#jungleo

It was a relatively peaceful afternoon, Taekwoon mused, watching Minah patter about the sunroom, sealing a letter to Haneul, who was now touring the highlands with Wonshik. The room was a little one with a teak writing desk overflowing with papers - letters, he assumed, knowing his wife’s propensity for words both written and spoken (which both vexed and delighted him no end). He eyed his wife blowing out the candle on her desk before stacking the carefully sealed letters into the pigeon-hole cubby above the table. He smiled, amused by her ink-stained fingers and the grumbling that followed as she dabbed at her fingertips with an equally stained handkerchief.

Leaning against the door frame, the man crossed his arms. Despite how busy his viscountcy made him, he tried not to miss out on the domesticity of these moments. To him, Minah was a wonder to be beheld in her natural habitat, in complete comfort with her surroundings. Which was exactly why he found himself hurrying home after a session at the parliament to gaze at his wife. He bit his lip to hold back the laughter that bubbled up his throat when she began humming, floating over to the window to fix the sunflowers held in a pale blue porcelain vase before gently unlatching the windows to allow some air in.

Taekwoon took a silent step into the little sunroom of his house in the capital. Decorated to the tastes of the lady so lost in her thoughts by the window, he couldn’t help but feel surrounded by her presence in the room. From the bookshelf in the corner overflowing with titles she enjoyed (and he enjoyed gifting her with) to the little portrait of the two of them perched on the mantle, or the small turtle-shaped paperweights she had bought on a whim and vehemently placed on the table by the deep green high backed chair he was standing by, the sunroom was secretly Taekwoon’s favourite place in the house because it just was, Minah.

The summer sun streamed through the translucent curtains illuminating his wife’s body draped in the finest muslin he could adorn her in. The rays caressed her face illuminating the lighter shades of brown in the soft ringlets of her hair kissing the tops of her collarbones. Her deep lashes threw shadows on her rounded cheeks that he loved pressing his lips against. Her countenance was blank and blissful in the sunlight as the summer breeze wound its way into the room. The man's eyes roved over her face with delight before his throat went dry at the sight of the thin muslin barely concealing the pebbled buds of her …

“Taekwoon!” A gasp broke his reverie as she spun around, finally aware of his gaze “How long have you been waiting there?” She asked, crossing her arms, immediately obscuring his vision while she hurried to the lace shawl thrown on over the back of her chair to wrap it around her shoulders.

“Not too long,” her husband mused, frowning at the offending piece of cloth as she rang the bell to call for tea before ushering him to the high-backed chair.

“I know you said you'd be back for tea, but Haneul had written such an exciting letter I just couldn't wait to write back and then I completely lost track of time! ” She began pacing around the room, ears red as her husband watched with an amused smile. “She said I'd love the cattle in the highlands, darling large coos! Oh, where is Jeffery?” Minah wondered out loud only to have the stately servant hurry in with the tea service. “Fantastic! Dearest, Haneul sent us shortbread along with her letter, I made sure Jeffery would bring some with tea” Minah continued while Jeffery set the service on the little table before Taekwoon raised his hand to wave the man away.

“That will be all, Jeffery, ensure we're not disturbed,” he said before turning back to his wife who frowned in confusion. The servant left the room, closing the door behind him and Minah reached for the kettle to pour out the tea cautiously.

“Is everything alright?” 

Taekwoon received the cup and saucer from her, eyeing her struggle to keep the shawl on her shoulders. Taking a deep sip, secretly scalding himself, he turned to set down the cup and reach across and yank the foolish fabric out of her grasp. 

“Yes, everything is fine,” he hummed as she tried to reach for the shawl again only to have it held far away from her. The more she leaned forward, the greater Taekwoon's delight grew as he stared unabashedly at his wife's unadorned skin which he knew from experience would feel like cream in his palms.

“Give it back!” She huffed, now getting to her feet and stepping closer to him, unaware of the trap her husband was setting for her. “You're vexing me Lord Jung Taekwoon!”

“Oh? Is that so?” He chuckled, holding the shawl behind his back and quickly grabbing her wrist as she reached for it, tugging her onto his lap. Her foot hit the little table between the two high-backed chairs making the tea service rattle.

“I honestly thought something had happened during the parliamentary session, now I see Viscount Jung Taekwoon wants to play games,” Minah grumbled, still trying to reach for her shawl “Now unhand my shawl or the tea will get cold.”

“What if I say no?” Taekwoon replied, tucking the silly fabric firmly behind his back while his other hand went to support his wife's derriere, giving it a quick squeeze.

“You're being naughty,” she glared at the taller man, tugging at his deep brown coat. 

“That I am,” he said, eyes fixed on her flushed skin, beaded buds now taught against the thin muslin, all he had to do was lean forward and…

Teeth sunk into his right earlobe gently as Minah gave it a quick nibble, sending blood rushing to his breeches. Minah quickly tried to retrieve her shawl which was firmly wedged between the back of the chair and her husband's broad back only to have him grasp at her jaw and fix his eyes on hers. She shivered, noticing his dilated pupils as he leaned up to join their lips. Remembering her initial mission, she turned her head away to look for the shawl only to feel his long fingers slip up to cup the back of her neck and guide her lips to his for a gentle kiss. 

“Open your mouth, darling,” he whispered against her lips, pulling her firmly over his lap by the derriere making her gasp, feeling his need for her. Sliding his tongue past her parted lips he savoured her like a delicacy, now feeling her ink-stained fingers sliding into the strands of his hair making him grunt as he chased after her lips before breathlessly trailing kisses down her throat as soft whimpered breaths gurgled past her swollen lips. 

Minah grasped firmly onto her husband's broad shoulders, the lace shawl long forgotten in his onslaught. Taekwoon's long graceful fingers slid the thin gown up her calves, pausing to fiddle with the garters holding her whisper-thin stockings to her body. She giggled at how ticklish it felt at first but threw her head back with a hiss when his lips surrounded her clothed nipple. 

