Forbidden: Part 3
Title: Forbidden
Pairing: YunJae
Rating: PG
Length: Part 3/? (It's a LONG short story)
Summary: Jae is concerned about the attention his sister is receiving from a dangerous man but he isn't in any position to take care of it himself so he turns to the king. However, the King, Jung Yunho, presents unforeseen complications...
Yunho watched the doctor leave, steeling himself against the disapproving look in the man’s eyes. He knew it wasn’t customary, was in fact taboo, for the King of the land to do what he was about to but he didn’t care.
Once the door closed behind the man, effectively leaving just the two of them in the room, Yunho sat on the bed beside his patient. He picked up a damp cloth from the tray on the table beside the bed and wiped Jaejoong’s sweaty brow. He could see the pain in his features, his eyes squeezed shut, teeth tightly clamped into his bottom lip, and it tore at his heart. He felt sorry for him yet he admired him immensely. Jaejoong hadn’t made a sound since they’d found him, hadn’t complained in the least when they’d brought him back to the King’s chambers and placed him on the bed. Yunho wasn’t sure that even he would have the strength to endure it so silently. The boy was tougher than men twice his age. It increased Yunho’s respect for him tenfold.
Setting aside the wet cloth, he picked up one that had been dipped in medicinal herbs. Jae’s top had been removed so he was bare to the waist. Yunho’s stomach churned at the sight of the angry red slashes in his pale, smooth skin. He felt his own anger rise, regretting that he hadn’t dealt with the Minister in a way that would assuage his fury. But he was wise enough to realize that even the King had his hands tied when it came to certain matters. Minister Lee had to be dealt with, that much was clear, but Yunho would have to be very smart and thorough in the way he went about it. There could be no question about his judgement when the axe fell.
“Oh, Jae…” he sighed as he began to dab at the first cut, “Why didn’t you come to me? I would’ve kept you safe.”
“There wasn’t time,” Jae replied softly, startling Yunho. He opened his eyes and looked at the king as best he could from his current position.
Yunho swept back Jae’s bangs with gentle fingers. “What do you mean?”
“I was on my way here, just passing by the kitchens, when I heard the cooks talking. They didn’t say his name but somehow I knew…” He paused, took a deep breath as the medicine stung his raw wounds. “I wanted to alert you but I would’ve wasted time coming here, then running back there. I couldn’t be sure she’d still be unharmed. But I sent her maid to call you.”
“I was already on my way when I ran into her. She was hysterical but I managed to get your location and the Minister’s name out of her before she fainted.” Yunho put aside the medicinal cloth and picked up a strip that had been coated with a healing salve. “This may sting a little,” he warned.
Jae bit his tongue as the medicine burned his flesh. He hoped to God that whatever it was was worth the pain.
“The cook sent it over,” Yunho informed him. He smiled. “It seems she’s rather fond of you.”
As the burning subsided, Jae relaxed a fraction. Although he didn’t think he loved anyone else besides his sister, he knew he was fond of the cook too. She’d always been kind to him, letting him taste her latest recipes, even showing him how to make some of them. He often passed through the Western kitchens on his way back from his afternoon adventures. She was the closest thing he’d ever had to a mother. Or, maybe like an aunt. Or a cousin.
You really need to stop overthinking things.
“But Jae,” Yunho began, his tone suddenly serious. “You can’t go around attacking the Minister.”
“He molested my sister!” Jae growled.
Yunho’s hand stilled. “Did he…” He trailed off, unable to bring himself to finish the question.
Jae blushed darkly. “No… I mean, I don’t think so but he was…he…her skirt…”
Judging from the various shades of red that flitted across Jae’s face, Yunho had a pretty good idea of what he’d walked in on.
“I see… I’m sorry you had to witness that,” he said carefully. “Are you positive that it wasn’t consensual?”
When Jae tried to raise up in indignation, Yunho pressed both hands to his shoulders to keep him down. He could feel the temper thrumming beneath his skin.
“She would never, ever allow that animal to touch her, to…defile her the way he did. I’m going to kill him,” Jae swore, elicting a surprised gasp from Yunho.
Yunho had never seen him like this, this side of him. Jae was always timid and uncertain around him. He knew that when it came to his sister his claws came out but even then, he never imagined that he could be so deadly. It was oddly attractive, increasing his admiration for the boy. It was also incredibly dangerous.
