Veil of the Dusken Rose - #am...

Par Zolatau

71K 4.2K 3K

Neeria, a foreign court lady, captivates Crown Prince Yi San in the restrictive world of the Joseon palace. D... Plus

Hello
1장 || Veil of Secrets
2장 || Echoes in Moonlight
3장 || Serenade of Shadows
4장 || In Hushed Tones
5장 || A Dance of Stars
6장 || Whispers of Dawn
7장 || Fragile Dreams
8장 || Threads of Destiny
9장 || Enchanted Reverie
10장 || Memoirs of Silence
11장 || The Hidden Garden
12장 || Melody of Whispers
13장 || Shrouded Desires
14장 || Of Roses and Thorns
15장 ||Echoes of Her Heartbeat
16장 || Resonance of Hearts
17장 || Mosaic of Memories
18장 || Lullaby of Shadows
20장 || A Distant Melancholy
21장 || Moonlit Confessions
22장 || Secrets in Ink
23장 || Whispers of Destiny
24장 || Echoes of ease
25장 || The Silence
26장 || Veil of sorrow
27장 || Portraits in Silence
28장 || Portraits in mountain tops
29장 || Prelude to Fate
30장 || Solitude's Symphony
31장 || Solitude's Revenge
32장 || Ephemeral Echoes
33장 || Veiled Desires
34장 || Tales of Moonlight
35장 || Reflections in Ink
36장 || The Velvet Twilight
37장 || Serenade of the Soul
38장 || Lullaby
Fin

19장 || The Painted Veil

1.6K 108 56
Par Zolatau

Author's pov

Shortly after witnessing the king's peaceful descent into slumber, Lady Jeongsun, with a seemingly heavy heart, exited the doors of his chamber. Outside, the hallway was lit by coming evening.

She paused momentarily, her gaze drawn to the young prince. He was being encircled protectively by guards, moving in synchronization, each step reflecting their impeccable training. They were clearly following the orders of the crown prince. The young prince, avoided his mother's gaze, his eyes lowered, possibly in shame or pain. She shook her head scoffing. The resident physician, offered a supportive arm, helping the young prince navigate the corridor with care.

Lost in her thoughts and concerned for the prince, Lady Jeongsun was jolted back to the present when she accidentally bumped into Lady Minyoung. It seemed as though Lady Minyoung had just had an intense conversation with the general, his tall silhouette receding into the corridor's shadows.

Lady Jeongsun's eyes, flecked with curiosity, quickly forgetting about her son. She looked at Lady Minyoung up and down before saying with feigned innocence, "Since when were you and the general so... acquainted?"

Lady Minyoung, clearly taken aback, hesitated. Her hand involuntarily reached up to adjust her hanbok. Then, narrowing her eyes and trying to maintain her composure, she shot back what could only be described as a scathing look, one that would have made anyone of lesser stature cower.

Drawing herself up to her full height, Lady Jeongsun responded with a frosty air, "It's amusing that someone of your age, old enough to be my daughter... that you would look at me with such brazen disregard. Were you not taught respect, or has the world changed so much?"

Lady Minyoung's lips parted as if to retort, but she then smirked, a spark of defiance in her eyes. "You possess nothing I covet," she said confidently, her chin raised. " Why are you owed respect?"

Yet Lady Jeongsun remained unruffled. She tilted her head, her piercing gaze unwavering. "If it's the crown prince you're setting your sights on, perhaps you might want to refine your approach." A knowing smile tugged at her lips.

Suspicion dawned in Lady Minyoung's eyes as they darted about, reading every nuance on Lady Jeongsun's face. The younger woman's fingers clenched, crumpling the delicate fabric of her hanbok. "What have you orchestrated?" she inquired, her voice slightly strained.