“Ah, Taekwoon,” she whimpered into his hair as his fingers pianoed across her thighs caressing the skin 

“You're so soft, my love,” he mumbled against the now wet fabric before turning to the other achingly painful nipple awaiting his attention. His fingers played a wicked tune on the wet thatch of hair between her thighs as she gasped at the sensation of his index finger sliding over a throbbing bud of nerves over and over again till she gazed at him pleadingly with her mouth open and no words.

“What's that?” He hummed, speeding up his pace as his middle finger joined in to thoroughly stimulate her. 

She finally let out a moan of his name, gripping at the shirt under his coat, nearly ripping it wide open. Slumping forward, she leaned on his shoulders and breathed out his name, pressing open-mouthed kisses beneath it in a way that had the little string of sanity holding him together snap. 

Then he sank two of his fingers into her and set a quick rhythm that had her jolting pawing at the cravat and undoing his buttons to splay her fingers across his chest feeling his heart thud beneath her palm. Every touch had her hips moving frantically on his two fingers, pressing against the swelling bulge in her husband's breeches. She reached down to undo his bottoms grabbing at the now erect, throbbing organ with both hands making him rest his forehead against her chest with a groan.

“Minah,” he exhaled, curving his fingers within her making her squeeze around them as her hands came to a halt. She fixed her glazed-over eyes on her handsome husband, before reaching to tug his wrist away from her sopping core. There was a fire in her eyes that made Taekwoon feel like a man parched as he leaned up to tangle his tongue with hers. Her grip returned to his erection, firmly stroking till he moaned into her hungry lips.. Gently positioning her hips over his desire, she carefully lowered herself onto him and he scrambled to grasp her buttocks to support her ever-tightening descent. 

“Minah, please,” he whispered groaning when she rolled her hips.

“You started this Taekwoon,” she hissed, gripping at the lapels of his very crumpled shirt.  He eyed her as she lifted her hips and dropped them, tightening on her way down. Her gown was now clinging to her body with the sweat of her exertion as she frowned, scrabbling to rip the offending garment over the head and tossing it to the ground before moving in earnest while Taekwoon could only watch the majesty of his wife's form in the summer sunshine. Groaning, he gripped her hips thrusting up and watching her head fall back in pleasure. When his wife whined, rocking her hips to take him in deeper, he couldn’t help but oblige by picking up the pace till she shook above him, scrabbling at his chest, leaving streaks of red with her blunt nails. Panting at how impossibly tight she was getting around him, Taekwoon laced his fingers with hers thrusting up powerfully, emptying into her and keeping the pace till she spasmed along with him.

Pulling her towards his chest, he held his wife’s naked form, caressing her side as she took deep gasping breaths. 

"IT'S JUST A PLATE. WHY CAN'T YOU WASH IT?!"

"LOOK, I AM LATE THIS MORNING! I HAVE MUSICAL PRACTICE. WHY CAN'T YOU UNDERSTAND AND JUST HELP ME WASH THAT ONE FREAKING PLATE" Leo make sure to stated the 'one plate' loudly. He don't understand why Hakyeon need to get so worked up because Leo forgot to wash his own dish this morning.

Hakyeon rolled his eyes in annoyance, "FOR YOUR INFORMATION, I HAVE MY SCHEDULE TOO THIS MORNING BUT I MANAGE TO WASH MY OWN DISH, WHY CAN'T YOU?!"

"YOU KNOW WHAT? THIS WHOLE FIGHTING JUST WASTING MY TIME. BYE!" Leo walk angrily to his room. He slam the door, "RIGHT SLAM THE DOOR UNTIL IT BROKE" he heard Hakyeon's sarcastic comment. "WHATEVER" Leo shouted back.

"Here." Hongbin hand a bowl of popcorn to Hyuk. Hyuk grab it happily "What? End already? I'm late. damn it." Hongbin said, disappointed that he didn't get to watch the scene Hakyeon and Leo was making. "Who won this time?"

"hmmm I guess Hakyeon hyung? It was obviously Leo hyung's fault" Ken stated.

"yeah but," Hyuk take a moment to think, "it's not a big deal. Hakyeon hyung could just wash the dish. I don't see the problem here"

"but-" Ken wanted to continue his words but he stop as he suddenly remember that Hakyeon was still there, watching the three of them. It's like he can kill them in any minute.

Ken cough, "K-kids, I suddenly remember that I just bought a new game, l-let's play it in hyung's room" he pulled Hongbin and Hyuk to follow him and smiled awkwardly at Hakyeon. Three of them ran towards Ken's room.

~~~

The following day, Hakyeon and Leo get into a fight again while eating their dinner. "I didn't even heard a sorry" Leo stated.

"I did say sorry didn't I? I'll buy you a new one" Hakyeon said back, unexpectedly both of them was calm. They talk in a low voice but all the boys can feel how stern the atmosphere.

It all started when Hakyeon broke Leo's new earphone. Leo just bought it two days ago, he let Hakyeon borrowed it because Hakyeon wanted to. He didn't expect that Hakyeon will return the earphone, broken. Sure, Hakyeon did said sorry and guarantee that he will buy a new one replacing it.

But Leo can't help get irritated the fact the he bought the earphone just two days ago. How rough Hakyeon can be until the newly earphone can be destroyed in his hands?

Leo got up, he felt like his appetite just gone when he think about the earphone. "I'm done"

He bring his plate to the sink, wash it and walk back to his room.

"I think Leo hyung win this time" Hyuk whispered.

~~~

"So, what are we doing here?" Sungjae asked as he follow Hyuk enter his house.

"Ken hyung bought a new game. He let me borrow it!"

