✨💜Evy💜✨

It’s a stormy day in the kingdom. Emperor Hwon is sitting on his throne looking out the window watching as the rain hits the glass. He’s been looking out the window for hours as he often does every day. Not that anything ever changes, it’s hard for him to be in a good mood when all it ever does is storm. 

“Emperor” One of his servants call from the other end of the throne room. 

“What is it?” 

“King Ivan is here to see you. He is waiting in your personal sitting room.” 

“Thank you, you can go.” 

The servant bows before leaving silently. Hwon stands up and takes a deep breath. He wasn’t expecting to have any visitors today. Normally he’ll receive a letter the day before the arrival of another king. Ivan is the only one who will show up without warning. Granted they are neighbors and close friends. 

He walks down the long hallways of his castle. He stops at the portrait of the former emperor. He doesn’t know what happened to him, though there are many stories, none of which he believes. All he knows is one day he was working in the garden of the person his parents owed a debt to and the next he was crowned emperor. Being constantly compared to the former emperor. 

Thunder booms as Hwon makes it to his private chambers. Not many people have ever seen inside it. Ivan being one of the few allowed inside. 

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Hwon says bowing to the snow king. 

“You’re always so formal, it’s just me.” Ivan says chuckling. “Now drop the formalities, I didn’t come all this way to discuss business.” 

“Then why did you come?” 

“To check on you. The surrounding kingdoms talk, you know. They say you haven’t allowed any of them to come here and greet you properly. You rarely allow representatives to even step foot in the castle. It’s been over a year Hwon, you’re starting to look suspicious.” 

Hwon rolls his eyes as he sits next to his friend. He knows what he’s saying is right, even if he doesn't want to admit it. He receives letters from the surrounding kingdoms everyday asking to visit, he always turns them down. He knows he can’t avoid it forever. 

“I’m not trying to look suspicious, I’m just trying to get used to all this.” 

“And they’ve been sensitive to that, but it’s been too long. They want to see the newest king in person. So I took the liberty of inviting them. They’ll be here in two weeks.” 

“Ivan you didn’t.” 

“I’m doing what’s best for you. You need to start acting like a king.” 

“That wasn’t your choice to make.” 

Hwon stands up, running his fingers through his long silver hair. The last time he saw the other five kings from the surrounding kingdoms was his coronation. None of them looked that happy while they were there. 

“What are you so scared of Hwon?” 

“I’m not him.” Hwon shouts. “I’m not Chiwoo.” 

“No one’s asking you to. We’re asking you to be you. We all miss him, but he’s gone without a trace.” 

“You don’t get it Ivan, not even two years ago, I was just a boy trying to pay off his parents debts now I’m a king. It doesn't make sense.” 

“You have royal blood, there’s nothing more to explain.” Ivan pauses as he stands up. “Look, you can always cancel if you really want to, but please think it over. You’re going to need some allies in this world, more than just me, and these guys are some of my closest friends.” 

“I make no promises Ivan.” 

“I know. Anyway, I should get going. But seriously think about it, and don’t make any rash decisions.” 

Ivan bows to Hwon and leaves, leaving the emperor alone with his thoughts. He knows his friend is right, he needs to meet with the other kings, but he’s scared. He doesn’t know how they’re going to react to him. He didn’t speak to any of them during his coronation. 

Hwon sighs, walking to his private bed chambers. A nap will do him good, it’ll help clear his mind. He rings the bell for his personal servant. As he waits he starts taking off his robes. He’ll get fussed at for doing it without help, but he doesn’t care. He still doesn’t like the idea of everything being done for him. 

His servant comes in shaking his head at Hwon who is already undressed. Still, the servant doesn’t say anything in fear of getting yelled at. Not that Hwon is one to yell, he’s never raised his voice at anyone who works in his castle. The last thing he wants is the people who are working for him to be scared of him. 

The servant leaves as Hwon crawls into his bed. He closes his eyes and drifts off to sleep. 

She spins laughing as the petals of the cherry blossoms fall around her. He watches in complete awe of her. 

