⤷ the dungeon

@♤ kim gayoung ᵠᵘᵉᵉⁿ Seonghwa's expression remained guarded as he listened to Queen Gayoung's response, her words cutting through the playful facade he had momentarily adopted. He understood the gravity of her position and the weight of her responsibilities, yet a part of him couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment at her dismissal of his concerns.

"I apologize, Your Majesty," Seonghwa replied, his tone more subdued now, his guard momentarily lowered in deference to her authority. "I didn't mean to imply that my duties were comparable to yours. It's just...difficult sometimes, you know?" He paused, a hint of vulnerability creeping into his voice as he struggled to articulate his thoughts.

Seonghwa's gaze flickered briefly to the floor, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. He knew he had a duty to fulfill as a royal guard, but the unresolved pain of his family's murder weighed heavily on his conscience. It was a burden he carried alone, a constant reminder of the injustice that had befallen him. When Queen Gayoung suggested that he focus on his family's case, Seonghwa's heart skipped a beat. The prospect of delving back into the investigation filled him with determination and trepidation. It was a task he had long neglected, buried beneath the demands of his duties as a guard. Yet, deep down, he knew it was something he could not ignore forever.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Seonghwa replied, his voice tinged with gratitude. "I appreciate your understanding. I will do everything in my power to bring justice to my family's memory." With a solemn nod, he resolved to take up the mantle once more, determined to uncover the truth behind his family's tragic demise, no matter the cost. Seonghwa's features softened with a nod of acceptance as he absorbed Queen Gayoung's suggestion. "Understood, Your Majesty," he responded, his voice steady despite the turmoil swirling within him. He knew that staying behind to focus on his family's case was a necessary step, a chance to confront the ghosts of his past and seek closure once and for all.

Though the prospect of delving back into the investigation filled him with a sense of unease, Seonghwa also felt a renewed sense of purpose stirring within him. He had spent too long avoiding the painful truths that lay buried beneath the surface, too long allowing his grief and anger to consume him. It was time to reclaim control of his destiny, to honor the memory of his family by seeking the justice they deserved. "Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty," Seonghwa added, his expression earnest as he met Queen Gayoung's gaze. "I will not disappoint you." With a determined resolve burning in his eyes, he silently vowed to do whatever it took to uncover the truth, no matter the obstacles that lay in his path.

Seonghwa's lips curled into a wry smile as he considered Queen Gayoung's suggestion to take Jungkook along as her protector. "Ah, Jungkook," he remarked, a hint of amusement lacing his tone. "I'm sure he'll be thrilled at the chance to play bodyguard again." But Seonghwa knew that his place was here, in the heart of the kingdom he had sworn to protect. With a silent nod of acknowledgment to Queen Gayoung, he resigned himself to his duties, knowing that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but determined to face them with the same steadfast resolve that had brought him this far.

Seonghwa's expression softened with concern as he regarded Queen Gayoung, his voice tinged with genuine worry. "Your Majesty, I understand the importance of your visit to Aerion," he began, his words measured and thoughtful. "But in times of war, even the most well-guarded journeys carry risks." His tone was solemn, a recognition of the dangers that lurked beyond the safety of Pyrolith's walls. "Please, take every precaution," Seonghwa continued, his gaze unwavering as he met Queen Gayoung's eyes. "You may be our queen, but you are not invincible. And I would be remiss if I did not express my concern for your safety." His words were spoken with a rare vulnerability, a testament to the depth of his loyalty and his unwavering commitment to her well-being.

@♤ park seonghwa ʳᵒʸᵃˡ ᵍᵘᵃʳᵈ "I must admit, Seonghwa, I don't appreciate the sarcasm in your tone," she remarked, her voice taking on a more serious and authoritative quality akin to how she addressed court officials. The playful and familiar banter they once shared seemed distant now, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment at his guarded demeanor.