"Cool" Sungjae replied back.

"Oh Sungjae! You're here?" Ravi greet Sungjae. He was lying down on his bed, playing with his phone. Ravi and Hyuk shared room. Sungjae just nodded and smiled. He followed Hyuk, taking a sit and wait for the game to load.

"ARE YOU SAYING I'M THE ONE WHO'S WRONG?"

"OBVIOUSLY"

"NO I'M NOT, IF ONLY YOU DON'T"

Ravi, Hyuk and Sungjae look at each other after hearing the super loud shouting of his two hyungs. "what is it for this time?" Hyuk asked.

Ravi shook his head. "I don't know."

Hyuk just rolled his eyes, "I bet Leo hyung win this time"

Sungjae however didn't agree, "I don't think so. It's not that easy to win over Hakyeon hyung in argument"

Ravi nodded his head, "yeah, you have a point"

All three of them nodded their head. Watching Leo and Hakyeon get into argument is normal for them. They can get into a fight for even small things. Last week Leo ate Hakyeon's chicken and they fought because of that one chicken. They didn't talk to each other for two days.

They can't believe how childish their two big hyungs can be.

~~~

Hakyeon took a glance at his watch. 11pm. It's not that late. He thought. He just got back from watching Fantastic Beasts his bestfriend, Wongeun. He actually not into this kind of movies, but had to watch it because Wongeun forced him to. He have no other choice. Besides, it's been long time since he last get to spend time with his bestfriend.

He entered the house and saw Ken, Hyuk, Ravi and Hongbin watching the TV. He just smiled and walk towards his room to change his clothes. He wanted to join the kids watching TV but somehow, he got thirsty. He heads to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water.

Leo walks to the kitchen to make himself a coffee. He plan to stay up late tonight.

He notice Hakyeon reaching something in the fridge. "you want coffee?" He offered.

"No thanks" Hakyeon took a sit and observe Leo.

"why did you come home late?" Leo asked, breaking the silence.

"Wongeun ask me to watch movie at the cinema with him"

"Oh" Leo replied. He don't really like Wongeun actually. He felt like Hakyeon and Wongeun are too close to each other. Yeah, they are bestfriends. but still, it's annoying. Hakyeon and Minhyuk are close too, he didn't mind that but somehow he didn't like Wongeun. Hakyeon met Wonegun during his drama shooting, it's not that long ago but Hakyeon already declared Wongeun as his bestfriend. Leo hated that.

"We watched Fantastic Beast. It was a great movie"

"you watched what?"

"Fantastic be-"

"I thought you promised to watch it with me?!" Leo remembered last week Hakyeon promised to watch the movie with him.

"I didn-" Hakyeon think, "Oh my god, Leo I'm sorry"

"forget it!" Leo stormed out of the room in annoyance. He can't believe that Hakyeon was that careless to forget the promise he had made. Leo felt betrayed.

Hakyeon followed Leo. He felt bad. He totally forgot about that promise. "wait, Leo!"

"again?" Ken glance at his two hyungs. Ravi sighs, "again"

"Leo I'm sorry" Hakyeon apologized wholeheartedly. He did promised to watch the movie with Leo but he forgot. stupid Hakyeon why did you forget! He scolded himself. The least thing he wanted to do today is having a fight with Leo. He was already tired from spending the day outside today.

Leo throw himself on the bed. His back facing Hakyeon "you know what? forget it. Go spend time with Wongeun. I don't need you"

"What are you- hey I already apologized didn't I?"

"Whatever"

"Whatever? Woah! I can't believe you Jung Leo."

"......."

"LAST TIME YOU WATCHED TRAIN TO BUSAN WITH EUNKWANG WITHOUT ME EVENTHOUGH YOU PROMISED TO WATCH IT WITH ME RIGHT? BUT I DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL. IS THIS HOW YOU'RE GONNA ACT? FINE THEN!" Hakyeon squeal.

Leo turned his body. He sit cross-legged on the bed and now facing Hakyeon "what are you talking about? I did asked you to join us! but you declined. Because of what? Oh yeah because you had to accompany Wongeun to god-knows-where! It's because Wongeun is important than all of us right? than me?!"

"What? We're talking about my bestfriend here you know. What are you trying to say?!"

"I'm saying that if you love him that much then-"

"I didn't say anything about you and Yoseob!! And that day when you and Suho lay on each other during the concert! and when you go out in the middle of the night to grab coffee with Sunggyu hyung! I didn't say anything! Why are you comparing Wongeun with other?" Hakyeon said. Anytime soon his tears going to fall. He don't know why Leo need to be this angry just because of a movie. He can accompany Leo to watch the movie if Leo want to. The fact that Hakyeon just get home minutes ago also didn't help at all, he was really tired.

"What? That's not the same!"

"It is! I seriously can't understand you Jung Leo!!" Hakyeon walk out and left Leo. He head to his room. Stupid. What a stupid reason to be angry!

The next morning

Hakyeon wake up early to make breakfast for everyone. Today is his turn to do so.

He observe what's in the fridge, looking for any dish he can use to make breakfast. Nothing. Whatever. I'll just make toasts.

He saw Leo enter the kitchen to drink some water. He didn't bother to greet or turning to look at Leo. Hakyeon act like there is no one in the kitchen as he continued his work.

After five minutes, Leo is still in the kitchen watching Hakyeon making breakfast. Leo noticed Hakyeon's puffy eyes. Did he cried last night?

Hakyeon tried to ignore Leo's presence in the kitchen but somehow he felt disturbed with it. He can feel that Leo eyes are following his moves. He sighs and turn his body to face Leo.

"What is it?" Hakyeon glared Leo "What do you want?"

Leo shook his head, "N-Nothing"

"Tch. Nothing but still bothering me. I seriously can't understand you" Hakyeon muttered under his breath. He continued doing his work. "get mad for no reason, act like I'm wrong. It's just a small matter"

After a minute Hakyeon felt a pair of hand snake into his waist. Leo rest his head on Hakyeon's shoulder as he back hug Hackyeon "I'm sorry" Leo whispered into Hakyeon ear.

"And?" Hakyeon ask, obviously just short 'sorry' wouldn't make him satisfied.

"It's my fault, okay?"

"And?"

"I'm jealous. There. I say it"

Hakyeon laugh softly, "so all of this because you were jealous? Gosh, Jung Leo" He turns around to face Leo.

Hakyeon poke Leo's pouting cheeks, "Wongeun is my bestfriend. of course I love him. But I love you more. More than a bestfriend. You're special" He stated.

He hugged Leo, "I'm sorry too"