“Be careful, you’re going to make yourself dizzy.” Hwon calls to her, smiling. 

She shakes her head, not caring.

“I’m being serious, I don’t want you getting hurt.” 

“You worry too much, I’m fi-” 

She stumbles, stepping on her dress and falls, but Hwon catches her. He holds her at her waist keeping a firm grip. 

“I warned you. Are you okay?” Hwon asks, brushing her hair out of her face, keeping his hand on her cheek. 

“I’m okay, your majesty.” 

“I told you to stop spinning, you should have listened.”

“You’re right I’m sorry.” 

“I just don’t want you getting hurt.” 

“I’m tougher than I look.” 

Hwon lets go of the girl shaking his head. He doesn’t understand how she can be so carefree. He wishes he could be like that. 

“You’re staring at me again, your majesty.” 

“You have petals in your hair.” 

He reaches over, carefully pulling the petals out of her hair. He pulls them out one by one. 

“Your majesty,” a guard calls from the other end of the garden. 

“What is it?” He shouts back, annoyed. 

“The other kings are here, they are waiting for you in the throne room. I’ll escort the girl back to her chambers.” 

The guard walks over to the emperor and the girl, ready to escort her back to her chambers. Hwon lets go of her frowning, he was having a good time and didn’t want it to end.  

“I’ll see you in a little while, your majesty.” The girl says bowing. 

“If you need me, don’t hesitate to come and get me.” Hwon says. 

The guard extends his arm to her which she takes. Hwon watches as she walks away. 

Hwon wakes up smiling. He looks around the room, realizing that he’s in his bed. He stands up and walks over to one of his windows. The sound of the rain hitting the window reminds him that he’s still in his wet kingdom. There’s no girl with long brown hair and tan skin and a smile that can light up any room. 

He sighs walking to his bathroom. He runs water on his face still processing his dream. He was in his kingdom, his garden, but it was as sunny as can be. In all of his twenty-three years of life, he has never seen the sun. Or someone so beautiful. He can still vividly remember the sound of her voice, her laugh. 

He walks out of his bedroom to the sound of someone banging on his door. He groans walking over to the door. It’s always something, he can’t go more than three hours without someone coming to annoy him. 

“What is it, I’m resting.” Hwon says as he opens the door. 

“Sorry to disturb you sir, but there’s someone from the village here to see you.” 

“I’ll be there in a minute.” 

He shuts the door before the servant can get another word in. He knows exactly who’s there to see him. It’s the last person he wants to see but they show up every week like clockwork. There’s nothing he can do about it. 

Hwon puts on his most casual robes and grabs the envelope that’s sitting in his bedside table before walking out of his chambers. The castle shakes as thunder booms around him. He’s so used to it at this point he doesn’t even flinch anymore. He drowns out the sound of the thunder and the rain. 

“There you are, what took you so long?” The merchant asks as Hwon enters the throne room. 

“I just woke up from a nap and had to get dressed. What can I do for you?” Hwon asks calmly. He’s learned it’s best to keep his calm when he’s around him. 

“You know what I’m here for.” 

“How much longer are you going to keep doing this? I’ve given you more than enough.” 

“It’s enough when I say it’s enough, and you’re the emperor now, you have lots of money at your disposal.” 

“Just take it.” 

Hwon hands him the envelope without a second thought. He just wants to be done with this person. He gave him and his wife twenty-one years of his life, he just wants to be done with them. 

“This is the last time I’m doing this. There’s more than enough money to last you a while.” 

“I’ll be the judge of that.” 

The merchant walks out the throne room. Hwon rolls his eyes as he sits down on his throne slouching. 

“What was that all about?” Ivan asks stepping out from the coroner of the room. Hwon jumps groaning. 

“I didn’t realize you were still here.” 

“The storm got too bad for my driver. I was told I could stay in here.” 

“Of course. If I had known, I wouldn't have laid down.” 

“Not a big deal, now what was all that about?” 

Ivan walks over to him, sitting on the steps in front of his throne. 

