Chapter Text
Treason. (n) - The act of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill or overthrow the monarch or government.
A sense of victory overwhelmed Eric as he crept the corridors to the King’s chambers,his trusted dagger at hand as his weapon of choice to commit the treason that he had trained and waited for,for oh so long, to experience the thrill of finally freeing the kingdom from monarchy.
He stepped lightly ,waltzing across the chequered flooring,only letting himself land on the black tiles,as if the white ones would burn him to the spot to be discovered by the King himself by the rising sun.
A voice lured him from his thoughts of freedom,a curse slipping from his lips
“ Eric, what were you intending tonight?You’re stalking the corridors under this bright moon. ”
Eric turned to hold the other’s stare,it being no other than Kevin Moon,the King’s closest yet most silent advisor,staring him down with a hard gaze just as he’d poised to pull the doors to the King’s chamber closed behind him,having been discussing tactics before it was sleeping hours.
He discreetly sheathed his blade, feigning a dismissive shrug,pursing lips as he shuffled mentally through a lie before slowly lifting his hands as instructed.
“Couldn’t sleep so I decided to take a stroll, I must have strayed from the route that I intended on taking.” He snickered ,his act soon cut off short as he was pressed to the wall by the male.
“I saw the dagger Eric. You were in the royal’s quarters this late,it seems more of an attempt at treason than a stroll to me.”
Eric paused at the other’s sudden movements and words, his masquerade of innocence shattering ,face falling into distress at being discovered.More so by a person so close to the King,the situation was not an ideal one where he would be able to lie his way out of easily as he usually would do.
“So tell me exactly what you were doing around this part of the castle at such hours. Or I will be inclined to call for the guards to escort you to the dungeon to await trial by the council.” The ravenette held air contact with Eric, eyes searching his for any slip of guilt that could peek through, causing Eric to shudder, almost dropping the blade he had skillfully hidden underneath his outer robes of his nightwear.
“I was taking a stroll, just like I said, why would I have ill intentions against our monarchy? Are you afraid that I’m perhaps a spy?” Eric chuckled softly, “My intentions are pure. I have a dagger for protection, nothing more. Why would I lie when the charges are as serious as treason?”
Kevin eyed the younger suspiciously, stepping closer as to back him against the wall.
“Then you would have no issue with going through trial to prove your innocence?”
Eric gulped softly, barely managing a nod in response as Kevin called for a guard, the captain quickly responding, having been just rooms away on his patrol.
“What is it you need Mr Moon? Is my Knight in training causing bother?” Sangyeon asked, cocking a brow to the two males, noting that Eric was being held to the wall.
“He was stalking the corridors near the King’s quarters, he has a dagger concealed on his body.” Kevin stated quietly to the elder, watching as the disappointment showed on worn features.
“I see, I’ll escort him to the containment quarters to await trial, good night.” He ducked his head politely before taking Eric by the arm and leading him away whilst Kevin watched idly. He took a sharp intake of breath before turning to retreat to his own quarters for the night, intending to get as much sleep as he could, knowing that a trial for this matter would be conducted at the earliest opportunity.
Hours passed, the only guide to the time passing for Eric being the change of guards once sunrise came, he stared up boredly as they exchanged information, information about him, which he forced back laughter on hearing.
He opted to rip off the badge that was attached to his vest, throwing it to the ground, letting it roll over through the bars as it clattered to its side, the symbol of a bluejay staring back at him, almost mocking as he’d severed ties with the role he played in the kingdom.
“Eric, we’re ready for you.” A stony voice pulled his attention as he stood unsteadily to meet the grip that circled his arm, Younghoon of course.
“Sir.”He uttered in response as he was led to the room that trial would partake in, he noted that not only was Kevin there but so was the King himself, the one he’d attempted to kill just the night before.
“Be silent. You already tarnished my thoughts enough, and my reputation with this. I trained you better.” Younghoon said coldly, barely casting so much a glance at the blonde.
“Cry me a river.” Eric rolled his eyes as he stood where he was guided to, his hands still cuffed together by iron.
“Eric Sohn, you’re here to prove your innocence in this case in which you have been accused of treason against our King here.” The advisor spoke, stopping a few steps in front of him.
“How do you plead?”
“Guilty.” Eric stated, hiding the smirk that threatened to shine on his lips at the several shocked gasps that echoed the hall.
“You’d admit that in front of the King himself? How bold are you?” Kevin asked, cocking a brow in question, having been caught off guard himself. Eyes meeting that of Sunwoo’s, who had a steely glare on his face directed towards Eric.
“Bold enough that I’ll take what punishment is seen as fit. I’m not afraid of a stupid monarch who does nothing for the kingdom unless it’s for the rich.” Eric sneered, meeting Younghoon’s eyes as he cast a stare beside him, seeing only horror in them, mixed in with betrayal, something Eric found himself relishing in.
“In which case there’s no need for a trial to take place, you clearly mean your words. Eric Sohn you will be exiled from this kingdom, never to return.” Sunwoo had stood,walking upto the male with echoing steps, “Which is a shame considering you always ranked highly in your training. Guards, take him to the borders of the kingdom, leave him there.” He stated, voice commanding respect as Younghoon and Sangyeon moved to take Eric’s arms in their grasp to lead him out, the younger only laughing as they did.
“The King will long be dead, even if not by my hand, the monarchy is a joke.” He spat towards the King as he was forcefully pulled out, leaving a stunned courtroom in silence.
The guards fulfilled their task, not without leaving several marks of their anger on Eric’s body
Changmin eyed the younger man up and down, a smirk forming on his face when he realised that a royal acquaintance had been left outside of the kingdom’s walls.His territory.
"What the fuck did you do to get beat up so badly,kill the king?" He asked mockingly,before falling into thought , a smirk gracing his features as he crouched below the beaten male.
"Well no,I'd know the moment the King died because it'll be done at my hand."
Eric raised his head to lock eyes with Changmin,showing no fear of the male above him.
"Well actually I tried.It just backfired royally" The younger snickered "And you are?"
"Who am I?" Changmin smirked deviously. "Ji Changmin, you can call me your new boss."
Eric had no qualms in following the strange man to a camp that was formed in an opening just before the encircling forest of the kingdom, looking around at the occupants who were sparring against each other, contending in their daily life.
“Welcome to Reveal Camp, we work against the crown and we will bring them down once Hyunjae deems them ready for me.”
“I’m ready for this, for you.”