Hyuk walk out of his room and saw Ravi, Ken and Hongbin in the kitchen. He followed them and saw Leo and Hakyeon hugging. "Who win?"

Jeongyeon wiped the soot off her hands on her apron, watching the large kettle which sat upon the wood-fire stove come to a boil. Evening time allowed for most of the maids in the palace to sit down for a cup of tea before retiring to bed. Eunchae swept the floor of the kitchen as Haein set the cups out for Jeongyeon to pour out the tea.

“Minji told me you needed an iodine tincture this morning,” Jeongyeon began, eyeing Haein’s fingers wrapped in brown stained cloth. The latter frowned, pursing her lips as she looked at the chip in the cup.

“Lady Soojung wished for some alterations to her gown,” she replied, setting the cup down with a sigh.

“Oh? But how bad could it have been that you hurt yourself?” Eunchae asked, puzzled.

“I had to change the ribbing near the chest so the neck-line of the lady’s gown would drop further. It was under short notice.” Haein grumbled, “the lady said she wished to have an audience with his majesty.”

Eunchae grimaced. This had become increasingly common ever since rumours about the Queen and King had spread across the palace. The new queen had turned down the King’s advances and now the ladies in the court were vying for his attention, hoping they could win his favour.

“I heard that you had to cut a slit in Lady Bom’s gown as well?” Jeongyeon nodded at Eunchae who shrugged.

“The lady called me to sit up the whole night and alter her gown just enough to stay ‘elegant’” she replied, drawing a line up to her thigh as Jeongyeon chuckled.

“And how effective was her elegance on his majesty?”

“I believe he simply turned to Lord Minseok and Yixing to speak of ‘very pressing matters’.” Eunchae replied, setting aside the broom and dustpan before undoing her apron. 

“Did Jaehyun tell you this?” Haein asked, now intrigued by this news. 

“Both Jaehyun and Taeyong corroborated this, yes.” Eunchae nodded before coughing at the smoke escaping the stove “get the kettle off the heat Jeongyeon.”

The door flew open and the head housekeeper Chaerin came hurrying into the kitchen before breathlessly gasping “the Queen is coming to the servants quarters! Tidy up tidy up soon!” 

Jeongyeon frowned as she lifted the heavy iron kettle from the stove before setting it on the scrubbed wooden table. Eunchae tied her apron back on and sighed as Haein dusted herself off, standing with her hands behind her back. They frowned at each other as Chaerin paced around, wringing her hands in worry. No Queen had ever set foot in the servants quarters. 

“Did any of you do anything to offend the Queen?” 

“Not that we are aware of, Ma’am,” Haein shook her head before looking at Jeongyeon who shrugged as well. The queen usually didn’t summon them frequently and had treated them kindly if she ever did. A knock on the door had them starting. Chaerin rushed to greet Minah with a deep bow.

“I hope I am not disturbing you all,” Minah began with a smile “I had just come in to deliver some tea from myself and his majesty. Oh hello, Jeongyeon, I hope you are well!” she smiled at the wide-eyed maid who found herself the subject of her colleagues’ stares.

“Let me brew you a pot!” Chaerin declared, receiving the parcel from the queen before hurrying over to the stove. 

“Please brew some for everyone as well, I hope it is to your taste,” Minah replied, looking around at the maids “and I hope you do not mind me joining you all. I believe Momo will be arriving with some baked goods to have with your evening tea.” 

Haein nudged Jeongyeon who shook her head as Chaerin poked at the fire, coughing. Eunchae noticed the Queen frowning at the action as there was another knock on the door as a young lady walked in with a basket full of cake slices. 

“Will the rest of the staff be coming in as well? I’d love to meet all of you if I can.`` The queen took the basket from the young lady and placed it on the table before smiling at the three maids “please help yourselves.”

Jeongyeon and Eunchae reached out into the basket to pick up a slice of cake while  Haein hesitated, wondering if her bandaged hands would offend the Queen

“Please, do not feel pressured by my presence,” Minah cajoled as Haein reached for a slice “are your hands alright? Did you get some medical attention for it?”

“I just put some tincture and wrapped it up, your highness,” Haein mumbled in response as Minah nodded.

“I’m glad...Miss?”

“Haein, your highness.”

“Haein, do you all have access to a doctor here?”

“Some of us do…” Haein replied and the Queen nodded.

“I understand…” Eunchae noticed the smile on Momo’s face when she looked at the queen. This was the young girl that the queen had picked up from the street. The door to the kitchen opened and in filed all the staff, ready for their evening tea. On seeing the queen, they froze.

“Oh, hello! Please help yourselves to some cake, Miss Chaerin has been kind enough to brew some tea for us all.” Minah announced to the group who gaped at her.

“Tea! Your highness!” Chaerin chirped, shaking hands setting the cup on the table.

“Thank you, but please have some yourselves, I will wait. I wished to talk to you all for your counsel on a few things.”

-----------------

Taekwoon walked down the long corridor towards the council room. He was to meet Minseok and Joonmyun to make a decision on what was happening in the Yun Province. Yixing was to join them with intelligence from his sources there. He cleared his throat, feeling particularly parched when he took a sharp turn to the left. Taekwoon baulked when he bumped into a young lady, perhaps a new introduction to the court, she bowed deeply.

“I’m sorry, your majesty,” she said, straightening up and Taekwoon looked down at her from his height. The neck of her gown dropped with her movements, giving him a glimpse of pale rounded flesh. He quickly averted his eyes. “I’m Soojung, always at your service,” she added, with a smile.

“Then you can step aside, young lady,” he commanded, as she gathered her robes shifting away, and bowing deeply as he stepped past her with a frown. This was happening increasingly with the ladies of the court approaching him and offering their services to him. Just the day before, Lady Bom had approached him most inappropriately.  Covering the rest of the distance, he threw the door to the council room open. 

“Your majesty!” Junmyeon greeted the king as he entered, massaging his temples. Minseok stood up as well, arranging a sheaf of papers in front of him. 

