Fourteen

There were no questions surrounding the mysterious return of the former Queen and the tiny heir of Joseon.

"I am more interested in Joseon's future, not its past," Hwi told them at the next morning assembly after his return.

"I don't expect anyone to fully understand but I do expect everyone's support. Considering Lord Sanghyeon and all of his supporters have been fairly punished, I should clear any rumors regarding this very subject... including that of Minister Noh. I've learned on this very short expedition that Minister Noh's assassination was ordered by Lord Sanghyeon, much to my displeasure as I've already granted him a fair trial. Therefore, I hereby grant Noh Ha Kyung the royal status that she was previously stripped of. From here on forward, she is the one and only Queen of Joseon, and her son shall be addressed as Prince Taeyeon. Anyone against this ruling may now speak."

The assembly hall erupted in a brief chatter but no one dared challenge Hwi's decision. After all, only the faithful officials remained as Hwi had previously cleansed the palace of all traitors. Fast forward three days later, the palace still seemed calm.

"I guess that's how no one questioned my paternal grandfather's actions," Hwi said later to Eunuch Hong and Court Lady Kim behind closed doors in his own chambers.

"It is indeed simple for a king to give orders and for his people to follow whether the king was a ruthless ruler or not."

Maybe no questions or concerns was a good thing.

"You don't question a king," Eunuch Hong told Hwi of what he'd overheard at the Royal Institute.

The royal tutors were always chatting up a storm in there and Hwi seemed to be their favorite subject. It would be unusual if the place was quiet.

The only questions seem to come from Court Lady Kim. Although she didn't actually voice her curiosities, Hwi could read straight through her facial expressions. It was only right for him to explain his true agenda to her, anyway.

"It's a different kind of adaptation we must become accustomed to," replied Court Lady Kim, after hearing Hwi's full confession and plans for the future.

Her direct comment was in reference to Queen Noh Ha Kyung's feelings for Hwi.

"Although I must say I'm quite surprised to know that she still has feelings for you... despite knowing... the truth," she added.

Although surprised, Court Lady Kim did seem more at ease now that all of her curiosities were fulfilled.

"She isn't the only one who has fallen for His Majesty," Eunuch Hong mumbled.

Hwi fumbled around on his desk and pretended to be interested in a Tang philosopher's book. He'd read this book from cover to back at least three times in his existence, but he had no other props to occupy himself with in order to pretend he didn't care about the conversation between Court Lady Kim and Eunuch Hong.

"You won't believe how many women...

Hwi cleared his throat loudly. He wasn't sure why either but he found it uncomfortable when this subject was brought up - women falling for him. It was something he just wasn't used to.

"Some tea, Your Majesty?" Eunuch Hong asked with an uneasy look as he proceeded to fill Hwi's cup.

"Some peace would be nice," Hwi coldly replied. "I'd like to be left alone for a while."

Eunuch Hong and Court Lady Kim exchanged glances and nodded once before leaving the room, granting Hwi's wish. He really just needed some time alone to think about all of the "what ifs".

Hwi could careless what people thought of him and Noh Ha Kyung. What mattered most was what they thought of her. Furthermore, Hwi didn't expect for anyone to understand him reinstating her royal title, but court officials as well as maids seemed to partake more interest in matters as these more than anything else. Regardless of the detoxing of the palace, some of these officials were the same ones who were quick to submit an appeal just to submit an appeal. He hadn't gotten any... yet.

Hwi let out a heavy sigh for probably the millionth time today. He never felt this drained since ascending the throne. Perhaps, he'd spent way too many days on the road and far too many days thinking of all of the negative possibilities.

"You can't blame him."

Jung Ji Un folded his arms and forced a smile. He had interrogated the truth out of Kang Eun Soo... or what he thought was the truth.

"What I've learned from my time in the palace is that the king's mind is never at rest," Jung Ji Un continued. "Even when there isn't a storm brewing, His Majesty must think of all of the possible solutions of how to keep those around him safe for when a storm actually hits."

Kang Eun Soo nodded in agreement.

"Maybe His Majesty just wants to make up for his deceptions," Jung Ji Un guessed.

