4 Chapter 4: Il Minjoon (1/2)

”What did you say?”

Hae Gi blinked, her eyes red. The maids could see her lips chattering, her shoulders quivering. The very image of a bird with broken wings.

Dae Hyun, The Emperor, laughed. Not a laugh full of happiness, but a laugh full of sarcasm.

”You think I didn't know? About your infidelity?”

The Emperor sneered. He thought of the days when he was still blinded by love. Chasing her around as he tried to make her love him. Giving her everything she ever wanted, just to make her happy. But it was all for naught, he thought.

”I saw you that night, with a man. You seemed desperate to get out of the palace.”

”..”

”Am I that much of a fool to you?”

The maids were shocked. The Emperor was talking about the Empress. The benevolent Empress who seemed unapproachable and modest. Although that facade breaks when she giggles like a schoolgirl whenever she catches a glimpse of the Emperor. That one-of-a-kind Empress who always invades the kitchen in order to cook a snack for her beloved. And yet, that lovestruck woman is being accused of infidelity?

The Empress sighed, she shifted the baby in her arms. The Emperor could notice the fatigue written in her face. Her veiny hands trembling as she clasped her arms around the baby tighter. Her tired eyes shifted to the Emperor. Her gaze was unsteady, tears threatening to spill.

”I'm glad... you came.”

The Emperor froze. He prepared for all the curses, crying and ridicule, but not this.

”...And It was my biggest mistake.”

Daehyun, the Emperor, spat.

Hae Gi stared at him for a while, then she signaled the maids to leave the room. All of a sudden, she started to cough violently. The maids panicked. They hurriedly opened the window and fetched a warm white cloth for the Empress.

Daehyun saw Hae Gi grabbed the cloth as she coughed. She lurched forward, almost dropping the baby. Thankfully, her grip was strong. Not long, Daehyun noticed that the fabric was stained red.

He became worried. He trudged forward, his stride wide, then sat beside Hae Gi. Daehyun rubbed her back as he whispered soothing words in her ear.

”It's okay...let it all out... Just breathe..I'm right here..”

The maids exited the room as he looked at Hae Gi, her breath ragged as she gasped for air. Her trembling worsened as she struggled to hold the baby. Daehyun supported the arm that carried the child and held Hae Gi's hand. Daehyun was so focused on supporting Hae Gi that he missed the flash of a mocking glint in Hae Gi's eyes.

Hae Gi raised her head and looked at Daehyun. Her pale face and chapped lips so eminent that it made her sickly. Her eyes, even after being ridiculed, was still full of tenderness and passion. And at that moment, Daehyun was yet again, bewitched.

”He looks just like you.”