“Pour me a glass of wine, this palace is getting increasingly strange.”

Minseok hurried over to pour out a glass of wine for the king and handing it over to Taekwoon who took a deep sip, feeling it quench his thirst momentarily. 

“There’s a document missing, do excuse me as I go and get it from my study.” Minseok excused himself, leaving the council room.

“What happened, your majesty, you seemed rather frazzled?” Joonmyun asked as Taekwoon felt how rapidly his heart was beating. He frowned.

“There was a young lady...Soojung.”

“Ah, so the ladies have heard it too.” Junmyeon sighed thoughtfully.

“Heard?” the frown on Taekwoon’s forehead deepened as he took another sip from his glass.

“About what happened between you and the Queen,” Junmyeon said rather matter of factly before dipping his voice “rather, how the Queen denied you.”

“What on Earth?!” Taekwoon’s temper flared “has this been the preoccupation of our court?!”

“Well, the walls have ears, your majesty...there are rumours about how the Queen is rather close to the King of the West, you saw so yourself at the wedding…”

“What does that have to do with anything?!” Taekwoon glared, feeling particularly defensive.

“Your majesty, these are simple rumours. I’m sure they will die out. Otherwise, there have also been rumours that the Queen has been visiting the servants quarters.”

Taekwoon frowned. The happenings in the castle were now getting increasingly suspicious. Even after his talk with Yixing about the security breach, there still seemed to be a presence that was following him.

“The queen has her own ways of interacting with the people,” he said before squinting towards the windows. The door creaked open and Minseok walked in with Yixing. 

“Draw the curtains Yixing, it's too bright in here.” the king commented as the advisor reached to the fabric which blocked out the light streaming in through the windows. Taekwoon leaned back, feeling rather exhausted already. The situation was weighing heavily on him and he didn’t know what to do anymore. 

Yixing sighed as he set the papers down on the table as Minseok ran his fingers through his hair. They were stumped by how much was going wrong in Yun province and more so how oblivious they had all been to it. No one had raised any alarms, and from what Yixing had found, any voice raised against Lord Kwanghee had been quashed almost immediately. 

“Your majesty, this is quite a serious situation. I have started an investigation into Lord Kwanghee’s finances, but they haven’t turned up anything of use.” Minseok began. 

“We’ll need to send someone to the province to conduct a physical investigation,” Taekwoon replied, “our own records cannot be trusted given that they have been shared with us by Kwanghee himself.”

“It appears that Lord Yang also has some knowledge about what seems to be happening there, given that he raised the lack of water in court.” Joonmyun hummed thoughtfully.

“No, that will only cause increased tensions,” Yixing replied, “it is best to go ahead with a covert investigation as his highness suggested.”

“Have you narrowed down on a group of people who can lead it?” Minseok raised his eyebrow.

“Actually, the queen has sent in a recommendation…” Yixing looked hesitantly at the small council and the King.

“The Queen is aware of these matters?” Minseok asked, puzzled by the news delivered. It was not traditional for women to participate in political matters in the East. While Minseok was aware that Lady Kim Minah was anything but traditional, he was surprised that the Queen would start doing so even before she was initiated.

“Indeed she is,” Taekwoon replied, “and who has she recommended?”

Yixing’s face hardened. He had been surprised when the Queen had approached him, suggesting that the same lady he had put in charge of educating the Queen of the East’s traditions to head over to the Yun province to conduct an investigation. It had nearly been unheard of. But Queen Minah had insisted that there could be no one better for it given that she had spent weeks studying the region. Even if it made him feel terribly uneasy sending her to an unsafe place, the queen was certain she would be alright. Taking a deep breath, he looked at the small council’s curious faces.

“The Queen has recommended Lady Jang Jiyeon as she believes that the young lady has learned a great deal about the Yun Province and has the right temperament and wisdom to conduct an investigation without being suspected.”

--------

Taekwoon sighed when Minah took his hand in hers. She had arrived in his quarters that evening to spend it with him, but the increased exhaustion was really getting to him. He had spent the afternoon debating with the small council as to whether Lady Jiyeon would truly be a good fit for an investigation, still coming to no consensus at the end of it.  Edo, resting his head on his lap dotingly as the king scratched the back of his ear. 

“You look very tired, your majesty,” his wife said, squeezing his hand between her palms “I’ve called for some warm milk. Drink it and please rest, hopefully, you can sleep peacefully.”

Taekwoon eyed his queen, she hadn’t said very much about what she was doing wandering around the servants quarters. Neither had she addressed the rumours that had been floating around about her. His gaze shifted to the large portrait of the Queen, now hanging in the sitting room of his quarters. Why was she so close to  Cha Hakyeon?

Joonmyun’s words echoed in his head as the milk arrived, carried by a maid who shot the queen a shy smile before setting it down on the table with a deep bow. Minah picked up the glass and handed it to him. The ceramic was warm between his palms when he received it, he could smell that it was sweetened with honey. He took a short sip.

“Edo, do not trouble his majesty for the milk.” Minah chided the now large canine who, Taekwoon noticed had been looking beseechingly at him. He chuckled and nudged the dog.

“None for you young man!”

Minah chuckled at the interaction. As much as she wished to talk to the king about her conversations between the staff and herself. She could understand how he felt hard-pressed by the happenings in Yun Province. She decided to hold off those thoughts for later and lend the king whatever moral support he needed.

Taekwoon drank the milk and set the glass down on the table with another sigh.

“You should retire, I will return to my quarters…” Minah said as the King stood up, swaying, eyes heavy with sleep. A valet came running in to announce that Joonmyun was requesting the king’s audience.

