CHAPTER 5
Nightfall settled over the palace, quiet and serene, with lanterns casting golden glows along the marble hallways. Sihyun walked silently into Muwon's chamber, expecting the prince to be there as usual.
But the room was empty.
"Muwon?"
he called softly, his voice echoing faintly off the ornate walls.
No answer.
Then his gaze landed on a neatly folded letter placed at the edge of the low writing desk. His brows drew together as he approached it. The envelope was sealed with Muwon's personal mark—the symbol of the crescent moon wrapped in fire.
He opened it carefully.
"Meet me at the royal bathing chamber."
Sihyun blinked.
"…Royal bathing chamber?"
Before he could gather his thoughts, there was a knock at the door.
A young palace maid stepped in, holding something folded in her arms. She bowed respectfully.
"The Prince asked me to bring this, my lord,"
she said politely.
"He wishes for you to wear it."
She walked past him without waiting for permission and gently placed the garment on the bed. With another bow, she exited the chamber swiftly, leaving behind a trail of soft perfume.
Sihyun turned his head toward the bed.
A luxurious royal bathrobe—deep blue trimmed in silver, with the prince's sigil stitched near the collar. The fabric shimmered slightly under the soft lantern light. It was clearly custom-made… clearly not for casual use.
Sihyun stared at it in silence.
A flicker of something passed across his expression. Was it curiosity? Suspicion? Shyness?
"…This prince of mine… is insane,"
he muttered under his breath.
Still, he didn't move. He just stood there, staring at the robe lying elegantly across the silken sheets, unsure if he should roll his eyes, blush, or do both.
The gentle sound of water rippling echoed softly through the royal bathing chamber. Lanterns glowed warmly across the steam-filled room, casting flickering shadows over the marble walls and golden tiles. The air was thick with the scent of sandalwood and lotus oil.
Sihyun stepped in slowly, the royal bathrobe draped over his lean frame, the fabric trailing slightly behind him. His sharp eyes scanned the room until they landed on the large sunken bath at the center.
There, in the warm water misted with herbs and blossoms, sat Muwon, bare-chested, the rest of him hidden beneath the steam. His hair was slightly wet, sticking to his forehead, and a soft smile curved his lips as soon as he saw Sihyun.
"You came,"
Muwon said with quiet warmth.
"You look good… in that robe."
Sihyun frowned.
"What is this all about, Muwon?"
"I wasn't sure you'd come,"
Muwon replied honestly, his voice low and calm.
"But now that you have… why not join me?"
Sihyun folded his arms tightly across his chest.
"I'll pass. Since I'm here and you're clearly breathing, I'll just go back."
He turned on his heel, already walking away.
But suddenly—
"Ahh—Sihyun—!"
Sihyun didn't even flinch at first.
"I'm… I'm slipping! I can't breathe—Sihyun!"
A beat passed.
Another.
Sihyun sighed dramatically.
"Really?"
But when he heard another splash and a more convincing wheeze, his eyes widened. Panic edged into his voice.
"Muwon?"
He dropped the robe in a rush and quickly jumped into the water, sending waves splashing over the edges.
"Hold on! I've got you!"
But the moment he reached him, Muwon's arms wrapped tightly around Sihyun, pulling him close and resting his chin on Sihyun's shoulder.
"You actually do care,"
he murmured with a satisfied grin.
Sihyun froze.
"…You—You were faking it?!"
Muwon chuckled.
"You came in for me. That's all I needed to see."
Sihyun's brows twitched in rage and embarrassment.
"You—!!"
But Muwon didn't let go. Instead, he whispered near Sihyun's ear,
"Thank you for worrying… even if you pretend not to."
Sihyun didn't answer. His cheeks burned slightly, and though he made a weak attempt to push Muwon away, he didn't try too hard.
"…Next time you pull something like this,"
he muttered,
"I'll really let you drown."
Muwon laughed, voice echoing softly across the chamber.
Sihyun still hadn't pulled away.
The warmth of the water around them was nothing compared to the heat slowly blooming between them. Muwon rested his forehead against Sihyun's, their breath mingling in the quiet.
"You really scared me, you know,"
Sihyun murmured.
"I thought something happened."
"I wanted to see how much you'd care,"
Muwon replied gently.
"But... I also just wanted to be near you like this. With no chains, no duties. Just us."
Sihyun looked away, his voice quiet.
"I've always cared. That's the problem."
Muwon raised a hand, brushing a wet strand of hair from Sihyun's cheek.
"Then tell me honestly… Do you regret saying no to me?"
Sihyun didn't speak right away. But when he looked back at Muwon, his eyes softened.
"I don't know if I regret it. But... I do regret how it made you feel."
The silence was heavy, but not uncomfortable. Just honest.
Muwon leaned closer.
"Then let me show you how I feel."
He kissed him—slow, searching, nothing rushed. Sihyun froze at first, then melted into it, returning the kiss with growing hunger. The bathwater lapped gently around them as they moved closer, arms wrapping around each other, hearts racing in sync.
When they finally pulled away, Muwon whispered against Sihyun's lips,
"If we do this tonight… it won't be like before. No rituals. No magic. Just you and me."
Sihyun's voice was low.
"It'll feel different…"
Muwon nodded.
"Better."
Their eyes met, something unspoken passing between them. Then, without another word, Muwon scooped Sihyun into his arms like a bride. Sihyun didn't protest—he just clung to him, his face buried against Muwon's neck.
They left the bath behind, footsteps quiet in the hall, the tension growing thicker with every step.
Back in the privacy of the chamber, Muwon laid Sihyun down gently, reverently, like something precious. The room was dimly lit, casting warm golden light over their forms. Muwon leaned down, his lips brushing against Sihyun's shoulder, his hands caressing with tenderness and certainty.
There was no magic that night.
No ritual.
Just skin on skin, heartbeat to heartbeat.
A prince and a demon sorcerer—finally allowing themselves to feel everything they'd been holding back.
Morning
Soft sunlight peeked through the curtains as Sihyun stirred, reaching lazily toward the other side of the bed.
Empty.
He blinked, still groggy, and sat up, scanning the quiet chamber. No sign of Muwon. No lingering scent of his presence. No robe slung on the chair.
With a groan, Sihyun flopped back against the pillow.
"Not again…"
Just as he closed his eyes, Dohyun's and Taejin's ridiculous voices echoed in his memory:
"He might have thrown himself into the palace well!"
"Oh no, our poor dear prince's heart~"
Sihyun shot up.
"He wouldn't, right?"
he muttered, dragging himself out of bed, already imagining the worst.