Chapter Text
Jongho set his brush down on the table and leaned back in his seat. His knees ached from sitting in the same position for so long. The floor cushion seemed to have grown hard beneath him. He’d spent nearly the entire day reading reports and sending orders to various officials throughout the kingdom. He had to admit he’d slacked a little in his duties and needed to take the time to make sure things were going well. Especially with the seemingly covetous plans going on behind his back. Without definite proof, Jongho couldn’t do much about it. Sure, he could choose to wield his power as King and simply remove them, but a King’s power was only as strong as the people who followed him.
Jaegeun and those around him still weren’t completely out of Jongho’s mind. He always knew there were men who thought differently from him. That was natural and the way things should be. It was the entire purpose of having a King’s council. To discuss and help him make decisions for the betterment and good of the kingdom. The trouble was when the council’s desires only benefited themselves. So far though, they’d been rather sly in how they’ve done things.
Jongho let out a long sigh then leaned forward to fold up his most recent message now that it had dried. He lifted the small spoon of wax he’d left to melt over a candle and poured it over the paper’s edge then used his ring to leave a seal. Seonghwa took the letters from him and gave them to the waiting courier outside the King’s office doors. He looked up at the sound of footsteps and noticed San walking toward him.
“Lord San.” Seonghwa greeted him respectfully. With others around, it was only proper to address the noble as such. Even if San gave him a slightly annoyed look at the term.
“Is his Majesty inside?” San asked giving a quick bow in reply.
“Yes, of course.” Seonghwa stepped back inside and allowed San entrance to the King’s office.
Jongho sat upright at the sound of San’s voice then slumped down a little when he realized he’d come alone. Seonghwa closed the door behind San and the two of them walked closer to where Jongho sat at his desk. Jongho gestured toward the cushions on the floor in front of him and both men knelt on them comfortably.
“Where is Yeosang? Is he not with you?” Jongho asked, not at all bothering to hide his interest in his Queen. He had hoped he had come to see him but that hope was instantly dashed. Yeosang hadn’t come to the office thus far anyway.
“Wooyoung accompanied him back to your chambers. Yeosang said he had an appointment with Mingi.” San explained as he settled. His sword was untied from his waist then laid down, in it’s sheath, on the floor beside him.
“Mingi has been enjoying spending time with him, too.” Seonghwa smiled. “He’d been so worried about Yunho, I’m glad he’s had a good friend to keep him distracted.”
San nodded with a heavy sigh. “That’s true. We all were worried a lot the last weeks.”
Jongho watched his cousin for several moments. Despite San’s easy going appearance, there was a tension to his shoulders. Jongho’s brows furrowed at the realization that this wasn’t just a social visit. “San, what’s wrong?”
San cracked his neck to one side and adjusted his hips back and forth until he was settled again. He leaned forward and laced his fingers together on the desk. Jongho leaned forward, too. The expression San now wore was concerning him even before the words left his mouth.
“Earlier, in the garden, Jaegeun approached Yeosang again.” San held up his hand when Jongho moved to get up. “Let me finish first.”
“Right, sorry- Why was he there? Is Yeosang okay?” Jongho tugged at the already loosened collar of his robes. It was clear the news was something he wasn’t eager to hear.
“He’s fine. More than fine, actually.” San assured Jongho before he continued. “Jaegeun visited him while in the gazebo. I’d stepped away to ask the maids to bring food for Yeosang and when I returned Jaegeun was speaking to him. I heard most of it.”
Jongho frowned at that. Jaegeun once again was making a nuisance of himself. But this was also the second time he’d sought out Yeosang when Jongho wasn’t around. The first time being the Queen’s palace only days after Yeosang had been attacked and injured by the assassin. That alone didn’t sit right with Jongho. Then the incident with the council meeting and now this.
“What did Gukgong Jaegeun want with Yeosang?” Seonghwa asked. He shifted his body to face San just a little. Enough that he could easily keep an eye on Jongho, too, despite the safety in the office.
“From what I observed, he was trying to get under Yeosang’s skin. He questioned his ability to control his emotions. But Jaegeun also got a surprise with the way Yeosang handled him. He stood his ground and called Jaegeun out for his inappropriate comments.”
Jongho couldn’t help the small smirk that lifted one corner of his lips. Still, it bothered him that Jaegeun was seeking Yeosang out again. “He must have wanted something else. From what I learned about the council meeting, they were trying to make decisions without interference. But Jaegeun has always been a little too interested in my Queen.”