“Please tell him that the king is retiring for the night, but if it is of importance, I could speak to him.”

“He usually comes in for a game of chess,” Taekwoon replied, voice gruff as Minah nodded.

“I will play in your stead. Please, go and get some sleep, your majesty.” she leaned up and pressed her lips to his cheeks, nudging him to his bedchambers “good night.”

“Good night,” the king smiled as Joonmyun entered the sitting room. Edo growled and Minah’s hand went down to grasp at the collar around his neck. Taekwoon shook his head, disapprovingly, “the queen is willing to play a game of chess with you, Joonmyun. I am much too tired to play myself. Edo, come with me, and guard my door against this very dangerous man,” he chuckled, calling to the large puppy, who, with a nudge from the queen followed the king 

Joonmyun let out a short laugh and bowed in reply before smiling at the queen.

“Shall we?”

The two sat across one another at the little table with the chess pieces set up. Minah admired how each one of them was crafted, carefully set up on a checkered board of ebony and ivory. She settled down before the black figures as Joonmyun picked up a white pawn.

“White goes first,” he said, placing the ivory piece two squares ahead. Minah picked up her own black pawn and shifted it two squares ahead.

“I hope the capital has treated you well,” Joonmyun shot the queen a warm smile wondering if she was aware of the rumours and whether he should broach the subject at all. Choosing not to hurt her sentiments, he shifted his bishop across. Minah eyed the board carefully before moving another pawn forward.

“Fairly well, thank you,” she replied, “should I call for some tea or wine for you?”

“No, I am quite alright, your highness.” the advisor shook his head, watching the Queen bring her knight into the game. He shifted his bishop, capturing her pawn. 

“Swift and decisive,” Minah commented, bringing her Bishop on the board, capturing his pawn. Joonmyun chuckled.

“Not the first time I’ve heard that about myself.” he moved anther pawn to create a safe path for his rook to enter the game. He watched the queen’s bishop capture the same pawn. He captured it with his rook.

“Sometimes, it is important to be decisive. Not swift.” She smiled, bringing the black queen onto the board.

Silence reigned as the two focused on the board, trying to capture as many pieces as they could. 

“You use your queen a great deal, your highness.” Joonmyun smiled “but a queen cannot win a battle.” he said, noting how Minah’s Queen had taken down his knight, bishop, rook, and several of his pawns, not without him causing severe damage to her side, though.

“Would you like to know something funny though?” Minah smiled “in the older forms of the game, this piece,” she said, holding her queen up “ was the vizier, a minister and advisor of sorts who evolved to become the queen, the most powerful piece on the chessboard.”

“That’s very fascinating,” Joonmyun commented, watching her capture his second last piece - his own white queen now lay on the table. 

“Well played, your majesty, now we run about the board, I suppose.” the advisor laughed as he shifted his king away from her queen.

Minah shifted her queen, three squares away from him. 

He moved diagonally.

She followed.

He frowned, moving up.

The queen moved her piece a step up.

He moved diagonally again, now trapped in a corner as the queen moved her piece to follow.

“Knight’s shadow,” Joonmyun whispered, knowing he was playing a losing game “very impressive.”

The lady before him smiled, finally bring her king into the game as Joonmyun’s own white piece floundered around until the queen and the king stood before his own king.

“Checkmate.” Minah declared with a wide grin only to be broken by frantic barks from near the king’s chambers. She stood up to peer at the source of the noise wondering why her dog was barking so loudly “Edo! Edo! What’s wrong? Come here” she called, but the dog never came by her. Frowning, she hurried into the room and Joonmyun stood up, concerned.

“Lord Joonmyun!” a sharp cry caught his attention as he hurried into the king’s chambers to find the queen on the floor with the king’s head on her lap as he seized, spasming in her arms. The dog growled, barking at him as Minah turned to him, shaking and pale “call for help! The king is seizing!” 

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“Aoi is a glacier-fed river isn’t it?”

“It is, your highness,” Jiyeon replied, making Minah’s frown deepen as she looked back at the map with a sigh. The advisor looked at her Queen, confused, wondering what it was that was bothering her. She eyed the “tea estates...population...irrigation” hastily written down on the Queen’s notebook.

They had been sitting there for nearly two hours and the Queen had not yet budged. 

“Jiyeon.”

“Yes?”

“If you are tired, then you can retire for the day.  Or should I ask for a pot of tea?” Minah smiled as Jiyeon shook her head.

“I’ve barely done anything except for providing you with material!”  

Minah raised her hand to call to the maid stationed outside the study “Jeongyeon!” which had the young woman scurrying in, blinking at being addressed by name.

“Would you be so kind as to fetch us a pot of tea?” the Queen glanced at the clock on the wall and pursed her lips “have you had your lunch yet?” 

Jeongyeon shook her head, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her skirts “n-no, your majesty.” 

“I apologise, please take a break for lunch. If someone else is available, please send them instead.”  Minah said before turning to Jiyeon “I hope you don’t mind.” 

“No, not at all.” the lady replied as the maid bowed and hurried out of the room. The queen returned to the map, pursing her lips before scribbling out another few words that Jiyeon to vaguely discern as “dam....displacement...regrowth?”

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The first thing that Taekwoon noticed was that her hair was down when she hurried over to stand beside him. He had taken pains to look as plain as possible so as not to be identified by the people in his kingdom, but when Minah looked up at him, he could very faintly recognise his wife under the gaunt cheeks and hair parted a whole different way. She had on heavy brown cotton pants and a loose linen blouse. Her eyes met his and she let out a laugh.

“We need to make you look...less like a king, your majesty.”

Taekwoon looked thoughtful before reaching for the pair of spectacles he had slipped in his pocket and wore them. 

