The days passed slowly.
Seo Yul stayed in the eastern wing, always quiet, always alone. Yeonhee would bring food and speak softly to him, but he rarely looked her in the eyes. He ate little. Slept less.
The only sound that filled his room was the wind brushing against the paper screens.
But that quiet was broken one afternoon.
The door creaked open without warning.
Seo Yul sat up, tense. He expected a guard. Maybe even the king.
But instead...
A young man poked his head in, grinning like a child sneaking sweets.
"So this is where they're keeping you," he whispered, as if sharing a secret.
He stepped inside without permission and shut the door behind him, placing a finger to his lips. He was dressed in rich blue robes embroidered with silver clouds, his long hair tied half-up, the rest falling in soft waves around his shoulders.
His presence was loud not in voice, but in energy. Like someone who didn't know how to be still.
Seo Yul said nothing. His back straightened, hands gripping the blanket on his lap.
"Relax. I'm not here to bite you," the prince said, walking closer. "They didn't tell me your name. So... do I just call you Enemy Prince?"
No response.
The prince tilted his head, waiting then sighed dramatically and plopped down on the edge of the floor mat like it was his own room.
"I'm Prince Hae Ryun," he offered, proudly. "Younger brother of our glorious King Hwan Seong. You might've heard of him. Kinda moody. Big sword. Smiles never."
Still nothing.
Seo Yul kept his eyes lowered, his body unmoving, like a deer waiting for danger to pass.
Hae Ryun studied him for a moment, then reached into his sleeve and pulled out a small silk pouch.
"Here. Dried apricots. Don't ask me why I thought of bringing these I just figured… war or no war, food fixes something."
He set it gently on the mat between them.
When Seo Yul didn't touch it, the prince leaned back, folding his arms behind his head.
"You don't talk much, huh?" he said softly this time. "That's alright. I talk enough for two people."
Silence stretched again not heavy, not cruel. Just… patient.
After a while, Hae Ryun stood up and walked to the door.
"I'll come back," he said with a shrug. "Unless your terrifying silence kills me first."
He flashed a wink before disappearing down the hall, the door sliding shut behind him.
Seo Yul sat in the stillness again.
He didn't touch the apricots.
But he didn't throw them away either.