“That concerns me as well.” San admitted. “He didn’t tell me everything that happened while I was away, but Yeosang did say he doesn’t feel comfortable around him. He wants to find out more. Specifically what ties Jaegeun may have with the Southern Kingdom.”
“I’ve been meaning to find out more about that myself. Jaegeun was the one who pushed so much for the Southern Kingdom’s princess.” Seonghwa interrupted. He tapped a few fingers on Jongho’s desk while he sorted his thoughts.
“Jaegeun claimed he was deceived as well. Likely trying to accuse Yeosang of purposefully lying about who he was. No indication as to what his reasoning was.” San’s arms folded over his chest and his brows dropped into a look of suspicious concern.
“Whatever his reasons, his interest in Yeosang is something to remain cautious of.” Jongho licked his lips. He pushed himself up from the desk and back to his feet with a groan. His knees still ached and it took him a moment to work it out. He moved around the desk and paced with his hands behind his back.
“That and whatever he has going on in his province.” San stood up as well, followed by Seonghwa.
Jongho paused in his step and turned toward them. “Seonghwa, call for another courier. A different one.”
“Of course.” Seonghwa didn’t question his sudden request before he went to the door and sent one of the guards for a courier.
Jongho slipped passed San again and knelt on his cushion. He pulled a fresh parchment into the center of his desk then picked up his brush and began to write again.
“What’s this?” San stood behind as Jongho continued to write in his elegant scroll.
“I’m sending a letter to the Southern King. Word has surely spread about Yeosang but I want to see what sort of response he’ll send if I tell him things are going well with the marriage.”
San furrowed his brow at that. “Will he not demand to send Yeosang back to him? It seemed the original plan had been to hide his identity then kill him before any of us found out.”
“He can’t any longer. It will have been passed the 40 days by the time the courier arrives to the Southern palace.” Jongho smiled to himself in a strange sort of sad way.
The time had gone by quickly but not without struggle. However, Jongho was glad to know things were settling better than hoped. Especially since Yeosang was nearly killed shortly after their wedding. And the attack during the Ceremonial parade that could have harmed them more than it did. Even with his and Wooyoung’s illness from the poison arrows. Yunho’s attack before then, too. So much had happened that Jongho hardly realized the time had passed so quickly. His suspicions made him believe every encounter was connected.
“I’m also going to see what more I can find out. Ask about Jaegeun and his family in a way that makes it seem simply curious. Jaegeun claims to not have known about Yeosang specifically, but the way he’s acting… I’m not sure I believe it.” Jongho explained. He dipped his brush into the black ink well near the corner and continued to write.
Seonghwa stood across the desk with his hands at his sides, one resting on the hilt of his sword out of habit. “Do you expect the King to reply?”
“I’m uncertain, but even that is a clue in itself.” Jongho checked his words then wrote a few more sentences before he set the brush down to allow it to dry. He wrote a second note, shorter and precise before he allowed it to dry alongside the first. “There. One letter for the King and another for one of our contacts in the Southern Kingdom. One way or another, we’ll receive information.”
Jongho looked up at the two guards. He grimaced as another thought came to him. “Yeosang himself doesn’t quite know why he was sent here, other than to be rid of him. I want to know why he specifically was chosen. Surely it wouldn’t have been difficult for them to handle it in other ways. They could have used any woman for their plans and yet they chose a man. They chose Yeosang. Still— I’m glad he came here instead of an alternative.”
“Coming here really was the best outcome for him.” San shook his head solemnly. “Even with the small bits he has shared with us, his Tutor had been truly horrible toward him. Not to mention his own father abandoning him and ordering his assassination.”
Seonghwa shifted his weight back and forth. “Yeosang mentioned once that his appearance has been called a curse. There are many foreign lands where others have light hair and eyes.”
“I think it was just an excuse to treat him less than human.” Jongho frowned again. How anyone could see such features and call Yeosang anything less than beautiful was impossible for him to imagine. “Keep a close eye on him as much as you can. I don’t want Yeosang to ever be alone.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. And now that Wooyoung is back on his feet you’d have to physically drag him away.” San chuckled softly. Despite the seriousness of the situation, he was endeared by the friendship that Wooyoung had formed with Yeosang. He’d probably sleep in his room if Yeosang still resided in the Queen’s palace full-time.