“Jae…” He chose his words carefully. “I know you’re very angry right now but don’t be rash. I will do everything in my power to protect JiHye but I need your word that you’ll stay away from the Minister. It isn’t wise to tangle with him.”
“I can take him,” Jae argued, his hands curling into a fist at his sides. “I’ll make him pay.”
Yunho felt a shiver of fear down his spine. “Jae, please. Listen to me.”
“Then you do it,” Jae demanded. “You’re the King, he’s your servant.”
Yunho knew Jae was not in his right mind to speak to him so casually and offensively so he let it go. It also made him think that, perhaps, Jae was finally opening up to the point where he didn’t feel like he had to be as guarded with Yunho as he previously was. Well, at least in that moment.
“Jae, I am King but there are limits to even my power. A king without his subjects is no king at all. A ruler must have people to rule but at the same time, it hinders him because public perception matters a great deal, and in our kingdom, the king isn’t the only one with power. The Ministers are there to maintain checks and balances but, unfortunately, some of the Ministers are corrupt and that makes them very dangerous men. Minister Lee is perhaps the worst of the bunch. He’s not only a threat to JiHye, he’s a threat to me. I know he’s probably plotting to have me dethroned, if not worse, and I’m keeping as close of an eye as I can without alerting him of it but as a result, I cannot act rashly no matter how I may want to. I would love to avenge JiHye for you but it isn’t that simple. If you continue to attack him publicly, you’ll only make things worse for yourself. He has a lot of powerful allies, it would be very easy for him to turn the situation around on the two of you. If it came to that, my hands would be tied.”
“But… Your word is law,” Jae accused incredulously. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Yunho smiled sadly. “It should be, but it honestly isn’t. Even I am not exempt from speculation or the limitations of the rules of our society. Politics is a very nasty game. There must be peace in house to keep peace throughout the land but things are really not as calm as they seem. There are ripples beneath the surface, things just waiting to bubble up and explode. I am trying as best as I can to keep things under control but… It’s hard,” he admitted defeatedly. “Imagine, a King who’s a stranger in his own land.” He chuckled mirthlessly.
Again, Jae was reminded of the stories he’d read during his visits with the King. He sympathized with him, pitied him, and understood him. He knew that he was being selfish, his single-minded thought and determination set on JiHye and nothing else, no thought for the consequences or who else might be hurt. He might be willing to die for his sister but it wasn’t fair to expect the King to or to drag him into their mess when his position was already so precarious.
“I’m sorry, sire,” Jae said, closing his eyes and sounding suddenly weary. “I shouldn’t have spoken to you so harshly without consideration for your own position. I shouldn’t expect you to…put yourself on the line for us. It isn’t your responsibility.”
Yunho felt like he had been slapped in the face. “Jae, I… I hope you don’t think I don’t care about you, you and JiHye. That I don’t take my duty to you seriously. That couldn’t be farthest from the truth. I…”
Just then, the doors opened and a guard poked his head inside.
Yunho didn’t know if to be relieved or irritated. He was somewhere between the two. He wasn’t sure exactly what he’d been about to say so he figured that the interruption was probably for the best.
“Your majesty. The young lord’s sister is here.”
He stood up. “Let her in.”
A flurry of pink silk raced into the room, pausing only long enough to dip into a messy bow, before making her way to the side of the bed, forcing him to take a step back to get out of her way or risk being bowled over.
“I’m sorry,” JiHye said wretchedly, bursting into tears as soon as she knelt at her brother’s side, taking his hand in hers. “I’m so sorry.”
Jae smiled and squeezed her hand, though he didn’t open his eyes. “It’s okay,” he assured her. “It’s not your fault.”
JiHye shifted, dropping to one side as she laid her head on the pillow next to her brother’s, leaning her forehead against his. “I tried to stop him, I truly did.”
“I know,” Jae said soothingly. “It’ll be okay. We’ll be okay.”
Yunho watched them, feeling like he was intruding on a private moment. They were carbon copies of each other. He’d already known that but seeing them so close together, the features on the right side of her face and the left side of his the only parts exposed, it was startling just how identical they were. Perfect symmetry. The only distinction was the birthmark under Jae’s chin.