“That was the man my parents were in debt to. He comes by once a week demanding money. I can’t get him to stop. I’ve paid my debt three times over and he still keeps coming back.” 

“You just have to cut him off.” 

“Don’t you think I’ve tried, he keeps coming back. It’s getting late, you can stay here tonight. I’ll have the servants prepare a room for you.” 

“You don’t have to do that, I'm sure the storm will let up soon.” 

“You clearly don’t know my kingdom well. When it storms like this, it storms bad. I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re told to go into the cellar.” 

“Has that ever happened?” 

“A couple times. I often get woken up in the middle of the night and rushed to the cellar.” 

“Your majesties, the storm has worsened. Please follow me to the royal cellar.” One of his guards says to the kings. 

“Told you.” 

Hwon stands up and follows the guard, Ivan by his side. A swarm of guards surround the two kings as they’re rushed to the royal cellar. The cellar is meant for the royal family, any guests they might have and the emperor’s personal guard. There’s another cellar meant for all the staff. 

The kings make it into the cellar as the castle shakes. This is one of the worst storms the kingdom has ever seen. Hwon’s mind immediately goes to his people. The majority of his kingdom is on the poorer side and can’t afford storm cellars. His “family” being one of those. 

“What’s on your mind Hwon?” Ivan asks when he notices Hwon spacing out. 

“I’m worried about my people. I’ve never seen a storm this bad, and most people can’t afford storm cellars.” Hwon says worried. “During really bad storms, I used to huddle together with our neighbors. They made sure I was safe, and now it’s my responsibility to keep them safe. I feel like I’m failing my people every time I come down in the cellar to protect me while they have to worry if their house is going to fall down, it’s not fair.”   

“I think that’s the first time I’ve heard you sound like a king.” 

“I’m being serious. It’s not fair that we get to stay in the comfortable cellar while my people are cold and wet and scared. I know what they’re feeling, I felt it.” 

“So what are you going to do about it? You’re the emperor now, it’s up to you to fix the problems you see within your kingdom.” 

“That’s easier said than done. There isn’t a class on how to be a king. I didn’t grow up in a castle watching my father rule the kingdom I would one day inherit.”

“No you grew up in the kingdom you would one day rule, and in my opinion, that’s better. You know what’s wrong in the kingdom, so you can fix it. You have advisors to help you and if you really don’t know what you’re doing, then you can call on your fellow kings for help.” 

“I’ll look into it.” 

“I’m being serious Hwon, you’ve got to start acting like a king.” 

“I will. It’s getting late, we should go to bed. Guard.” 

“Yes, your majesty?” The guard that’s in the room says. 

“Show King Ivan to one of the other rooms and help him prepare for bed. Give him one of my pajamas to sleep in.” 

“Of course sir, will you be requiring assistance as well?” 

“No, I'll be fine. Just help King Ivan.” 

“As you wish sir, follow me your majesty.” 

Ivan stands up and follows the guard out of the sitting room. Hwon falls back into the couch groaning. He didn’t sign up for this, he didn’t want this and now he’s stuck with it. He doesn’t feel like he is qualified to run an entire kingdom, but here he is doing it. He just wanted a simple life. He wanted to pay off his parent’s debt, settle down with someone and have a couple kids. 

Hwon stands up, walking into his bed chambers. Once in his room, he strips out of his robes until he’s in nothing but his underwear. This is how he used to sleep but once he became emperor, he was told that he had to wear proper night clothes. 

He crawls into his bed getting under the covers. He turns off his bedside light. Once again he hopes sleep will help him decide what to do. He knows he needs to step up, but he doesn’t know how. 

“What are you doing still awake your majesty?” She asks, walking onto the balcony where Hwon is. 

“Just thinking, what are you still doing awake? You should be sleeping.” Hwon says to her. He’s looking out at his kingdom, not paying attention to her. She walks over to him standing beside him. 

“So should you. What are you thinking about?” 

“It’s nothing. I just thought some night air would do me good.” 

He looks over at her and smiles softly. 

“Normally when someone’s outside in the middle of the night, they have something on their minds. You can talk to me, you know. I know I couldn't possibly understand what you have on your shoulders, but I’m a good listener.” 