Once the letters were fully dried, Jongho folded and sealed the with his crest like he always did. He wrote the names for each recipient, then handed them over to Seonghwa to take care of. The Captain immediately requested a courier be called for as Jongho walked toward the window and glanced outside. It was passed lunch time and he still had work to do, but Jongho couldn’t help wanting to see Yeosang. Just to put his own thoughts at ease that he truly was alright. Yeosang was often quiet but at least he was honest when others asked him questions.
Despite the things San had told him about the day, Jongho’s mind began to wander toward more intimate moments. The smile on Yeosang’s face as he learned archery. The way he lit up when he was reading one of the fantasy stories Hongjoong had shown him or the book San bought in the market. And no matter how hard he tried not to dwell on it, the kiss shared in the secret tunnel behind the King’s throne. Everything after it was still hazy thanks to weakness from the poison. But Jongho fully remembered what it felt like to feel Yeosang in his arms. The warmth of his lips against his own and the way his body felt as though it melted against Jongho’s. It had been a couple of weeks since then.
“Is Yeosang busy this evening?” Jongho asked suddenly, looking over his shoulder.
“Not that I know of.” San mentally checked his schedule than shook his head. “No, I don’t think he planned to visit the library today. He claimed he needed a break from all of the new information.”
“At the rate Yeosang has been going, I’m not surprised. Hongjoong may have to watch out for his title of King’s scholar.” Seonghwa chuckled softly. Despite his own stoic nature, the guard Captain’s mask often melted for their Queen. And for his lover.
Jongho swallowed then cleared his throat. “I’d like dinner for the two of us then. In my chambers.”
San and Seonghwa looked at each other then shared a smile before San nodded his head. “Of course, I will have it arranged and let Yeosang know to expect you. He’ll be happy.”
Jongho’s brows lifted but he kept himself from asking ‘really?’ and instead bounced a single time on his heels. San started to laugh at his reaction but quickly schooled his expression when a knock came at the door. Jongho still gave him a half-hearted glare.
“That should be the courier.” Seonghwa explained then answered the door. “These are to be delivered directly to their recipients by your hands.”
“Yes, sir.” The courier bowed in a full 90 degrees before he took the letter and carefully secured it in his satchel. “I will deliver them safely, Your Majesty.”
Jongho gave the courier a nod and watched him leave. He cleared his throat then flicked his robes behind himself as he sat down once again behind his desk. “Well. I better finish my reports for the day then.”
San smirked then stepped back to leave as well. “Make sure you don’t lose track of time. Wouldn’t want to disappoint your cute wife.”
“Yah.” Jongho’s face flushed crimson. He’d tried so hard to keep his thoughts contained but they bled onto his cheeks anyway. San started to laugh again and Jongho threw a spare pillow at him.
Grinning like a cat, San slipped away from the King’s office and returned to the King’s chambers to find Yeosang.
・┆✦ʚ♡ɞ✦ ┆・
Yeosang sat with his hands placed in his lap as Mingi brushed through his long hair. Blond pieces of it lay around him on the floor, joined by the loose strands that Mingi brushed loose. Yeosang smiled at his own reflection then flicked his gaze toward Mingi. His lips were curved into a small pout and his brows furrowed with concentration. Mingi took his duties seriously but Yeosang couldn’t help but find his expression cute.
“Almost done.” Mingi bent down out of sight as he measured the ends of Yeosang’s hair and snipped a few more pieces. “Are you still feeling okay? I’ve touched you a lot.”
“I’m fine, thank you, Mingi.” Yeosang replied. He had to admit that he rather enjoyed Mingi’s presence and the way he always remembered to check in with him. Ever since Mingi learned of how Yeosang was dressed and manhandled in the Southern Kingdom, he’d been especially vigilant in asking permission. That alone made Yeosang feel remarkably safe with him. He even sometimes asked Mingi to brush his hair just for the comfort. And for the chance to simply talk with no real subject.
Mingi gave him a single, affirmative hum in response. Yeosang closed his eyes and relaxed while Mingi finished. He’d asked him for help trimming his hair earlier that morning and Mingi had been more than happy to help once he was free in the afternoon. He listened carefully to what Yeosang wanted and executed it flawlessly. No demands to keep it the same, no forcing him into a chair, no comments on the ‘curse’ behind his light hair and eyes. Mingi treated him just like any other person and that meant a lot to the former Prince.
“There, that should be the last of it.” Mingi brushed through Yeosang’s hair again to shake loose anything left behind. He then used a smaller fluffy brush to dust any remaining off of Yeosang’s clothes to be swept up with the rest.