He’d never had what they had, with anyone. He couldn’t help but feel a stab of envy, although he’d never deny them each other. They were already so alone in this cruel world. He knew what that felt like. Except…
They aren’t alone, he thought. They have me.
They might not know it, might not believe it, but they did. And he’d find a way, no matter what he had to do, to keep them safe. To protect their innocence from the evils of the world. Starting with Minister Lee.
Later that night, Jaejoong was awakened by the sensation that someone was in the room with him watching him. He opened his eyes and was surprised to see the Queen standing beside him. He was still in the King’s chambers and she had every right to be there but it was shocking nonetheless.
“You’re awake,” she said, smiling.
It didn’t reach her eyes, though, and that made him uncomfortable. He looked around, as far as he could see from his limited vantage point, for the King or his sister, anyone else.
“He stepped out for a minute,” she supplied, having read his expression. “ There was some commotion near the main gate. I imagine he may be a while.” She sat on the bed and picked up a cup from the table. “I heard about what happened earlier and I brought you something to ease the pain. It should help you sleep better too. I made it myself.”
Jae cringed inwardly. He didn’t know why he was so fearful of the Queen’s presence but he was. She unsettled him and in his current vulnerable state, he wanted her as far away from him as possible.
“Let me help you,” she said, placing an arm around his shoulders and pulling him up easily. “You’re really small for a boy, rather feminine actually. I guess it’s not just that pretty face that gets people’s attention.” When she was holding him securely, his back bent at an angle that made the cuts burn, she pressed the cup to his lips and ordered, “Drink.”
Jae was confused by her words and he really didn’t want to drink whatever concoction she’d brewed. It smelled awful and no doubt would taste just as bad.
“Quickly,” she said, a note of steel underlying her words. “This position can’t be very comfortable for you.”
He took a tentative sip, almost gagging when the liquid hit the back of his throat. It was foul. He tried to turn his head away but she shook him, pressing the cup firmly to his lips again.
“You have to drink all of it.”
Jae forced himself to obey, ordered his throat to work, allowing the liquid to slide down without threat of coming back up. It was tough, though. He’d never tasted anything so disgusting. He was beginning to feel light-headed as well, which made him even more wary. The last thing he wanted to do was lose consciousness in her presence. He didn’t feel safe as it was.
His stomach was revolting and he was starting to feel like everything he’d drunk would come spewing forth when a voice spoke behind them.
“What are you doing here?”
For the second time that day, he was surprised yet relieved to hear the King’s voice. The Queen released him instantly, roughly so, and before his head hit the pillow, he was out.
The Queen jumped up from the bed like an errant child who’d been caught unaware but her features were schooled, smoothed out into an emotionless, impassive expression.
“My lord,” she said, dipping her head dutifully.
“What are you doing here?” Yunho repeated, his face hard. He’d only left Jae’s side because he’d heard that there was a commotion at the gate between some high ranking officials and he had a very hands on approach about the running of his kingdom but when he’d gotten there, whatever had been going on, if anything at all, had been long finished. Now that he’d found the Queen in his chambers with Jae, alone, he couldn’t help being a little suspicious.
“I heard that there’d been an incident involving this young man and his sister and that he’d been injured.” She shrugged her shoulders delicately. “As your wife, I felt it my duty to check up on him. After all, he, I mean they, seem to be of great importance to you, thus they are important to me too.”
Yunho’s eyes narrowed. It was the second time that day that his relationship with the twins, Jae specifically, had been called into question. He took the cup from the Queen’s hand and sniffed it. He recognized the smell immediately and anger welled up inside of him.
“Why would you give him this?” he demanded.
He saw recognition flash in her eyes but still she pretended not to know what he meant. “My lord, it will ease his pain and help him sleep.”
“You know damn well that sleep isn’t the only thing it will do to him,” Yunho bit out between clenched teeth, barely suppressing his fury.
She shrugged again. “The dreams are an unfortunate side effect of the medicine.”
Yunho grabbed her arm, wrenching her to him, so that they stood toe to toe, and stared down into her eyes. “What the hell are you up to?”
She blinked. “My lord?”
He squeezed her arm painfully. “Don’t play games with me. There are other potions you could give him if you simply wanted to ease his pain or help him sleep.”
She dropped her eyes. “My lord, I’m sorry if I’ve displeased you in some way. It was not my intention.”
