I couldn't help myself, the moment I heard of Yeon's return, my heart began to race.He's back. He's back.
I moved through the court with reckless haste, robes sweeping across the marble floor. Ministers, eunuchs, maids, even the palace guards, all had their eyes fixed in one direction. I followed their gaze.
"Yeon!" I called, catching him in a tight embrace before he could even bow.
"Where is he?"
For a moment, the world around me vanished. The courtyard, the murmurs, the sunlight glinting off the palace tiles, all of it faded, leaving only her.
How could someone so… different, so unassuming, possess such strength?She had fought off ten armed men as if they were children.
"You're a woman," I said, my voice trembling between disbelief and awe. "How did you save me all by yourself?"
She tilted her head slightly, her green eyes catching the light, reflecting it like shards of emerald glass.
"You're truly amazing," I said softly, bowing low in gratitude. "Thank you for saving my life."
She seemed startled by the gesture, then mirrored it, awkwardly, but sincerely. Up close, she was even more striking. Her skin was deep and radiant, her lips full and pink, her expression a mix of confusion and quiet defiance.
There was a pulse in my chest I couldn't quite name.
I led her through the palace corridors toward the royal chamber. Every step echoed like a heartbeat. When we entered the grand hall, she hesitated, almost turning back but I caught her hand before she could retreat.
"It's all right," I whispered. "You're safe here."
The King, my father awaited us on his throne, eyes sharp and unreadable. His presence filled the hall like thunder.
When we spoke to her, she responded in sounds foreign to our ears. The maids and ministers exchanged uneasy glances. Yeon stepped forward to explain that the family who had sheltered her claimed she could neither speak nor understand our tongue.
Still, her gaze never wavered.
We held a feast that evening in her honor. or perhaps in cautious curiosity. The great table gleamed with roasted meats, fruits, and gold cups of wine. Yet all eyes were on her.
The way she ate, unfamiliar, deliberate. The way she held her jeotgarak, wrong, yet graceful. Every move she made seemed to whisper: I am not from here.
Her skin, darker than ours, seemed kissed by a sun our kingdom I had never seen or heard of. Her hair was thick and strange, her laughter soft but foreign.
She fascinated and unsettled everyone in equal measure.
Then came my father's question, simple, but impossible."What shall we grant you, child, in return for saving the life of my son?"
She stared blankly. The hall fell silent. She didn't understand.
Before the awkwardness could stretch further, I rose to my feet. "If I may, Father," I said. "Why not make her my personal guard and protector?"
My father raised an eyebrow. "Your personal guard? She's a woman, and you already have Yeon for that."
"Yes, but with what happened on the road, I need stronger protection. And she..." I gestured toward her, "...has already proven her worth. She fought ten men alone and lived. We can teach her our ways, our language. It would be an honor, and… a fair repayment for saving me."
The King leaned back, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
Before he could speak, the Queen's voice cut through the silence like a blade."We cannot simply welcome a stranger from nowhere into the royal household. Who knows what she truly is? Perhaps the prince's admiration clouds his judgment."
Her words struck like cold water, but I met her gaze steadily."Good thing you called her my savior, Your Majesty," I said evenly. "And yes, I favor her, because she risked her life for mine without knowing who I was. Would a little gratitude truly harm the King's honor?"
A murmur swept through the court. Even the King's expression softened.
After a long pause, he nodded. "Very well. Prepare quarters for her and her caretakers. From this day forth, she and those who sheltered her are under royal protection. She will be taught our language and customs, and she shall serve as the Crown Prince's personal guard."
He glanced at me with a hint of warning. "If ever she wishes to return to her homeland, she shall be free to do so. That is my final word."
The Queen's lips tightened, and Minister Kim looked like he'd swallowed a stone. But I barely noticed.
All I could think of was her, standing there, bewildered, beautiful, the faint glow of torchlight dancing in her green eyes.
For the first time in a long while, the palace felt alive again and so was my heart.