“Thank you!” Yeosang smiled up at Mingi then looked back at his reflection. At first glance there wasn’t much difference but as Yeosang combed his fingers through his hair he could feel the healthy ends ended a few inches sooner than they used to. All the tugging and tight twists his hair had been subject to, had damaged some of it before coming to Crescent. Wearing the veil and being gagged all the time hadn’t helped. Now, he felt a little lighter and like he had some control over his own body. “Are you sure having my face framed like this isn’t too feminine?”
“Of course not.” Mingi assured him. “While we all tend to have our hair tied back, it isn’t some sort of law. It’s just easier when working.” He smiled as he gathered some of Yeosang’s hair up behind his head then pulled his bangs free again. He quirked a brow up in question as he waited for Yeosang’s thoughts on the styling. “As long as you like it, that’s all that matters.”
The Queen’s cheeks flushed softly at his own reflection. He had to admit he liked how soft it made him look. He couldn’t help but wonder if he looked like his mother in those moments. He didn’t resemble his father much at all and had never really seen her. “It can all be pulled back though, right? If I want to?”
“Of course. Especially when you’re practicing archery or just want it out of your face. I’ve left the sides long enough that I can pull them back, too.” Mingi demonstrated once again with his hands. Half up styles, fully pulled up, and even fully down. Mingi had left short bangs over Yeosang’s forehead and to the sides of his face just barely longer than the corners of his eyes but the longer pieces could easily be tied up like the rest.
Yeosang relaxed again and smiled. He reached up and took Mingi’s hand into his own. “Thank you, again. I really appreciate it.”
“Any time. I mean it.” Mingi squeezed Yeosang’s hand in return.
Wooyoung walked over from where he’d been sitting to keep himself out of the way. He tucked a book under his arm. Yeosang turned to look up at him and Wooyoung smiled. The guard reached out to move some of Yeosang’s hair away from his face then let it fall down naturally near his shoulder. “Even prettier than before. How is that possible?”
“Stop.” Yeosang laughed and playfully shoved his hand away. Wooyoung’s answering laugh quickly drew in Mingi’s as well. For his part, Wooyoung had been working tirelessly to help Yeosang feel more comfortable with being called ‘beautiful’ and ‘pretty’. Words that described him just as well as ‘handsome’ did. It seemed to be working if only with the knowledge that Wooyoung always meant it without malicious intent.
“I’ll have the maids prepare your bath. Please excuse me a moment.” Mingi squeezed Yeosang’s shoulder before he walked away and toward the attached room that served as the King’s bath.
Just as he left the room, there was a knock at the door. San poked his head in before Wooyoung had the chance to step away from where Yeosang still sat at the vanity. The guard remained relaxed and even brightened up at the sight of his partner.
“I was hoping you’d still be here.” San stepped inside and closed the door. Yeosang nodded for Wooyoung to greet him and watched with a smile as the two guards shared a rare moment.
San’s arm wrapped around Wooyoung’s waist as the younger pressed a quick kiss to his cheek then the corner of his lips. Yeosang learned about their personal relationship while Wooyoung was still unconscious from the poison and now he could see it in their every day movements. The way San’s eyes sometimes followed Wooyoung when they walked through the garden. The way Wooyoung naturally gravitated toward San the moment they were behind closed doors. Since then, he’d encouraged them that they could do such while in his presence, since most of their time was spent guarding him. While they never really fully relaxed due to their duty to protect the Queen, they did allow themselves small moments.
Yeosang smiled at their affection and turned to look at himself in the mirror again. He picked up the brush and carefully brushed his own hair as a way to busy himself while the two guards caught up with one another. Yeosang liked being a person they could trust. Someone they could truly be themselves around. San had told him how much Wooyoung meant to him during a late night. Yeosang had finally left Jongho’s side only to walk a bit and stretch his legs as well as to check on Wooyoung. It was a short conversation, but one that stuck with him.
Yeosang found himself thinking back to the day Jongho kissed him. Whether it was a one-time thing or not. If Jongho truly meant all of what he’d said when it was just the two of them, hidden in the secret passage. Jongho’s golden skin kissed by the warm light of the torches. The heat of his stare. The strange feeling the moment Jongho’s lips touched his own. So different from any other touch he’d had before in his life. His heart raced at the memory. So many emotions had flooded Yeosang in such a short time. Anxiety quickly followed by the intense relief that Jongho was awake and standing in front of him. Of knowing he was treasured enough that the King himself came to rescue him from a situation he put himself in. Yet instead of feeling embarrassed by it, Yeosang had only felt cared for.