“It’s just- everyone expects me to be this great leader, but what if I’m not? What if I can’t do this?” 

“But what if you can? What if you’re the best leader this kingdom’s ever seen.” 

“How can you be so sure?” 

“It’s a feeling I guess. Besides I saw how you were earlier today in the kingdom, the people love you.” 

“I guess.” 

Hwon pauses and looks back over at her. She’s looking out over the railing gazing at the night sky. 

“How can you be so sure? You’ve only known me for a couple days.” 

“I just know. You don’t have to be a genius to tell when someone has a kind heart. You’re a good leader, your majesty, you just have to believe in yourself.”  

Hwon moves a little closer to the girl tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. She looks over at him, blushing softly. 

“You know you can just call me Hwon right?” 

“Does that mean we’re friends? The only other person I’ve heard only call you Hwon is King Ivan.” 

“I don’t have many friends and all the kings are too formal to simply call me Hwon.” 

“That must be so lonely.” 

The girl rests her hand on top of Hwon’s. 

“It’s not so bad I’ve always been one to keep to myself.” 

“That’s no life to live.” 

“What about you? You still can’t remember anything from your past.” 

“No. The only thing I remember is a little boy. He promised to protect me.”

“I’m sorry, hopefully you’ll get your memories back soon.” 

“Hopefully.” She sighs looking back out at the night sky. 

“It’s getting late, I’ll take you back to your room.” 

Hwon extends his arm to her. She takes it, placing her hand on the crook of his elbow softly. He smiles as he feels her fingers wrap around his arm. 

“I’ll see you in the morning, your majesty.” She says as they make it to her door. 

“We talked about this, just call me Hwon.” Hwon says, shaking his head. 

“That’s easier said than done. Well goodnight.” 

She leans up and places a soft kiss on his cheek. 

“Goodnight Aelia.” 

Hwon wakes up sighing. This is the second time he’s seen that girl in his dreams. She was even more vivid and beautiful this time. 

“Aelia,” Hwon says softly. 

“Good morning Hwon.” Ivan says walking into his room. He’s fully dressed in Hanfu. 

“Don’t you ever knock?” 

“Sorry, but there’s something you need to see, get dressed.” 

“What’s going on?” 

“You’ll see, just get dressed.”

Ivan leaves, shutting the door. Hwon groans as he gets out of bed. He quickly throws on his Hanfu and walks out of his bedroom. Ivan and Hwon’s personal guards are waiting for him in the sitting room. 

“There you are sir, there’s something you must see immediately.” 

“Alright, show me.” 

The guards lead the two kings out the cellar in a rush. Hwon has never seen them so worried. They make it out of the cellar and the first thing he notices is the brightness. The outside is so bright it’s almost blinding. 

The sun is shining and there isn’t a cloud in sight. Everything is completely dry like it hasn’t rained in months. 

“Where’s the rain?”

“We don’t know sir. We all woke up and there wasn’t a cloud in sight.” 

“What about the night patrol? They didn’t see anything?” 

“The weather was too bad last night, they weren’t able to stay out to keep guard.” 

Hwon is furious. Not only did the weather suddenly change, but his kingdom lay unprotected last night.

“You’re telling me, that while my people were out here suffering because of the storm, my guards who were supposed to watch over them and keep them safe, were in the castle warm and dry? My people were scared, cold, and wet. This is unacceptable.” Hwon yells. 

“Hwon calm down, I’m sure there’s an explanation.” Ivan says, trying to rationalize with him. He’s never seen his friend so mad before. 

“General Chen, there’s something you need to see.” One of the lower ranked guards says to the guard talking to the kings. 

“Lead the way.” Hwon says not giving anyone else room to talk. 

“Your majesty, this isn’t something you need to worry about.” 

“It’s something that has to do with my kingdom, it’s something I need to worry about, lead the way.” 

The guard bows to him before heading back in the direction he ran from. The group follows behind him, Hwon leading. They make it to the front of the castle, and Hwon stops dead. Laying across the front steps of the castle drenched in rain water and mud, is a young woman. 