Disgusted, Yunho dropped her arm and turned away. “Get out.” He placed the cup on the table and reclaimed his spot on the bed beside Jae, gently brushing the hair off his forehead. It was warm: he was running a low fever.
With his back turned, he didn’t see the anger and pain in the eyes that were boring holes in his back.
“My lord, there is something else I wish to discuss with you,” she said suddenly.
“Later,” Yunho replied without turning around.
A heated blush stole across her cheeks as her ire grew. “It is of great importance, my lord.”
With a sound of impatience, Yunho jumped to his feet and walked several feet away from the bed. He didn’t want their conversation to disturb Jae’s sleep. He crossed his arms over his chest and waited for her to speak.
“An emissary from Ruan is set to arrive within a forthnight, my lord. I’m sure you know what that means,” she began.
Yunho raised a brow in question.
“The issue of an heir will no doubt be brought up as the King, my father, will likely want a report on the matter as he has in the past.”
Yunho resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “We’ve had this conversation before, my lady. We’re both young, there is no need to rush into this. Let nature take its due course.”
Temper flashed in her eyes though her tone remained even. “And how is nature expected to ‘take its course’ without your assistance, my lord? Babies don’t make themselves.”
Yunho had the grace to blush. Her words were true and honest. They had consummated their marriage on the day of their wedding but he hadn’t touched her since. That was four years ago.
“Perhaps if you could show as much care and consideration for your own wife, for the future of your kingdom, as you do for these children,” she added.
“The future of my kingdom is no concern of yours, my lady,” he snapped.
“Oh, but it is,” she corrected. “You forget, it’s my kingdom too. And if, God forbid, something were to happen to me before an heir is born, the alliance between this kingdom and my father’s would become null and void. Our marriage sealed that alliance, our children will further strengthen it. There are already enemies within these walls, my lord. Do not make the mistake of alienating the only true friends you have.”
“True friends would not use threats and deceit to get their way,” Yunho countered gruffly.
“Sometimes one must risk all and take matters into one’s own hands to get what one wants, my lord,” she acknowledged, her words tinged with a hint of sadness.
Bowing low, she turned and walked towards the door, opened it and let herself out, leaving him to stare after her in wondrous confusion.
FAQS & Movie Links
Part IV
Pairing: YunJae
Rating: PG
Length: Part 3/? (It's a LONG short story)
Summary: Jae is concerned about the attention his sister is receiving from a dangerous man but he isn't in any position to take care of it himself so he turns to the king. However, the King, Jung Yunho, presents unforeseen complications...
Yunho watched the doctor leave, steeling himself against the disapproving look in the man’s eyes. He knew it wasn’t customary, was in fact taboo, for the King of the land to do what he was about to but he didn’t care.
Once the door closed behind the man, effectively leaving just the two of them in the room, Yunho sat on the bed beside his patient. He picked up a damp cloth from the tray on the table beside the bed and wiped Jaejoong’s sweaty brow. He could see the pain in his features, his eyes squeezed shut, teeth tightly clamped into his bottom lip, and it tore at his heart. He felt sorry for him yet he admired him immensely. Jaejoong hadn’t made a sound since they’d found him, hadn’t complained in the least when they’d brought him back to the King’s chambers and placed him on the bed. Yunho wasn’t sure that even he would have the strength to endure it so silently. The boy was tougher than men twice his age. It increased Yunho’s respect for him tenfold.
Setting aside the wet cloth, he picked up one that had been dipped in medicinal herbs. Jae’s top had been removed so he was bare to the waist. Yunho’s stomach churned at the sight of the angry red slashes in his pale, smooth skin. He felt his own anger rise, regretting that he hadn’t dealt with the Minister in a way that would assuage his fury. But he was wise enough to realize that even the King had his hands tied when it came to certain matters. Minister Lee had to be dealt with, that much was clear, but Yunho would have to be very smart and thorough in the way he went about it. There could be no question about his judgement when the axe fell.
“Oh, Jae…” he sighed as he began to dab at the first cut, “Why didn’t you come to me? I would’ve kept you safe.”
“There wasn’t time,” Jae replied softly, startling Yunho. He opened his eyes and looked at the king as best he could from his current position.
Yunho swept back Jae’s bangs with gentle fingers. “What do you mean?”