Wooyoung’s fingers wrapped around Yeosang’s wrist gently. Yeosang startled a little and looked up at him. He hadn’t realized he’d even moved. His fingers pulled away from his lips and Yeosang’s cheeks flamed red at being caught in his thoughts like that.
San smiled knowingly from next to Wooyoung. “Sorry, we didn’t mean to startle you.” They didn’t know all of the details, but they knew something had happened.
“No, it’s alright.” Yeosang stood up when Wooyoung let go of him. He smoothed out the white single layer jeogori he wore. “I was just thinking.”
Wooyoung opened his mouth to tease but San quickly stopped him. Yeosang blushed a little despite none of Wooyoung’s words leaving his lips. San cleared his throat with a smile. “King Jongho wants to have dinner with you this evening.”
“Don’t we eat together most of the time?” Yeosang asked, looking between the two guards.
“He means just you.” San clarified and couldn’t hold back his endeared grin at Yeosang’s expression as he realized.
“O-oh.” Yeosang played with a section of his hair, twisting it around his fingers, trying to act nonchalant. “Any particular reason?”
“I imagine since he’s been busy and wants to have some time with his Queen.”
“His wife, you mean?” Wooyoung wiggled his brows then laughed when Yeosang flushed even more.
San pulled Wooyoung close and whispered in his ear. Wooyoung smirked up at him but held himself back from further teasing for now. They all knew it was all in good fun, though. Yeosang didn’t truly mind it. He knew they didn’t think of him as a woman, despite their unprecedented marriage. And it was indeed a legally recognized marriage, according to Hongjoong’s study of the current laws. So in a way, Yeosang was indeed the King’s wife, even if the term was traditionally used for women. It was more the position, wasn’t it?
“I think it would be nice.” Yeosang fiddled with his hair again then looked at the two guards. “I haven’t seen him very often these last few days.”
San nodded his head. “We’ll be nearby, of course. So you’ll both remain safe. But I think this will be a good opportunity for both of you, too. No demands, no distractions. Just a chance to get to know one another beneath the crown.”
Yeosang’s shoulders slowly relaxed as he listened to San speak. “It’s been difficult to find time together. Between my studies and Jongho’s duties as King.”
San smiled again then nodded toward the bathing room. Mingi stood in the doorway with his hands folded in front of himself, patiently waiting. “Go ahead and enjoy your bath. You’ve a few hours before then. I’ll inform the maids of your plans.”
“Thank you, San.” Yeosang gave him a shy smile before he turned to follow Mingi into the baths. Behind him, San and Wooyoung moved closer to the chamber doors to stand guard.
Inside the room was warm as the steam rose from the bath. Yeosang had marveled at it the first time he’d seen it. The size was quite large but well maintained, as was befitting a King. It could easily bathe several men rather than just the one it was meant for.
The last maid poured a bucket of fire-heated water into the bath then bowed as she left through the servants’ entrance. Yeosang watched as Mingi sprinkled a pleasantly scented oil into the water as well as several dried flower petals. The aroma was soothing and Yeosang couldn’t help but close his eyes and breath it in. He could hear Mingi moving around him as he set out his supplies as well as a new change of clothes for Yeosang once he was finished. At the sound of the door closing, Yeosang opened his eyes again and turned.
“Ready?” Mingi asked with a gentle expression.
Yeosang licked his lips then nodded his head. “Yes…thank you.” He turned his back and begun to untie the front of his jeogori. Mingi stepped up behind him and helped remove it from Yeosang’s shoulders before he carefully laid it in the basket the maids would take to wash later. Careful of his nudeness, Mingi helped Yeosang step into the bath with an open palm. Yeosang’s pale fingers held on to avoid slipping as he slowly settled into the hot water.
“Mm…it’s always so warm.” Yeosang nearly moaned at the temperature. Having grown up with rough hands and lukewarm water at best, the heated bath was something he cherished. He settled against the edge and waited for Mingi to place the bath pillow under his neck before he leaned his head back all the way. Mingi had helped him bathe a few times at this point and Yeosang knew to expect only the gentlest of touches from him.