Hwon immediately runs up to her, and tries to shake her awake. When she doesn’t wake up, he checks her pulse, it’s there, but barely. 

“Call the doctor, NOW!” Hwon shouts. 

He lifts the girl carefully into his arms and carries her into the castle. He heads straight for his private chambers not listening as his staff protests. He doesn’t know why, but he feels the need to protect this girl. 

Once in his room, he lays her down in his bed, wrapping her in as many blankets as possible. She was freezing when she was in his arms. 

“Sir, let us take her to one of the guest rooms. This is your room.” A male servant says. 

“No, she’ll stay in here until I know she’s okay. How much longer until the doctor gets here?” 

“I don’t know, but you shouldn’t be in here, it’s inappropriate. I’ll have one of the maids stay with her until the doctor gets here.” 

“Fine” 

Hwon storms out the room, slamming the door behind him. Ivan is waiting for him in his personal sitting room. Ivan pats the seat next to him for Hwon to sit down, but Hwon refuses. He paces the floor shaking his head. He’s pissed at the way his staff is being.

Two maids walk in. One heads to Hwon’s bed chambers and the other stays in with the two kings. 

“Sir you’re covered in mud, let me draw you a bath.” the maid says looking over Hwon. 

“No” 

“Well then at least let me help you change into some clean clothes.” 

“No, not until I know the condition of the girl. How much longer until the doctor gets here?” 

“I’m here, where is the girl?” 

“In my chambers. She was drenched in water and mud, freezing, and she was barely breathing, why is she barely breathing?” Hwon says a little harsher than needed. 

“I don’t know your majesty, but I’ll do everything in my power to figure it out.” 

“You better, now go help her.” 

The doctor bows then walks into Hwon’s bedroom. Hwon turns to one of the guards in the room. 

“Get me all the guards who were on patrol last night. Wake them up if you have to, I want all of them in the throne room.” 

“Right away sir.” 

“Are you sure this is a good idea Hwon? You’re mad, and when you’re mad you don’t make rash decisions. You don’t even know who this girl is, yet you’re worried about her like she’s your everything.” Ivan asks, standing up. 

“It’s not about her, it’s about the fact that my guards who are supposed to defend my castle, and my people, and they failed.” 

“You can’t blame them, the storm got to be too bad.” 

“Yes I can, there was a place for them to rest in the front of the castle so that if someone showed up, they would be there. This wouldn’t have happened if they had done their job right.” 

“I get that, but let's be rational. A good leader uses both their head and their heart. They’re fair and listen to the other side before making any decisions.” 

“I just- someone in my kingdom is currently fighting for her life, not to mention I have no idea how many others are hurt.” 

“There are guards looking all over the kingdom making sure everyone is okay, and from what I’ve heard so far, everyone is okay. But seriously, why do you care about this girl so much?” 

“I don’t know, I just do. You wouldn't like it either if some young woman showed up on the steps of your castle cold and wet and barely breathing.” 

“I would have gotten her inside but not in my personal bed chambers. You’re being wreckless for a girl you don’t even know.” 

“I don’t know, but I feel like I should do everything in my power to protect her.” 

“Your majesty, the doctor wishes to speak to you.” A maid says popping her head into the sitting room. 

“Of course.” Hwon says, turning to Ivan. “If the guard comes back, tell him to dismiss everyone other than the head guard from last night. Have him bring him back here.” 

Hwon disappears into his room before Ivan can get another word in. Once in his room, he immediately walks over to the doctor who is setting something up on his bedside table. The girl is laying on his bed looking extremely pale. 

“What’s going on doctor?” 

“She’s going to be just fine. She just needs to be warmed up.” 

“How long until she wakes up?” 

“That I don’t know, it could be a couple hours or a couple days. I suggest that someone be in here with her until she wakes up.” 

“Days? Are you sure there’s nothing you can do?” 

“I’m sorry your majesty, but I’ve done everything I can. She’ll wake up when she wakes up. Have someone get me the minute she opens her eyes.”  