While she had previously allowed Seonghwa the privilege of informal conversation, the extended absence between them had evidently taken its toll. Gayoung sensed a shift in his disposition—a reluctance to let down the walls he so readily erected for others. Was his isolation deepening? Had he truly forgotten the bond they once cherished?
Well, it was time for Seonghwa to remember. Gayoung's words carried a firmness tinged with underlying concern, a subtle reminder of the connection they once shared and the expectation that he honor it once more.
.

"Keeping my kingdom from descending into chaos? A mere guard?" Gayoung's response was laced with mild laughter, her amusement evident despite the weariness that tinged Seonghwa's words. The notion seemed almost comical to her, given the weighty responsibilities he hinted at.
Her laughter was not dismissive but rather a reflection of her disbelief at the situation. Gayoung had always held a deep respect for Seonghwa's role as a guard, knowing firsthand the dedication and diligence required. Yet, to hear him speak of such monumental tasks with a hint of exhaustion stirred a mix of amusement and concern within her.

"Seonghwa, you know who is truly tired of all these political games. You know who is actually keeping Pyrolith under control, and yet you still dare say these words to my face."
The queen's tone carried a mix of exasperation and incredulity, her words pointedly directed at him. It had been a while since she had genuinely laughed, and she acknowledged that he deserved some credit for eliciting such a reaction from her.

However, his next words swiftly altered her expression. When Seonghwa inquired about the progress on his family's murder investigation, a shadow fell over the queen's features. In the midst of war, such personal matters seemed inconsequential compared to the broader concerns facing Pyrolith. Consequently, there had been little movement in the investigation into the mysterious deaths of Seonghwa's family members.

The memory of that tragic event remained a sore point for Pyrolith—an affront to the kingdom's security and a testament to the vulnerability they had faced during the conflict. Gayoung couldn't shake the weight of the Hydrosian knight's infiltration and the devastating loss inflicted upon Seonghwa's family, sparing only him and the Duke of Ashes.

“I am going to be honest with you and say that this case is the least of my problems right now Seonghwa. So I implore you to carry out the investigation by yourself. Is that not why you wished to be a royal guard in the first place? To stop relying on your father. To be able to bring justice to those who wronged your family.” Gayoung sighs. Meeting Seonghwa again like this and telling him that the murder of his family was not in any capacity Pyrolith’s priority seemed brutal but the man needed to wake up in the reality that many things preceded his personal vendetta.

“Especially now that you are a prominent figure within the Royal Guards. You have access to information that normal Pyrolithians are not privy to. Utilize them.” She suggested.

Suddenly, Gayoung found herself less preoccupied with perfecting her newly crafted poison and more consumed by the unease brought about by Seonghwa's question. She wished she could do more to address his family's case, but the pressing demands of her royal duties took precedence.

"I have to visit Aerion next week. Why don't you stay behind and focus on your family's case?" Gayoung suggested, her tone carrying a hint of concern and regret. "I can take Jungkook with me. Let's face it...even when I go alone, I wouldn't need any protection."

@♤ kim gayoung ᵠᵘᵉᵉⁿ As Huening Kai watched the scene unfold in the dungeon, a sense of shock washed over him, threatening to engulf him in a tide of memories he would rather forget. The screams of pain echoed through the chamber, triggering a visceral reaction within him as he recalled the traumatic experience of his near-drowning. For a moment, he was lost in the past, reliving the terror of that fateful day when his world had been shattered by the cruel actions of another. It was only when Queen Gayoung spoke to him that Huening Kai snapped out of his reverie, the sound of her voice cutting through the haze of his thoughts like a beacon in the darkness. With a start, he extinguished the flames in his palm, the sudden movement a reflexive response to her presence. He had not expected her to address him directly, and for a moment, he hesitated, unsure of how to respond. But then, with a flicker of defiance in his eyes, Huening Kai deflected her question with a playful remark, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "My apologies, Your Majesty," he said with mock solemnity, his tone laced with subtle sarcasm. "I was too busy trying to keep the flames of rebellion from consuming the kingdom. You know how it is." With a casual shrug, Huening Kai fell into step behind Queen Gayoung, his posture relaxed despite the tension that lingered in the air. Despite his initial reluctance to be there, he knew that duty called, and he would follow wherever it led, even if it meant confronting the darkness that lurked within the heart of the palace.