“I was on my way here, just passing by the kitchens, when I heard the cooks talking. They didn’t say his name but somehow I knew…” He paused, took a deep breath as the medicine stung his raw wounds. “I wanted to alert you but I would’ve wasted time coming here, then running back there. I couldn’t be sure she’d still be unharmed. But I sent her maid to call you.”
“I was already on my way when I ran into her. She was hysterical but I managed to get your location and the Minister’s name out of her before she fainted.” Yunho put aside the medicinal cloth and picked up a strip that had been coated with a healing salve. “This may sting a little,” he warned.
Jae bit his tongue as the medicine burned his flesh. He hoped to God that whatever it was was worth the pain.
“The cook sent it over,” Yunho informed him. He smiled. “It seems she’s rather fond of you.”
As the burning subsided, Jae relaxed a fraction. Although he didn’t think he loved anyone else besides his sister, he knew he was fond of the cook too. She’d always been kind to him, letting him taste her latest recipes, even showing him how to make some of them. He often passed through the Western kitchens on his way back from his afternoon adventures. She was the closest thing he’d ever had to a mother. Or, maybe like an aunt. Or a cousin.
You really need to stop overthinking things.
“But Jae,” Yunho began, his tone suddenly serious. “You can’t go around attacking the Minister.”
“He molested my sister!” Jae growled.
Yunho’s hand stilled. “Did he…” He trailed off, unable to bring himself to finish the question.
Jae blushed darkly. “No… I mean, I don’t think so but he was…he…her skirt…”
Judging from the various shades of red that flitted across Jae’s face, Yunho had a pretty good idea of what he’d walked in on.
“I see… I’m sorry you had to witness that,” he said carefully. “Are you positive that it wasn’t consensual?”
When Jae tried to raise up in indignation, Yunho pressed both hands to his shoulders to keep him down. He could feel the temper thrumming beneath his skin.
“She would never, ever allow that animal to touch her, to…defile her the way he did. I’m going to kill him,” Jae swore, elicting a surprised gasp from Yunho.
Yunho had never seen him like this, this side of him. Jae was always timid and uncertain around him. He knew that when it came to his sister his claws came out but even then, he never imagined that he could be so deadly. It was oddly attractive, increasing his admiration for the boy. It was also incredibly dangerous.
“Jae…” He chose his words carefully. “I know you’re very angry right now but don’t be rash. I will do everything in my power to protect JiHye but I need your word that you’ll stay away from the Minister. It isn’t wise to tangle with him.”
“I can take him,” Jae argued, his hands curling into a fist at his sides. “I’ll make him pay.”
Yunho felt a shiver of fear down his spine. “Jae, please. Listen to me.”
“Then you do it,” Jae demanded. “You’re the King, he’s your servant.”
Yunho knew Jae was not in his right mind to speak to him so casually and offensively so he let it go. It also made him think that, perhaps, Jae was finally opening up to the point where he didn’t feel like he had to be as guarded with Yunho as he previously was. Well, at least in that moment.
“Jae, I am King but there are limits to even my power. A king without his subjects is no king at all. A ruler must have people to rule but at the same time, it hinders him because public perception matters a great deal, and in our kingdom, the king isn’t the only one with power. The Ministers are there to maintain checks and balances but, unfortunately, some of the Ministers are corrupt and that makes them very dangerous men. Minister Lee is perhaps the worst of the bunch. He’s not only a threat to JiHye, he’s a threat to me. I know he’s probably plotting to have me dethroned, if not worse, and I’m keeping as close of an eye as I can without alerting him of it but as a result, I cannot act rashly no matter how I may want to. I would love to avenge JiHye for you but it isn’t that simple. If you continue to attack him publicly, you’ll only make things worse for yourself. He has a lot of powerful allies, it would be very easy for him to turn the situation around on the two of you. If it came to that, my hands would be tied.”
“But… Your word is law,” Jae accused incredulously. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Yunho smiled sadly. “It should be, but it honestly isn’t. Even I am not exempt from speculation or the limitations of the rules of our society. Politics is a very nasty game. There must be peace in house to keep peace throughout the land but things are really not as calm as they seem. There are ripples beneath the surface, things just waiting to bubble up and explode. I am trying as best as I can to keep things under control but… It’s hard,” he admitted defeatedly. “Imagine, a King who’s a stranger in his own land.” He chuckled mirthlessly.
