Eighteen

As the peak autumn season crept in, the royal gardens had transformed into a picturesque, canvas-worthy scene. Accompanied by Court Lady Kim in the pavilion, Hwi was buried in a book while soaking in the cool breeze. The brief peace was disrupted by none other than Eunuch Hong.

"What is this?" Court Lady Kim squinted her eyes to get a clear visual of the incoming figure ahead.

Eunuch Hong was waving something and it wasn't his hand. 

"Your Majesty," he said. "Check this out."

He handed Hwi what appears to be a beautiful painting. Hwi had to unfold the corners to get a full view.

"Where'd you get that?"

Kang Eun Soo suddenly appeared beside them and immediately took notice of the painting sprawled on the table.

"I uh... was gonna prank you," Eunuch Hong smiled nervously. "But I saw this painting in your room and became surprised by how a man like yourself possess such capabilities."

Apparently, Royal Guard Kang Eun Soo had recently taken interest in art, proving he was more than just a man of his sword. Court Lady Kim had even complimented that he had a hidden talent.

"I guess it's been less crazy around here for me to have some spare time to do such things," he told her.

The handsome guard blushed at Court Lady Kim's compliment. He never knew he was just as skilled with a brush and parchment paper as he was with a sword.

"I guess looks can be deceiving, huh?" Eunuch Hong questioned in a mumble-like tone.

He was still very impressed by his shock find. If he hadn't thought of breaking and entering into the guard's room, the man would've been just a hidden talent - pun intended.

"I guess I shall raise your salary then," Hwi teased. "Since you double as an artist."

He looked up at Kang Eun Soo with a smile.

"I only swapped the sword for the brush while I was off duty, Your Majesty," Kang Eun Soo replied with a single nod.

He much rather preferred exercising this hobby when no one was watching. Not only he found it more comfortable, he was also able to focus better.

"There he goes again with the seriousness," said Eunuch Hong.

Hwi gave a small laugh. He handed the courtyard painting back to Kang Eun Soo.

"The royal gardens before us are magnificent right now," Hwi told him. "You should make that your next creative project."

Kang Eun Soo gave a shy smile followed by a simple nod.

Quite frankly, Hwi wasn't very surprised at this news. After all, Kang Eun Soo's father, Kang Hwa Gil, was a Royal Preceptor. Like Shin Yeong Su, the late Royal Preceptor was also an intellectual man of many talents.

"Soon, the state exams will take place," said Hwi, getting up from table, remembering why he had summoned his royal guard earlier.

He crossed his arms behind his back and paced slowly back and forth in the pavilion.

"As the date draws near, I'd like to inform that security is still my top priority, which means deploying more soldiers at all doors."

Kang Eun Soo nodded.

"But, soldiers are just men in uniform if they don't combat train on the daily," Hwi continued.

He stopped in front of his royal bodyguard.

"I'd like for you to lead the soldiers training for a couple of hours each day until further notice," Hwi told him.

"This is to ensure top-level security all throughout the palace."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Kang Eun Soo nodded.

"The bootcamp can start tomorrow," said Hwi. "That way, you'll have some time to rest your muscles before jumping into training."

"So, you think you can draw a portait of me?" Eunuch Hong carefully asked.

"No," Kang Eun Soo flatly replied.

Hwi smirked and picked up his book off of the table.

"Is that The Queen?" Eunuch Hong asked.

Sure enough, Noh Ha Kyung and Yu Gong were approaching from the opposite direction. Hwi walked out of the pavilion to meet them halfway.

"Your Majesty."

Noh Ha Kyung and Yu Gong greeted Hwi with the usual half bow.

"I see we aren't the only ones who wanted to be out for a late afternoon stroll," said Noh Ha Kyung, smiling shyly at her husband.

"It is a little brisk out," Hwi replied. "Yet still refreshing, perfect time to catch a fresh breath of air."

Noh Ha Kyung looked around and smiled.