As Huening Kai stood amidst the torment and pain in the dungeon, watching the prisoners writhe under the effects of the poison, a myriad of emotions churned within him. Shock and horror mingled with a deep-seated discomfort, each scream of agony a piercing reminder of his past trauma. The sight of the tortured souls before him dredged up memories he had long tried to bury, threatening to unravel the carefully constructed walls he had built around his heart. Yet, even as he grappled with his inner turmoil, Huening Kai couldn't tear his gaze away from the scene unfolding before him. There was a morbid fascination in witnessing the queen's ruthless efficiency, a grim reminder of the power she wielded and the lengths she would go to in pursuit of her goals. Despite his unease, there was a part of him that couldn't help but admire her tenacity and determination, even as it sent a shiver down his spine. It was only when Queen Gayoung addressed him directly that Huening Kai was jolted back to the present, his focus snapping back to the here and now. With a mixture of relief and apprehension, he extinguished the flames in his palm, the sudden action a physical manifestation of his desire to distance himself from the darkness that permeated the dungeon. And yet, even as he followed the queen out of the chamber, his mind still echoed with the haunting screams of the prisoners, a reminder of the thin line that separated duty from despair in the heart of Pyrolith's palace.


With a wry smile playing on his lips, Kai replied to Queen Gayoung's jest, "Ah, yes, Your Majesty. It seems the flames of rebellion are ever in need of tending." His tone carried a hint of irony, a subtle acknowledgment of the complexities beneath their kingdom's surface. As they ascended the steps of the dark dungeon into the well-lit hallways of the palace, Huening Kai found himself falling into step behind Queen Gayoung, his mind still reeling from the disturbing scenes he had just witnessed. He couldn't help but feel a pang of unease at the thought of what lay ahead, but he pushed the feeling aside, focusing instead on the task at hand. As they walked, Huening Kai's gaze flitted briefly to the passing figures of other palace staff, his expression guarded and his movements cautious. He had no desire to draw attention to himself, especially not in the presence of others who might not understand the true nature of his duties. With a silent nod of acknowledgment to those who passed by, he made it clear that he had no intention of speaking openly in their presence, his lips sealed tight with the weight of the secrets he carried.


"Why haven't you sought me out sooner, then?" Huening Kai questioned, his voice carrying a note of genuine curiosity. Despite the jest, there was a flicker of something deeper in his eyes, a silent plea for understanding that lingered beneath the surface. But before Queen Gayoung could respond, Huening Kai let out a sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly as they walked. "Honestly, Your Majesty, I've been a bit preoccupied," he admitted, his tone tinged with weariness. "Trying to keep the kingdom from descending into chaos tends to take up most of my time." As they continued down the hallway, Huening Kai couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over him since leaving the dungeon. The thought of torture and cruelty left a bitter taste in his mouth, and he found himself growing increasingly disinterested in the affairs of the court. "I must admit, Your Majesty, I find the business of torture rather...tedious," he remarked, his voice tinged with resignation. "But I suppose it's all in service of the greater good, isn't it?"


Huening Kai's gaze flickered with a hint of urgency as he posed his question to Queen Gayoung. "Your Majesty, forgive my forwardness, but have there been any developments regarding the investigation into my family's killer?" His voice held a note of apprehension, betraying the underlying anxiety that had plagued him since that tragic day. He sighs and looks over at Gayoung, and whispers, "Its Hawon, in public, your graceness."

@♤ huening kai ʳᵒʸᵃˡ ᵍᵘᵃʳᵈ [ TW: slight torture? ]

As night descended, marking the end of another day, the Queen had finally perfected a new dose of her poison. A new addition to her already extensive collection used for Pyrolithian warfare, torture and Gayoung’s entertainment. Gayoung gathers the carefully extracted poison into three vials. Three lucky prisoners shall be the first ones to try her newest creation. Excitement coursed through the Queen’s veins as she made her way from the poison gallery to the dungeons, caring very little about the dirt that her gown tracked as expensive chiffon glided against the least sophisticated, and rather rough and worn-out tiles that became the dungeon’s flooring as she approached. The castle for all its glitter and glamour was home to a dungeon where various individuals of importance were prisoned. Ranging from Pyrolithian political enemies to nobles and various civilians of other kingdoms who have tried to conduct espionage on her country.