Again, Jae was reminded of the stories he’d read during his visits with the King. He sympathized with him, pitied him, and understood him. He knew that he was being selfish, his single-minded thought and determination set on JiHye and nothing else, no thought for the consequences or who else might be hurt. He might be willing to die for his sister but it wasn’t fair to expect the King to or to drag him into their mess when his position was already so precarious.
“I’m sorry, sire,” Jae said, closing his eyes and sounding suddenly weary. “I shouldn’t have spoken to you so harshly without consideration for your own position. I shouldn’t expect you to…put yourself on the line for us. It isn’t your responsibility.”
Yunho felt like he had been slapped in the face. “Jae, I… I hope you don’t think I don’t care about you, you and JiHye. That I don’t take my duty to you seriously. That couldn’t be farthest from the truth. I…”
Just then, the doors opened and a guard poked his head inside.
Yunho didn’t know if to be relieved or irritated. He was somewhere between the two. He wasn’t sure exactly what he’d been about to say so he figured that the interruption was probably for the best.
“Your majesty. The young lord’s sister is here.”
He stood up. “Let her in.”
A flurry of pink silk raced into the room, pausing only long enough to dip into a messy bow, before making her way to the side of the bed, forcing him to take a step back to get out of her way or risk being bowled over.
“I’m sorry,” JiHye said wretchedly, bursting into tears as soon as she knelt at her brother’s side, taking his hand in hers. “I’m so sorry.”
Jae smiled and squeezed her hand, though he didn’t open his eyes. “It’s okay,” he assured her. “It’s not your fault.”
JiHye shifted, dropping to one side as she laid her head on the pillow next to her brother’s, leaning her forehead against his. “I tried to stop him, I truly did.”
“I know,” Jae said soothingly. “It’ll be okay. We’ll be okay.”
Yunho watched them, feeling like he was intruding on a private moment. They were carbon copies of each other. He’d already known that but seeing them so close together, the features on the right side of her face and the left side of his the only parts exposed, it was startling just how identical they were. Perfect symmetry. The only distinction was the birthmark under Jae’s chin.
He’d never had what they had, with anyone. He couldn’t help but feel a stab of envy, although he’d never deny them each other. They were already so alone in this cruel world. He knew what that felt like. Except…
They aren’t alone, he thought. They have me.
They might not know it, might not believe it, but they did. And he’d find a way, no matter what he had to do, to keep them safe. To protect their innocence from the evils of the world. Starting with Minister Lee.
Later that night, Jaejoong was awakened by the sensation that someone was in the room with him watching him. He opened his eyes and was surprised to see the Queen standing beside him. He was still in the King’s chambers and she had every right to be there but it was shocking nonetheless.
“You’re awake,” she said, smiling.
It didn’t reach her eyes, though, and that made him uncomfortable. He looked around, as far as he could see from his limited vantage point, for the King or his sister, anyone else.
“He stepped out for a minute,” she supplied, having read his expression. “ There was some commotion near the main gate. I imagine he may be a while.” She sat on the bed and picked up a cup from the table. “I heard about what happened earlier and I brought you something to ease the pain. It should help you sleep better too. I made it myself.”
Jae cringed inwardly. He didn’t know why he was so fearful of the Queen’s presence but he was. She unsettled him and in his current vulnerable state, he wanted her as far away from him as possible.
“Let me help you,” she said, placing an arm around his shoulders and pulling him up easily. “You’re really small for a boy, rather feminine actually. I guess it’s not just that pretty face that gets people’s attention.” When she was holding him securely, his back bent at an angle that made the cuts burn, she pressed the cup to his lips and ordered, “Drink.”
Jae was confused by her words and he really didn’t want to drink whatever concoction she’d brewed. It smelled awful and no doubt would taste just as bad.
“Quickly,” she said, a note of steel underlying her words. “This position can’t be very comfortable for you.”
He took a tentative sip, almost gagging when the liquid hit the back of his throat. It was foul. He tried to turn his head away but she shook him, pressing the cup firmly to his lips again.
“You have to drink all of it.”
Jae forced himself to obey, ordered his throat to work, allowing the liquid to slide down without threat of coming back up. It was tough, though. He’d never tasted anything so disgusting. He was beginning to feel light-headed as well, which made him even more wary. The last thing he wanted to do was lose consciousness in her presence. He didn’t feel safe as it was.