“Of course, thank you doctor. I’ll have a guard walk you out.” 

Hwon sits on the edge of the bed keeping his distance. The maids try to get him out of the room, but he stays. It's his room after all. 

He sits for what feels like hours watching over the girl. He thinks of all the things that could have led her to his doorstep. Though pale, he’s not as pale as everyone else in his kingdom so he doubts she’s from here. 

“Hwon the guards are waiting for you. You need to come speak with them.” Ivan says, popping his head in.  

“They can wait.” 

“Hwon, you need to come and talk to them, you're the one who asked them here.” 

“And they can wait. I need to make sure she’s okay first.” 

“I don’t see her waking up anytime soon. I get you’re worried about her, but you have other responsibilities.” 

“You’re right, I’ll speak to the guards.” 

Hwon stands up and walks out of his bed chambers. Once in his sitting room, he looks over at a maid and motions her inside his chambers. The head guard from last night as well as the one for this morning are standing off to the side by the window. 

“You’re majesty, I’m s-” The guard from last night starts to say, bowing, but is cut off. 

“Silence,” Hwon says lifting his hand. “I did not give you permission to speak. General Chen, has everyone in the kingdom been accounted for?” 

“Yes your majesty.” General Chen, the current head guard, answers bowing. 

“And was anyone injured or harmed?” 

“No your majesty, in fact, I have guards reporting children playing in the streets together.” 

“Wonderful thank you General.” Hwon bows to him before turning to the other guard. “His report just saved you, General Wang.” 

“I understand your majesty, nothing like this will ever happen again.” General Wang says bowing. 

“You’re correct it won’t. You’ve been hereby stripped of your general title. You will start again as a private and earn that title again.” 

“Of course your majesty, I look forward to the day I am once again one of your generals.” 

“General Chen, please find Lieutenant General Won. Inform him that he will be taking Private Wang’s place as Commanding General of the Night patrol. I will need to see him in my office before the start of his shift.” 

“Of course sir.” 

“You’re dismissed.” 

Hwon turns and sits down on the couch next to Ivan. This is the first time he’s ever stripped someone of their title, but it had to be done. The guard should feel lucky that he’s even keeping a position in the guard. If he wasn’t being rational, he would have fired the guy, but he doesn’t want to seem unjust. 

“Do you think I was fair?” Hown asks Ivan after the guards have left.

“You may have knocked him down further than I would have but that’s me.” Ivan says smiling, proud of his friend for finally acting like a leader. 

“He’s lucky I didn’t strip him of a job completely.” 

“That wouldn't do anyone any good. You did the right thing, even if it does mean he now has to listen to people he used to command.” 

“He should have thought of that before allowing his team to stay in the castle all last night.” 

“I understand and I’m proud of you. Well I should get going, I’ve left my kingdom in the hands of my advisors for far too long.” 

“Are you worried they’re doing something you aren’t going to like?” 

“More like try to find me a wife to marry. They don’t like the fact that I’m twenty-four and unwed.” 

“What does that mean for me? I’m twenty-three.” 

“Oh don’t worry, they’ll let you know when and who they want you to marry. Right before he disappeared, Chiwoo told me that they found someone for him to marry.” 

“Is that why he disappeared? Because he didn’t want to get married?” 

“Maybe but I don’t think so. They’ll probably just have you marry who he was going to, granted no one knows who she is.” 

“Of course not. Anyway, I’ll walk you out, I’m sure you want to get back as quickly as possible.” 

The friends stand up and walk out the emperor's private chambers. 

“So have you given any more thought to the kings coming?” Ivan asks at the front of the castle. 

“They can come, you’re right I need to start acting like a king.” 

“I’ll let them know. They’ll be very pleased.” 

“I’m sure they will. Let them know that they’re welcome to stay however long they’d like.” 

“I’ll be sure to. I’ll see you around Hwon.” 

Hwon bows to Ivan before walking back into his castle. Once inside he immediately rushes back to his private chambers. He waits in his sitting room pacing the floor. He checks every once in a while to see if there’s any news on the girl, but there isn’t. 