"Do you remember this hedge?" she asked Hwi. "Right here?"

"Of course I remember," he replied. "It's where we first met."

Noh Ha Kyung beamed at her adorable husband. He remembers. Not that she didn't expect him to but she found it absolutely precious that he didn't hesitate to admit that he did.

"Do you care to join me for a stroll?" Hwi asked her.

"Of course, my lord," she nodded.

Hwi dismissed the others, leaving him alone with only Noh Ha Kyung. It was time he showed her the world beyond that secret door to their left, the door that she was drawn to before falling into Hwi's arms that day they met.

"Your Majesty, is everything alright?" Noh Ha Kyung asked.

Hwi exhaled soundly and turned around. He carefully moved the vines that were obstructing the view of the hidden door.

"That door!" Noh Ha Kyung gasped. "It's really a door there!"

Hwi nodded and proceeded to open the subject of their conversation. He did so slowly because he wasn't sure if he was ready to face the world he grew up in. But, Noh Ha Kyung deserved to know the truth.

"This...

Noh Ha Kyung gasped as they proceeded towards the little hut on the other side of the bridge.

"It's been a while since I've been on this side of town," Hwi told her.

He extended his hand to her for support as they waded through the tall grass. The area had been unkempt for so long. Branches of all sizes and different colored leaves were scattered everywhere. It was fairly easy to trip over the mess.

"Careful," said Hwi, hopping over a huge branch.

Of course, it had to happen right after he warned her to watch her step that she decided to trip over the one thing that Hwi had just told her not to. She landed on his chest because he had caught her just in time... again.

"You're pretty good at this, are you?" she seductively whispered.

Hwi didn't lose his breath from the trek through the mess but his queen sure as hell knew how to make him suffocate.

"It's almost as if I've done it before," Hwi smirked.

He suddenly had the urge to hold her tighter so he did. Now, she found it hard to breath, too. They hadn't had time alone like this in a while since Hwi had been so busy being the king he was meant to be.

"Have I ever told you how adorable your dimples are?" Noh Ha Kyung asked. "You should smile more often."

"I have to have a reason to break my authoritative character," replied Hwi with a mischievous half smile. "And it doesn't happen with just anyone."

"So why exactly are we here?" Noh Ha Kyung questioned.

She found it a bit odd to express any type of affection in a place as this.

"Right," Hwi replied, releasing her at once. "I uh... wanted to show you where I spent most of my youth."

Noh Ha Kyung followed Hwi up the steps of the little wooden hut. The door was ajar and the entrance was covered in cobwebs. However, Hwi didn't attempt to clear the hazard. He had no intention to enter. Instead, he stopped at the top of the step and turned his entire body for a panoramic view of the surroundings.

"Your Majesty," said Noh Ha Kyung.

"There once was a time I lived on this side of the palace," Hwi began. "I didn't have a single worry in the world."

Hwi reminisced on his youth era. Normally, he'd tear up as he reflected upon life before the palace.   This time, however, he didn't.

"Then, I entered the palace and my entire life changed," he continued. "The old me was forced to die."

Hwi smiled here and there as he continued to summarize his adolescent years. This was him completely letting go of his past. For the first time in his life, he was content with himself and comfortable enough to connect with her at a level he never even knew he would be able to reach.

"At first, I was scared but I eventually learned that fear won't lead me anywhere. I thought that my life was planned for me, which I thought was unfair. Then, I finally learned that it's all destiny. This was all arranged by the heavens."

Hwi turned to Noh Ha Kyung, who was still listening intently.

"I can't change my destiny," said Hwi. "But I can make the best of it."

Noh Ha Kyung smiled and grabbed his hands.

"There's a reason why I kept this place a secret," said Hwi. "Now, I don't have to anymore because I found the best version of me."

"I'm glad you think this way, my lord," said Noh Ha Kyung.

"I will order for the demolition of this entire area tomorrow morning," said Hwi.

"Things are finally getting better around here and will only continue to be better."