CHAPTER 150: THE KING’S ORDER

Tirel pushed the heavy door open, the faint creak echoing down the empty passage. She glanced back at Jae with her usual smirk, crimson hair catching the light from the narrow window above.

He lingered a moment longer in the private room, brushing a hand through his blonde hair before stepping out after her. The atmosphere between them was different now, charged and playful, carrying the weight of what had just passed in their stolen moment.

As Tirel stepped into the hall, Jae couldn’t help himself. His hand shot out, delivering a quick, teasing smack to her backside.

The sound was sharp in the otherwise quiet passage. Tirel froze mid-step, her shoulders stiffening before she turned her head with a glare hot enough to set stone on fire.

"Really?" she asked, her tone a mixture of outrage and disbelief.

Jae chuckled, eyes glinting. "What? Just helping you move along." His smirk deepened as he noticed the subtle shake in her movements, the way she tried to maintain her usual poise and failed by the slightest margin. She walked forward a little too quickly, her hips swaying more than intended.

"You’re insufferable," she muttered, though her voice lacked heat. "I’ll get you back for that."

Jae’s laugh rumbled low in his chest. "I’ll be expecting it."

The two made their way back toward the main buildings, the silence between them far from empty. It buzzed with the lingering edge of their earlier closeness, unspoken words and playful tension weaving through every step.

When they finally entered the classroom, Tirel immediately made her way to her usual seat, forcing composure back onto her features. Jae, however, drifted to the back, settling into a chair with an ease that belied his sharp gaze.

From where he sat, he could see everything, the way Tirel’s hand briefly brushed her skirt as though checking herself, the faint unevenness in her stride.

His smirk returned, private and self-satisfied, as he leaned back in his seat.

The lesson passed in a blur. Jae only half listened, his mind too busy replaying the earlier moment, the kiss, the look in Tirel’s eyes when she warned she’d get even.

By the time the final bell rang, the classroom emptied in waves of chatter and footsteps.

Jae packed his things slowly, savoring the last image of Tirel tossing her red hair back as she left, clearly trying not to let him see that she still hadn’t quite shaken off his teasing.

When the noise of the academy quieted again, Jae began the slow walk toward his dormitory. His steps were steady, but his thoughts wandered.

The day had been heavier than most, first Tirel, now the unease of the recent attacks, and the tension hummed beneath his skin.

His smirk faded into something more thoughtful as he rubbed a hand through his hair, trying to piece through the swirl of emotion and calculation.

He was so caught up in his thoughts that he almost didn’t notice the figure waiting for him at the edge of the path.

Principal Kine, the tall man’s presence as commanding as ever, stood with hands clasped behind his back. His sharp eyes, framed by streaks of silver hair, found Jae at once.

"Walk with me," Kine said, his tone brooking no argument.

Jae’s brows furrowed. He obeyed, though unease twisted in his chest. The principal didn’t seek out students without cause. If he was here, it meant something serious.

They moved down a quieter stretch of the academy grounds. After a long silence, Kine finally spoke. "The king has summoned you to the palace."

Jae blinked, stopping mid-step. "The king?"

"Yes." Kine drew a folded parchment from his robes and handed it over. "You’re to remain there for a time. The justification is concern for your safety. Given the recent attacks, he believes you may be a target."

Jae took the letter, breaking the seal with careful fingers. His eyes scanned the lines, confusion quickly giving way to frustration.

The words were carefully written, but the message was clear: he was to leave the academy and remain under the king’s watch, whether he wanted to or not.

"Why?" he asked, his voice sharper than he intended. "Why me? There are dozens of students here, stronger, nobler, more valuable. Why am I the one being sent away like a child?"

Kine’s expression tightened, though his voice remained calm. "The decision is the king’s, not mine. I voiced my opposition, but he would not be swayed. He believes this is the best way to keep you safe."

"Safe," Jae repeated, the word bitter in his mouth. His eyes narrowed at the parchment again. Safe felt like exile.

Kine placed a hand briefly on his shoulder. "The king’s word is final. You’ll leave tomorrow morning." With that, he turned, leaving Jae alone with his thoughts.

Jae stood in silence, the letter heavy in his grip. He wanted to tear it in two, to cast it into the dirt, but he didn’t. Instead, he folded it back with stiff precision and tucked it away before resuming his walk.

Near the dormitory, a familiar voice called out. "Jae! Wait."

Byun jogged up, golden hair catching the last of the sunlight. His usual grin faltered when he caught sight of Jae’s expression. "What happened? You look like someone just told you your favorite tavern burned down."

Jae exhaled through his nose, holding out the letter. "Suspension. Apparently I’m a threat, or maybe they think I’ll attract too much trouble. Either way, I’m being shipped off."

Byun frowned, snatching the letter from his hand. His eyes darted across the page, scanning quickly. "This isn’t a suspension," he said after a moment. "It’s protection. The king wants you at the palace, away from danger. He’s trying to make sure nothing happens to you."

Jae’s smirk returned, but it was hollow. "Protection, huh? You really think the nobles care about protecting me? A non-noble with no family name? Don’t fool yourself, Byun. This isn’t about safety. It’s about removing a problem before it grows too big."

Byun closed the letter with a sigh, shaking his head. "You always expect the worst. Maybe, just this once, you should believe that someone sees your potential. That they want to keep it safe."

Jae looked away, jaw tight. He didn’t argue further, though every instinct in him screamed that he was right. No matter how Byun spun it, the truth felt plain: they didn’t want him here.

"I appreciate it," Jae said finally, voice low. "But I need some time alone."

Byun opened his mouth to press further, then caught himself. He gave a small nod, clapping Jae on the shoulder before stepping back. "Don’t brood too hard, alright? You’ll burn yourself out before the real fight even starts."

Jae managed a faint smile at that, but it faded quickly as he retreated toward his room.

Once inside, he let the mask slip, dropping onto his bed with the letter still clutched in his hand. He stared at the parchment, his thoughts dark and restless. The king’s decision wasn’t a request, it was an order. And in it, Jae saw only chains.