"How about now?" He asked, squinting through the clear glass.

Minah looked thoughtfully at him before reaching towards his hair with a soft "If I may?"

Taekwoon tipped his head forward as his wife stood on the tips of her toes to muss up the neatly combed locks over his forehead. He looked at her meticulous movements as she carefully fixed his hair in a way that would hide his features. Taekwoon’s eyes fell shut involuntarily, the gentle touch almost like a caress.

She wobbled, standing on her toes for so long causing her to lose balance. His hands gently reached to grip at her sides so she wouldn't fall over, fingers clutching at the soft fabric. He noticed the involuntary twitch of muscle under his fingers and the red creeping up her cheeks as she willed herself to focus on his (mostly done) hair. Stepping away with a sigh, she nodded.

“This will do.”

The two trudged down the path demarcated by Yixing for them to enter the heart of the city. He said it was the safest route with the least crowd least they are identified. It was a cobbled path lined on either side with double-storeyed houses and a network of alleyways through which the cold mountain breeze blew. Minah was now swathed with a heavy shawl and her loose hair held back with a colourful scarf. Taekwoon led the way, more familiar with the route than his wife who looked around, taking in the details as keenly as she could.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked, nudging at her hand with his and grasping it to help her over a particularly rough patch on the path.

“I was wondering if we could walk into the market without being identified,” Minah hummed thoughtfully. “Is there somewhere where we could buy some of the teas from the Yun Province? I heard it was one of the kingdom’s finest.”

The King’s brow furrowed. This tea was easily obtainable in the palace itself. Why would she want to go specifically to the marketplace for it? He looked around, realizing that he was mostly familiar with this path through motorcar or horseback, but never by foot. The marketplace was a short walk from where they were. 

“There is a street in the Central Market which is home to all the tea traders, I’m certain we’ll find some there.”

He squinted through the clear glass frames perched on his nose at what seemed to be a sudden movement in an alley a dark figure seemed to be hovering in the depths of it, watching them. Taekwoon’s grip on Minah’s hand tightened as the figure moved, causing Taekwoon to hurry ahead down the path towards the city square. His mind raced. Had someone been made aware of his and her outing? Was this one of Yixing’s security measures to ensure that nothing untoward would happen to them? Even if it was, the guard would have made himself known rather than acted suspiciously.

Maybe they were being followed.

“Slow down, your highness. If we move too fast we’d look suspicious.” Minah whispered when she caught sight of the familiar fountain in the middle of the city square. Shifting her gaze to her husband, she noticed that he didn’t seem to be listening, his eyes looking around everywhere seemingly in search of something. She laced her fingers with his and tugged gently towards the crowd of vehicles carrying produce, pottery, and grains leading towards the market trying to merge them into the mass of people.

The loud crack of bamboo being unloaded seemed to break Taekwoon out of his thoughts and look at his wife. Even in her attempts to remain incognito, she stood out in the crowd with her keen eyes and sunkissed skin, she was clearly from the South. But somehow, she conducted herself much like a tourist, looking around in wonder as she grasped at his hand. Suddenly, Taekwoon found himself not caring if they were being followed. There was no way they could be caught in this crowd.

“Let me take you to the tea market,” he said, gently leading her past the vegetable stalls, down the brick path which led to the potter and gem guilds before taking a sharp left turn. The street was narrow and seemed to have once been paved. Cluttered with stalls, some of which were open, there didn’t seem to be too many people within the streets. Taekwoon frowned, maybe this was the effect of the lack of water in the tea estates as Lord Yang had mentioned.

Minah paced forward, looking around the stalls with increased interest catching the attention of the merchants who sat at their stalls, looking into the distance. The sudden animation in their actions amused Taekwoon as they called for Minah’s attention, unbeknownst to them that the lady they were calling was their queen. The desperation was evident in their voices as they tried to sell the paltry varieties of tea set on the tables in front of them. Minah approached a stall and Taekwoon noticed the glares between the merchants.

“Would you happen to have any tea from the Yun Province? I’ve heard it is the finest in the kingdom,” she asked and the glee on the merchant’s face dropped, hardening before morphing into a commercial smile.

“Oh! Madam, you’ve come in at the wrong time. It is not yet time for the Yun variety to be picked yet. May I interest you in some from the Sang Province? They’re very close to each other and the flavour profile is rather similar!” the merchant replied, pointing to another bottle holding tea.

“Is that so?” Minah wondered out aloud as Taekwoon frowned. This was the season where the best tea from the Yun Province came into the capital. “Dearest, did you not say that the tea would be brought into the capital within these months?” Minah asked, turning to Taekwoon who nearly jolted at the sudden use of the term of endearment.  Hoping that the heat on his cheeks didn’t translate into a thick blush, he nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

The merchant seemed to notice that the foreign lady was accompanied by a local man. Shooting the king a glare he turned to Minah.

“We don’t have any tea from the province.”

“Does anyone here in the market have any?” Minah asked, idly looking at some of the tea leaves in front of her.

“No,” the man snapped.

“Anywhere in the city?”

“No, we haven’t had tea from the Yun Province for nearly two years. The only place you might find it is in the palace. I don’t think your husband here has been aware of the situation in the North.”  he glared at Minah before casting a sharp look at Taekwoon.

Minah maintained her unaffected tone “I’m afraid not, he has been travelling for a while. What is the situation in the North? Has there been a drought?”

There was a loud snort of laughter from another stall making Minah spin around to see who it was.