Kang Eun Soo knew the former royal tutor was referring to the whole disguise thing.

"Perhaps," said Kang Eun Soo. "At least now we have an heir."

Jung Ji Un smiled. He knew this heir wasn't just a random baby they plucked from the rice fields but it also wasn't his place to question either. He vowed to keep His Majesty's secret, so a loyal subject he must forever be.

"I believe you know to keep this conversation between us," Kang Eun Soo reminded him.

Following Hwi's address at that morning assembly days ago, people had been under the impression that Queen Noh Ha Kyung was carrying His Majesty's child prior to leaving the palace; therefore, it should be left at that.

"I believe I know my place now," Jung Ji Un replied. "Who are we to question the royal bloodline anyway?"

"I can't keep coming here and pretending you don't exist and unaware of the major truth," said Kang Eun Soo. "We've fought major battles together so I was just making conversation."

"You can also make it a friendly conversation by not feeling obligated to update me of the royal family," Jung Ji Un replied. "It'll take some time but I'll get over it quicker the less I hear about His Majesty."

"I just thought you'd be worried so it was my way of telling you not to," said Kang Eun Soo.

Jung Ji Un nodded and placed one hand on the royal guard's shoulder.

"I appreciate it but I'm better now," he said. "As long as you don't break Yung Ji's heart."

"You don't have to worry about that," Kang Eun Soo replied with a slight smile.

Jung Ji Eun nodded.

He was doing better if he said so himself. It really helped if he didn't think about Hwi. Now, upon hearing that he was doing just fine made him feel even more at ease. This was good for both of them, he thought.

"He's better."

Noh Ha Kyung poured Hwi a cup of chamomile tea. It was the first time he had granted his presence in her chambers since they returned to the palace. Hwi thought that he'd check in on Taeyeon since he hadn't seen the boy in a few days.

"That's a relief," he said, taking a sip of his tea.

"Do you want to see him?" Noh Ha Kyung asked. "Yu Gong is in there with him. I'll tell her to bring him out."

"No," Hwi replied. "Let him rest."

It was late now and honestly, he had no idea why it took him this long to come check on Taeyeon's well-being. As a matter of fact, it had been a while since he was here. It was as if Noh Ha Kyung had never left.

"How are you, my lord?"

Hwi shrugged and set his teacup down in its saucer.

"I say fine now but I suggest preparing for any storms later," he replied without making eye contact.

"Whatever storms there will be, we shall weather it together," said Noh Ha Kyung.

She cautiously wrapped her hand around his, only for him to immediately retract it. Hwi looked away uneasily.

"Sorry," he hastily apologized.

He wasn't sure why he acted the way he did. He was okay with such gestures and embraces outside of the palace. Why did he feel indifferent now? All of a sudden, Hwi shot up and announced his departure for the night.

"Is it because people are still bothered by my late father's crimes?!" Noh Ha Kyung cried.

She understood why Hwi wouldn't embrace her before back when she didn't know the truth. Now, he seemed just like the old Hwi, if not worse.

"What do you mean?" Hwi asked, turning around to face her.

"This is the first time since I've seen you since we've returned and you are only dropping by to check on Taeyeon!" she cried. "You haven't even bothered to ask how I feel!"

She was right. He hadn't lived up to his promise at all.

"I'm... I'm sorry," he whispered.

Tears glistening in her eyes, Noh Ha Kyung approached him and gulped.

"I loved you," she said. "And I still do."

Hwi looked up. He felt his tears incoming, too. This is stress, he thought. They were this emotional because of all the stress.

Their noses touched just moments later, followed by a lot of heavy breathing. Hwi closed his eyes as he allowed Noh Ha Kyung to press her lips against his.

It was a wet yet warm kiss - probably from the tears. Most importantly, it lasted longer than the previous ones they shared... different... sweeter... passionate (since tongues were involved this time)...

If this wasn't love then he sure as hell had a lot to learn. He only felt this feeling once before. Hwi was definitely coming to terms with his true identity, which, judging by his roller coaster of emotions, was still a little confusing but nonetheless, a better feeling than before.

He loves Noh Ha Kyung and there was no denying it. She was the remedy to his confusion, which should eventually dissipate over time.