slowly, his expression composed as though the world had not pressed so heavily on his shoulders.
"Were you looking for me, Father?"
Prince Soo Hyuk approached with light steps, stopping before the king and bowing briefly.
The king nodded, rolling the arrow between his fingers before lifting his gaze to his son.
He handed the bow and arrow to Soo Hyuk and stepped aside, folding his hands behind his back.
Soo Hyuk tilted his head, a playful smile tugging at his lips. He lifted the bow casually, barely taking aim before releasing the arrow.
Thud.
It struck the bull's-eye.
Soo Hyuk blinked, then grinned, as if pleasantly surprised by his own luck.
The king chuckled.
"You've really improved," he said, patting Soo Hyuk gently on the shoulder as he began to walk forward.
"Thank you, Father," Soo Hyuk replied, his lips puffing out in exaggerated pride. "It's all thanks to your very strict teaching."
The king laughed at the expression. He stopped, reached out, and held his son's hand briefly.
"Alright," he said warmly. "I won't be too strict on you from now on."
No matter what chaos brewed within the palace, Soo Hyuk had always managed to bring light with him. Perhaps that was why the king cherished him more quietly than he ever admitted.
"Soo Hyuk."
The sudden seriousness in the king's voice made him stiffen.
"Yes, Father," he answered, his voice faltering, eyes darting with confusion.
The king would never summon him without reason.
Surely his mother hadn't complained again… right?
Soo Hyuk held his breath.
"Do you wish to be the crown prince?"
The words struck like an arrow.
Soo Hyuk froze. His fingers curled slightly, his gaze flickering as his heart pounded loudly in his ears. His throat tightened, unease creeping into his chest.
Why would Father ask that?
Was he truly considering replacing his elder brother?
"Fa… Ma…" His words failed him.
The king turned his back, a faint, unreadable smile forming on his lips.
"What is the greatest thing in the world?" he asked calmly.
Soo Hyuk felt as though fate was mocking him.
"Power," the king continued. "Don't you want to be the crown prince to obtain that power?"
Soo Hyuk let out a small laugh, rubbing the back of his neck, trying to ease the heavy tension pressing down on him.
"No, Father."