“Drought? Lady, the monsoons in the north are just fine. It’s the river that is the issue.” Another stall-owner piped up.

“How so?” Minah’s asked, curiosity piqued, Taekwoon took a step forward to join the conversation.

“The variety grown in the Yun Province needs a steady water supply,” the merchant began only to be interrupted by Taekwoon.

“Isn’t it irrigated by the Aoi River?”

“Yes, which has been dammed off and the water being denied to several estates.” the adjacent stall-owner snapped “why do you think we barely have any of the best teas here?”

“We don’t have the money to pay the Lord to let water in to irrigate our estates in the province,” another merchant sighed “most of us have lost our businesses or our lands to the Lord Kwanghee. Whoever is left has moved to the Sang Province, but the yield isn’t as good.”

“Wasn’t there a second dam built just a few years ago?” Minah wondered aloud “did that not help with the irrigation of the estates?”

There was silence and another derisive laugh “the Blue Dam was built under the recommendation of Lord Kwanghee to King Daesuk. People are still waiting for the compensation they were promised for all the lands that were flooded.”

“I’m...really sorry,” Taekwoon said and Minah’s eyes dropped to her feet.

“No point in saying sorry. With the king running off to fight wars and bringing common women as brides, we only have the court to appeal to.”

“Pft, appeal to the Lords who we need to bribe just for water?” the man rolled his eyes “there’s nothing we can do. We’ll soon go bankrupt and have to find other work.”

Minah had remained silent for most of the conversation. “If you could all be so kind as to give me a pound each from your teas, I would be grateful.” She said, looking at the King who nodded. It was the least they could do given their disguise. There was a flurry of movement as they all hurried to pack the loose leaf teas into paper packages and seal them. 

While there was some jubilation for the business in the street, the walk back to the palace was silent. They had decided that further exploration of the city could be done another day.

Minah could tell that her husband was deep in thought. Probably troubled by the news about his nobility denying his people of basic necessities. It was possible that Lord Kwanghee had tried to create a monopoly of the tea trade so he could gain through export. The dam would have easily created a power source as well as a means of controlling the water in the area. Which was probably why he was vehement about the release of the river to travel further South as a part of their negotiations.

“We should look into his financial records and send someone trusted on the ground...for now, that will be a good way to verify it, your highness.” she began slowly.

Taekwoon shook his head “that is superficial, I am worried that Kwanghee’s actions will lead to rebellion yet again… I don’t think…” he paused when the queen took his hand in hers and gave it a soft squeeze as they walked past the heavy wooden gateway of the palace. Shedding his glasses and handing over the many parcels of tea to the attendants, Minah could see that Taekwoon was visibly miserable. He had been so busy fighting his father’s battles that he couldn’t see the shambles that his kingdom was in and was actively blinded by his courtiers. He felt foolish, angry, and incapable. All he wanted was to fix everything that he could.

 “We can start there and move on to verifying if people who have been displaced have been given appropriate compensation. Right now it is important to see what exactly is happening and then taking measures for both short and long term.” Minah said, running her thumb over his knuckles as he walked her towards her quarters “I understand that it is overwhelming now, but let’s take this step by step. We have several bright minds in the court…”

“And yet, it is difficult to understand who to trust.” Taekwoon sighed when they reached the entry to Minah’s quarters. His hand was still in hers as they stood in the silence, looking at each other. 

“I’m here to support you no matter what. We will write a new chapter in this kingdom’s history together,” she said softly as Taekwoon looked down to meet her gaze. “Your majesty,” she called and he hummed in response when pushed herself onto her tiptoes to brush her lips against his.

Eyes fluttering shut, Taekwoon’s world seemed to freeze for that ephemeral moment. Just the brief brush of her lips against his sent such a spark down his spine that made him feel a deep clenching inside his chest. His palm reached out to cradle her burning cheek before meeting her gaze. Somewhere in the buzz of his mind, he knew it was an aching longing to kiss her as his thumb ran gently over the plush skin of her lips.

"Can I..." he breathed out before Minah nodded silently. At that moment, he took her cheeks into both his hands, bringing her lips to his for another moment, prolonging the kiss this time, by tilting his head to deepen his movements. The soft sound that left her lips rippled through his body as his fingers tangled in her hair and her shawl fell to the ground as her hand gripped at his coat. The longing that Taekwoon felt in his chest had now turned into a fire and his hands now moved to grip at her hips and pull her close savouring the hum that left her throat. When his lips met her neck the moment their lips parted and he took a step towards her quarters, she baulked, seemingly coming to her senses and taking a step away.

“I uh…” she panted, blushing as Taekwoon looked at her, puzzled “I’m on uh…I don’t think...uh.” she tried to construct a coherent sentence but the coloured spots erupting in her brain made it fail her. “I’ll take your leave, your majesty” she exhaled heavily, pivoting and hurrying into her chambers.

Taekwoon gaped at the spot she had occupied a few seconds ago. He looked down to see her shawl, heavy on his feet. Reaching down to pick it up, he held it in his arms, breathing in the scent that clung to it. Had he been too forceful? He wondered as he wrapped the shawl around himself, trying to ignore the desire bubbling up within him. He had promised he would wait till she was comfortable and he would keep that promise. When he turned to leave, he saw a figure slink away. Blinking, Taekwoon saw that the spot was empty. Yet he was reminded again of the panic that had gripped him that morning.

He would have to speak to Yixing about the possible security breach.

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