Her heels echoed sharply against the dungeon tiles, announcing her arrival with every authoritative step. The guards stationed at the dungeon's entrance bowed deeply as she and her two royal guards swept inside, their presence commanding obedience from all who crossed their path.

“First, third and fifth cells. Bind the prisoners, and no I do not care where they are from or what kind of crime they committed.” She says nonchalantly, Gayoung cannot be bothered with formality when now she only sought to test her new creation.
As her royal guards proceeded to follow her orders, the Queen contemplated on her next activity after this …experiment. Perhaps she shall call on one of her people. For entertainment, perhaps not.
Screams of pain echoed throughout the chambers of the dungeon as the prisoners yell in pain from the poison that Gayoung administered to them.

“What did you say? Be a bit more descriptive!” The Queen yells when the third prisoner’s words come in the form of jumbled pained words. All she could witness was that his skin bubbled and cracked from the inside. It was as if liquid lava now flowed in his veins. Just as the Queen hoped for her poison to be. An imitation of the pain of her very own affliction. ‘Infernal blood.’
Gayoung cannot believe that she was able to synthesize a dose of it, albeit still being in its infancy stage as it took effect much slower than she would have liked it to.

The other two prisoners were already limp and lifeless in their seats. Meanwhile her last test subject persisted.

“As expected, from nobility.” Gayoung makes a mental note to double the ingredients of the poison to have faster effects next time. She would be able to test again in a week.

Soon, the screams of the last test subject stops. And that is when she knew that he too had succumbed to death.

“Ten minutes for nobles hmmm.” She notes. Noticing how he had survived five more minutes more than a regular person.

The queen thinks that her evening finally concluded until she sees a peculiar figure when she stepped out of the seedy cell. He wore a uniform for the royal guards and yet he wore a jarring mask. It was quite hideous to the queen as she liked anything that was refined.

What caught her attention though, was the liquid flame that danced on the latter’s palm. Gayoung knew that there were only two individuals in the entirety of Pyrolith that possessed such capabilities.

“Kai.” She remarks. She knew that he would eventually serve her and yet did not expect their reunion to be like this. A bit underwhelming though it was a reunion, nonetheless.

“Join me upstairs and take that hideous mask off.” She commands, a small smile played on her lips as she walked ahead, ascending the steps of the dark dungeon and into the well-lit hallways of the palace that very few individuals frequented.

“How long has it been since I last saw you? You’ve grown…significantly taller.” She says, taking in the sight of the younger male.
“Why have you not personally sought me hmm? I must say I am quite disappointed.” Gayoung’s brows furrowed like an upset elder sister, like she had just not finished the lives of three prisoners.

@♤ kim gayoung ᵠᵘᵉᵉⁿ As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the city of Pyrolith in a warm, golden light, a figure moved with purpose through the winding streets. Huening Kai, now a seasoned royal guard at the age of twenty-one, navigated the bustling thoroughfares with a determined stride, his presence commanding respect and authority.

Adorned in the traditional garb of his station, a cloak of deep crimson billowed behind him, its rich fabric a symbol of his allegiance to the crown. Across his face, a mask of polished obsidian obscured his features, its surface adorned with intricate designs that seemed to shimmer in the fading light of dusk. At the center of the mask, a single crimson crystal gleamed with an otherworldly brilliance, its fiery hue a stark contrast against the darkness of the night. It was a mark of his station—a symbol of his unwavering dedication to the kingdom and its rulers.

As Huening Kai approached his destination, a sense of solemn purpose settled over him. Tonight, his duty was to stand guard over the queen, who had descended into the depths of the palace dungeon to conduct her secretive experiments. With each step, the air grew heavy with the weight of ancient stone and forgotten secrets, the torches that lined the dungeon corridor casting eerie shadows upon the walls. As he reached the entrance to the dungeon, the heavy iron doors loomed before him like a gateway to the underworld.