His stomach was revolting and he was starting to feel like everything he’d drunk would come spewing forth when a voice spoke behind them.
“What are you doing here?”
For the second time that day, he was surprised yet relieved to hear the King’s voice. The Queen released him instantly, roughly so, and before his head hit the pillow, he was out.
The Queen jumped up from the bed like an errant child who’d been caught unaware but her features were schooled, smoothed out into an emotionless, impassive expression.
“My lord,” she said, dipping her head dutifully.
“What are you doing here?” Yunho repeated, his face hard. He’d only left Jae’s side because he’d heard that there was a commotion at the gate between some high ranking officials and he had a very hands on approach about the running of his kingdom but when he’d gotten there, whatever had been going on, if anything at all, had been long finished. Now that he’d found the Queen in his chambers with Jae, alone, he couldn’t help being a little suspicious.
“I heard that there’d been an incident involving this young man and his sister and that he’d been injured.” She shrugged her shoulders delicately. “As your wife, I felt it my duty to check up on him. After all, he, I mean they, seem to be of great importance to you, thus they are important to me too.”
Yunho’s eyes narrowed. It was the second time that day that his relationship with the twins, Jae specifically, had been called into question. He took the cup from the Queen’s hand and sniffed it. He recognized the smell immediately and anger welled up inside of him.
“Why would you give him this?” he demanded.
He saw recognition flash in her eyes but still she pretended not to know what he meant. “My lord, it will ease his pain and help him sleep.”
“You know damn well that sleep isn’t the only thing it will do to him,” Yunho bit out between clenched teeth, barely suppressing his fury.
She shrugged again. “The dreams are an unfortunate side effect of the medicine.”
Yunho grabbed her arm, wrenching her to him, so that they stood toe to toe, and stared down into her eyes. “What the hell are you up to?”
She blinked. “My lord?”
He squeezed her arm painfully. “Don’t play games with me. There are other potions you could give him if you simply wanted to ease his pain or help him sleep.”
She dropped her eyes. “My lord, I’m sorry if I’ve displeased you in some way. It was not my intention.”
Disgusted, Yunho dropped her arm and turned away. “Get out.” He placed the cup on the table and reclaimed his spot on the bed beside Jae, gently brushing the hair off his forehead. It was warm: he was running a low fever.
With his back turned, he didn’t see the anger and pain in the eyes that were boring holes in his back.
“My lord, there is something else I wish to discuss with you,” she said suddenly.
“Later,” Yunho replied without turning around.
A heated blush stole across her cheeks as her ire grew. “It is of great importance, my lord.”
With a sound of impatience, Yunho jumped to his feet and walked several feet away from the bed. He didn’t want their conversation to disturb Jae’s sleep. He crossed his arms over his chest and waited for her to speak.
“An emissary from Ruan is set to arrive within a forthnight, my lord. I’m sure you know what that means,” she began.
Yunho raised a brow in question.
“The issue of an heir will no doubt be brought up as the King, my father, will likely want a report on the matter as he has in the past.”
Yunho resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “We’ve had this conversation before, my lady. We’re both young, there is no need to rush into this. Let nature take its due course.”
Temper flashed in her eyes though her tone remained even. “And how is nature expected to ‘take its course’ without your assistance, my lord? Babies don’t make themselves.”
Yunho had the grace to blush. Her words were true and honest. They had consummated their marriage on the day of their wedding but he hadn’t touched her since. That was four years ago.
“Perhaps if you could show as much care and consideration for your own wife, for the future of your kingdom, as you do for these children,” she added.
“The future of my kingdom is no concern of yours, my lady,” he snapped.
“Oh, but it is,” she corrected. “You forget, it’s my kingdom too. And if, God forbid, something were to happen to me before an heir is born, the alliance between this kingdom and my father’s would become null and void. Our marriage sealed that alliance, our children will further strengthen it. There are already enemies within these walls, my lord. Do not make the mistake of alienating the only true friends you have.”
“True friends would not use threats and deceit to get their way,” Yunho countered gruffly.
“Sometimes one must risk all and take matters into one’s own hands to get what one wants, my lord,” she acknowledged, her words tinged with a hint of sadness.
Bowing low, she turned and walked towards the door, opened it and let herself out, leaving him to stare after her in wondrous confusion.
FAQS & Movie Links
Part IV