As Jin-Ho passed, the guards nodded politely as the capital's imposing gates rose before him. However, there was a sense of change—tension was in the air. Officials and other troops stared at him for too long as he walked toward the royal palace. Like shadows, whispers trailed after him.
Mei Lin, her eyes keen, caught up to him inside the palace walls. She muttered, "You should not have returned so quickly," and drew him away.
Jin-Ho scowled. "What do you mean?"
"More than only the assault on your mission was planned. Important individuals here are not pleased with your increasing favor with the Crown Prince.
Jin-Ho squinted her eyes. "So they see me as a threat?"
Mei Lin smiled resentfully. "Being a threat in court is equivalent to painting a target on your back."
Jin-Ho knelt before Crown Prince Tae-Min in the prince's rooms, and he received a cordial greeting.
The prince poured tea for them both and remarked, "You've done well." "You did something at the border that few men would have survived."
Jin-Ho bowed and accepted the tea. "Your Highness, it was a privilege to serve you."
After examining him for a while, the prince leaned in closer. "Jin-Ho, I want you by my side, as my protector.
This was all Jin-Ho had ever dreamed of, and his heart was pounding. But he kept thinking about Mei Lin's warning. The danger increases as you ascend higher.
Even though he realized this was the start of a risky game, Jin-Ho said, "I would be honored."
With a calculated and piercing look, Kaida surrounded Yun Zhen in the shadowy hallways of the assassin guild.
She traced a finger along the hilt of her dagger and murmured, "You hesitated." "That is risky."
Zhen remained silent, his jaw clenched in exasperation.
A predator-detecting weakness, Kaida grinned. "But, Zhen, I can assist you. I'll make sure you never have to answer to Master Chu again if you stay near me.
Zhen knew better than to believe her because her words were like silk wrapped over steel. However, he was also aware that making alliances may be the difference between life and death in the guild.
Seo Kyung knelt before a senior minister in the palace's vast halls, his face displaying bitterness.
"Jin-Ho is becoming too powerful," snarled Seo Kyung. "We can't allow a commoner to become so powerful."
The preacher steepled his fingers and leaned back in his chair. "Then, we have to make sure his ascent is brief."
They started scheming, putting in motion a plan that would turn the court's suspicions against Jin-Ho, cutting him off from his allies and leaving him open to assault from both inside and outside the palace.
Jin-Ho stood by himself in the royal barracks that night, gazing at his image in the gleaming steel of his blade. He was aware that Yun Zhen was waiting outside.
The gentle footsteps of Mei Lin came up behind them. "Word is getting out," she murmured softly. "Zhen will be leading the assassins in their next move, which they are planning."
Jin-Ho tightened his hold on his sword. "I'll be prepared then."
Mei Lin briefly touched his arm with her hand. "Watch out, Jin-Ho. One of you won't leave the next time you confront him.
Jin-Ho's face hardened as he nodded. It was now a question of survival rather than friendship or loyalty.