With a steady hand, Huening Kai pushed open the doors, their hinges groaning in protest as they swung inward. Stepping into the dimly lit chamber beyond, he felt a chill run down his spine—a palpable sense of unease settling over him as he surveyed the scene before him. The prison, nestled within the heart of the castle at Pyrolith, was a place of darkness and despair. The walls were hewn from rough-hewn stone, their surfaces worn with time and the weight of countless secrets. In the flickering torchlight, the shadows danced like specters, whispering tales of forgotten sins and lost souls.

In the center of the chamber, he caught sight of the queen—a figure shrouded in darkness, her features obscured by the mask of anonymity. Around her, the dungeon was alive with activity as prisoners languished in their cells, their fates unknown to all but the queen herself. In the quiet moments between his duties as a royal guard and his silent vigil in the depths of the dungeon, Huening Kai couldn't help but feel a twinge of longing for the freedom he once knew. He missed the carefree days of his youth when he could roam the streets without the weight of responsibility upon his shoulders.

He yearned for the simple pleasures of life—the feeling of the wind in his hair as he raced through the streets, the warmth of the sun on his face as he explored the hidden nooks and crannies of the city. There was a part of him that longed to break free from the constraints of his duty and indulge in the whims of his heart. But even as he yearned for the freedom of days gone by, Huening Kai understood the importance of his role as a royal guard and the sacrifices that it entailed. Though his duties often kept him bound to the confines of the palace and the strictures of his station, he took solace in the knowledge that he served a greater purpose—a purpose that transcended his desires and aspirations.

As he waited for the queen to descend from her chambers above, Huening Kai found solace in the playful antics of the liquid fire—a lighthearted distraction from the weighty responsibilities that lay upon his shoulders. Amidst the somber surroundings of the dungeon, his playful display brought a touch of warmth and whimsy to the otherwise austere atmosphere.As Huening Kai stood in the dimly lit dungeon, his gaze fixed upon the entrance as the queen descended from the upper chambers, a silent exchange passed between them. With a subtle motion of his hand, he conveyed his silent acknowledgment of her presence and his readiness to fulfill his duty as her loyal guardian. With a silent nod of acknowledgment, Huening Kai took up his position, his senses alert to the slightest hint of danger. As the queen conducted her experiments, testing her poisons on the unfortunate prisoners who had fallen into her grasp, he remained ever vigilant, his presence a silent reminder of the power and authority that stood behind her. And so, beneath the watchful gaze of the crimson crystal that adorned his mask, Huening Kai stood resolute—a guardian of the queen's secrets, his heart ablaze with the fire of unwavering devotion to his duty and his kingdom.

And so, as he stood vigil in the depths of the dungeon, Huening Kai allowed himself to be consumed not only by his duty, but also by the joy of his elemental companions—a silent sentinel amidst the shadows, his heart ablaze with the fire of unwavering devotion and playful spirit to his queen, his kingdom, and the fiery powers that danced at his command. As Huening Kai toyed with the mesmerizing liquid fire in the depths of the dungeon, a brief memory flickered through his mind—a moment from his darkest hour when the queen had extended a hand of compassion and solace in the aftermath of his family's tragic demise.

He remembered the sorrow that had engulfed him like a suffocating cloak after the ruthless Hydrosian Knight had unleashed devastation upon his family, leaving him as the sole survivor. In the depths of his despair, it was the queen who had reached out to him, not yet a queen, her voice a gentle balm to his shattered soul as she offered words of comfort and understanding. In that moment of profound grief, the queen had shown him a kindness that he would never forget—a gesture of compassion that gave him the strength to rise from the ashes of his tragedy and embrace the fire that burned within him.

As he continued to play with the liquid fire, Huening Kai found solace in the memory of the queen's compassion—a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there was light to be found in the kindness of others. With renewed resolve, he stood vigilant in his duty, his heart ablaze with gratitude for the queen's unwavering support and the fiery powers that now coursed through his veins.