Mei Lin encountered a cloaked figure in the dim alleys outside the royal walls—an informant she had previously utilized. The man looked over his shoulder and shuffled uneasily. "Mei Lin, you're playing a risky game," he said.
With a hushed voice, she urged, "Tell me what I need to know."
After a moment of hesitation, the informant slipped a letter into her hand. "Kaida and Seo Kyung have a long history together. If someone discovers what you're doing... He drifted off, but it was obvious what he meant: disloyalty would not be tolerated by the guild.
With her heart racing, Mei Lin slid the letter into her coat. This was the proof they required to defeat Seo Kyung. Would they live long enough to put it to use, though?
One of Jin-Ho's most devoted guards had been detained on suspicion of plotting with the assassin guild, and the news hit him like a knife to the heart. Seo Kyung's plan was tightening like a noose, and the Crown Prince's trust was eroding.
Jin-Ho paced the length of the barracks and gritted his teeth, saying, "He would never betray the Crown."
Pale-faced, Mei Lin emerged from the doorway. "Isolating you is exactly what Seo Kyung wants." She touched Jin-Ho on the arm. "We have the proof to exonerate you. However, it won't make a difference if we wait too long.
Jin-Ho let out a slow breath. There was no more time for him to hesitate.
Crown Prince Tae-Min gazed down at Jin-Ho in the vast hall, his face a mask of annoyance. "Why are there rumors circulating everywhere if you have nothing to conceal?"
With his palms clenched into fists, Jin-Ho knelt. "Your Highness, I think Seo Kyung is responsible for the plot against you. However, I need time to collect the evidence.
The prince spoke in a chilly tone. "Jin-Ho, time is a luxury that I cannot afford. Bring me the proof as soon as possible, or I'll be forced to take action against you.
Jin-Ho knew it was his last chance, and it was an ultimatum.
The assassin guild had apprehended Mei Lin's informant, and the news arrived quickly. Even worse, someone inside the palace had stolen the letter that linked Seo Kyung and Kaida.
With a flash of dread in her eyes, Mei Lin said, "This was our only chance." "They'll call you a traitor if you don't have that letter."
Jin-Ho's eyes became stony. "So we won't wait for evidence." With his blade shining in the firelight, he stood up. "This is going to end tonight."
Jin-Ho went around the palace in the strangely calm night, his feet purposeful and quick. Unwilling to obstruct Seo Kyung, the guards at his door stepped aside.
Seo Kyung sat quietly drinking wine at a modest table inside. With a cunning smirk on his lips, he said, "Captain Jin-Ho." "To whom do I owe this distinction?"
The piercing sound of Jin-Ho's blade sliding out of its sheath filled the room. He responded icily, "You've taken everything from me." "But this is over now."
With a laugh, Seo Kyung put down his cup. "Oh, Jin-Ho. You never did comprehend the rules of this game.
A final confrontation that had been building for a long time was evident in the tense atmosphere between them.