Hours pass and there’s still no news on the girl. Hwon is getting worried. The girl should have woken up by now, right? The doctor said she was fine, so why isn’t she awake? 

“Your majesty, you really should eat something.” A servant says walking in the room with a tray of food. 

“No, I’m fine.” 

“Emperor, I must insist. You haven’t eaten all day, your last meal was lunch yesterday.” 

“Leave the tray, you’re dismissed.” 

The servant sets the tray on the table and bows before leaving. Hwon rolls his eyes and looks over the tray of food. It does look good, but he feels guilty being hungry when someone in his kingdom is suffering. He doesn’t get it though, he’s never worried about someone like this before. 

He nibbles on a piece of bread as he continues to pace around. He finishes the bread and grabs another now realizing just how hungry he is. He eats the bread, as he tries to figure out how the young woman could have possibly made it to the steps of his castle and not a single person noticed. 

“You’re majesty, she’s starting to wake up.” A maid says, popping her head out of his bed chambers. 

“Go alert one of the guards and have them fetch the doctor.” Hwon says as he sets down his bread, and walks into his room. He stands against the wall and watches as the young woman starts to slowly wake up. 

“W-where am I?” The young woman asks so softly, Hwon can barely hear her. 

“You’re in the Kingdom of Eternal Falls miss.” 

“Eternal Falls?” 

“Yes miss, the Kingdom of Eternal Falls under the rule of Emperor Hwon.” 

“Don’t overwhelm her with too much information, just wait for the doctor to get her. Go get her some water.” Hwon says softly to the maid that’s addressing the young woman. He can see it on the girl’s face, she’s scared and overwhelmed. She just woke up and she has no idea where she is or if she knows who she is. 

“Of course your majesty.”

The maid bows to Hwon then quickly leaves. Hwon stands off to the side and watches the young woman sit up, and lock eyes with him. He offers her a soft smile, but doesn’t make a move to say anything. He doesn’t want to make her uncomfortable. 

After five minutes of waiting, the doctor comes rushing in, setting down his stuff on Hwon’s night table. He starts his exam on the girl, who looks scared out of her mind. Her eyes stayed locked on Hwon the entire time. 

“Do you know where you are miss?” The doctor asks, starting the round of questions Hwon knew he was going to ask. 

“The kingdom of Eternal Falls.” She replies. Hwon figures she remembers from what the maid told her. 

“Did someone have to tell you that or did you already know?” 

“Someone told me.” 

“Okay, what’s your name?” 

“Aelia, my name is Aelia, that’s the only thing I’m sure of.” 

Hwon’s jaw just about drops when he hears her name. Aelia, like the girl in his dream? No, there’s no way, she’s just a figment of his imagination, and the girl laying on his bed, looks nothing like the girl from his dream. The girl laying in his bed is far too pale and her hair isn’t as black or as shiny. 

“Okay, Aelia do you know where you’re from?” 

“No, I don’t remember anything before waking up other than my name. Am I in trouble? Are you going to send me to the dungeon?” She asks panicked. 

“No, you’ve done nothing wrong. You’re welcome to stay in the castle until your memory returns and we can get you back to your right kingdom.” Hwon says, breaking his silence. 

“W-who are you?” Aelia stutters. Sure she’s been constantly looking at him, but he has a commanding aura about him that intimidates her. 

“Emperor Hwon. You just rest for now, you’ve had a long day. I’ll have someone prepare a room for you when you’re feeling a little better.” 

“I’ll be by later to check on your Aelia, you get some rest.” 

The doctor bows and leaves with Hwon following behind him. He shuts the door behind him and sighs, at least the girl is alright. 

“How long until she gets her memories back?” Hwon asks the doctor once they’re alone. 

“It’s hard to say, but the longer she goes without remembering, the less chance she has of getting them back. But other than her memories being lost, nothing else seems to be wrong. I say let her rest for another couple hours then have her start moving around and get some food in her, the poor girl looks like she hasn’t eaten in a long time.”

“Of course, thank you doctor.”