“I’m glad it’s to your liking. Let me know if it begins to cool and I’ll stoke the fire stove.” Mingi replied. He rolled his sleeves up and set a small table next to the bath with the soap and shampoo that Yeosang liked. He then set a bucket beneath where Yeosang’s long hair hung over the edge of the bath.
Yeosang settled in as Mingi slowly poured water over his hair to dampen the strands. The way his large hands shielded his face with each ladle of water was so tender it sometimes made Yeosang emotional. The heat of the bath and scent surrounding him only served to relax him further. The ache in his shoulders from daily studies, the strain in his arms from practicing archery. All of it slowly melted away in the water and under Mingi’s fingertips. Yeosang felt like he would doze off if he wasn’t careful.
Mingi hummed softly while he worked. Carefully making sure each strand of hair was cleaned then carefully squeezed of water before he wound it up and placed a hair stick through it on top of Yeosang’s head so it would be out of the way. He then lathered a cloth and began to carefully wash Yeosang’s body. He moved with a slowness that allowed Yeosang the chance to deny him if he felt uncomfortable. Gentle hands lifted Yeosang’s arms and washed them before moving onto his legs. He guided Yeosang to sit upright so he could scrub his back then hesitated before washing Yeosang’s chest. The red, angry scar near his heart still stood out like a beacon against his pale skin.
“Is this alright?” Mingi asked quietly. The room felt almost reverent with the soft sounds of wet cloth on skin and dripping water.
“It’s a little tender still, but you won’t hurt me.” Yeosang opened his eyes and looked at Mingi. He smiled as he reached up and gripped the man’s forearm. “You’re always so gentle.”
“You deserve it.” Mingi continued. His movements were especially careful around the healed knife wound as he washed over it. He let Yeosang take the cloth and finish cleaning himself while he replaced the bath pillow with a rolled-up towel so that Yeosang could more comfortably lean back and soak in the water.
Mingi watched Yeosang settle again before he knelt on the floor and placed two more pieces of wood in the fire stove near it. The heat from the fire filtered into the end of the tub through a pipe and stones to keep it as warm as possible. He sat off to the side, reading one of the books he’d taken from the library as he gave Yeosang time and privacy.
A maid knocked on the servant door after several minutes and Mingi took something from her before he approached the bath. Yeosang opened his eyes again and looked up at him.
“You’ve received a letter. Would you like me to save it until you’ve finished?” Mingi held up the folded parchment with twine tied around it.
Yeosang thought it over a moment before he held out his hand for a towel. “I’ll read it now, please.” Mingi handed it to him and watched him dry his hands before he handed the letter over next.
Yeosang remained leaned back against the bath wall as he untied the note then unfolded it. Curiosity got the better of him and he couldn’t wait. He’d never received a letter before and hoped it was from Jongho. There were no identifying markers or signatures. No seal either, royal or otherwise. Yeosang read over the note then sat upright in the water. A few droplets wet the bottom of the page but didn’t touch any of the ink.
“What is it?” Mingi asked, having not dared to read over Yeosang’s shoulder.
“I’m…not sure.” Yeosang looked up at him then back down to the letter in his hand. It wasn’t anything bad at first glance but something just…felt off to Yeosang. Especially as the letter continued on. The first sentences seemed to just be an admirer, but the more Yeosang read it, the more he began to feel uneasy.
Yeosang carefully folded the letter once again then stood from the bath. Ming quickly gathered up his large towel and held it out for Yeosang. He helped dry him off while Yeosang stared at the letter. Yeosang had gone quiet, never taking his eyes off of it more than necessary as he moved.
“Shall I inform His Majesty?” Mingi asked as he slipped a clean jeogori over Yeosang’s arms, one at a time, then tied it closed.
“No.” Yeosang gripped the letter a little tighter. There just something about the letter that Yeosang couldn’t quite figure out. There was clear threat and he wasn’t sure if he was feeling unsettled because of the contents, or if it simply drug up unpleasant memories from before. Some of it seemed personal yet the handwriting was not familiar to him. “I think it’s just a misguided admirer. We needn’t bother him with it.”
Mingi’s brows furrowed. “Are you certain? He won’t mind—”
“I’m certain.” Yeosang forced a smile over his lips and turned to face Mingi. “I will tell him myself if I feel the need.”
“Of course.” Mingi hesitated before he turned his back to pick up the next layers of Yeosang’s clothing. He quietly helped him dress, unsure what else to say. Friend or not, Yeosang was his Queen, and if he didn’t want Mingi to meddle, he couldn’t. Not yet at least.