Lady Jeongsun's laugh, gentle yet filled with amusement, echoed in the corridor. She elegantly turned on her heel, her luxurious robes swishing softly with each step. "Your confidence is commendable, dear Minyoung, but it seems your wit doesn't match your actions," she observed with a casual air. " How shameful... you even chance the men she's left behind after she's stolen yours?"

Lady Minyoung's face flushed a deeper shade, a mix of anger and confusion. "What are you insinuating?" she pressed, her voice filled with desperation for answers.

Pausing, Lady Jeongsun glanced over her shoulder, her eyes gleaming with a hidden confession. "Once you master the art of genuine humility, perhaps I'll consider guiding your steps in this palace. But for now, perhaps you should be expressing your gratitude to me that the crown prince hasn't yet produced an heir with that.... Temptress." With a final, acknowledging nod, she gracefully continued her departure, leaving a bewildered and fuming Lady Minyoung in her wake.

The cold, crisp air of the courtyard was momentarily disturbed by another set of rustling silken robes. Emerging from the archway, the imposing figure of the Queen Dowager made her presence known. The elderly queen's sharp eyes darted between the two women, her senses ever alert to the subtle dynamics at play within her son's palace.

Lady Jeongsun and Lady Minyoung, sensing the change in atmosphere, promptly ceased their conversation and turned to greet the Queen Dowager with deep bows. "Your Grace," they chorused, their voices dripping with respect.

The Queen Dowager halted, her penetrating gaze scanning the two women. "I find it rather peculiar," she began with a deliberate slowness, "that you both now find occasion to converse so freely in these palace grounds. Tell me, when did this newfound friendship bloom?"

Lady Jeongsun, stepped forward, her posture perfect. "Your grace," she began, choosing her words with care, "One could say that the concerns for the king's health have brought us together, uniting our wishes for his swift recovery." Though her voice was even, a hint of emotion was skillfully added to lend credibility to her words.

The Queen Dowager's eyebrow quirked ever so slightly, her keen mind processing the information. "Is that so?" she mused, her tone dripping with skepticism. She tilted her head slightly, the weight of her gaze heavy upon them. "And how fares my son, the king?"

Taking a moment to compose herself, Lady Jeongsun responded, "He is showing signs of improvement, Your Majesty. Today, he fares better than he did yesterday."

The Queen Dowager regarded them for a moment longer, her seasoned instincts picking up on the undercurrents of the conversation. With a curt nod, she continued her walk, the silken train of her robe flowing behind her, leaving the two ladies.

Elsewhere, Neeira felt the world dissolve around her as the crown prince expertly adjusted her position, pulling her onto his lap. Every inch of her body became hyper-aware of him. The solid firmness of his thighs beneath her, the heat radiating from his broad chest, and the strength in the arms that wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. The dim light of the chamber caught the glint in his eyes, a reflection of raw desire that matched her own.

She could feel the heat from his breath ghosting over her neck, every exhale sending tingles down her spine. As his lips brushed against the soft skin there, she felt a shiver of anticipation. Every touch, every caress was amplified in the quiet intimacy of their surroundings.

She pressed herself deeper into his embrace, their bodies fitting together as if they were two pieces of a puzzle, made for one another. "I want you," he whispered huskily into her ear, the deep timbre of his voice causing her heart to race, "I need you."

She gasped softly, the sensation of his warm breath against her ear sending ripples of pleasure through her. Playfully, she took his earlobe between her teeth, gently nibbling, a soft smirk playing on her lips.

His response was immediate. One hand slid sensuously down her back, the tips of his fingers tracing patterns on her spine. When they reached the curve of her hips, he gently gripped, pulling her closer. The other hand ventured daringly up her leg, fingers dancing over her skin, making her quiver in anticipation.

With a deliberate slowness, he began to lift her hanbok, the cool night air caressing her exposed skin, making it goosebump. His fingers felt warmer against the eliciting soft sighs from her lips.

"I still owe you a favor," she murmured breathlessly, her voice a mix of tease and plea.

With a wicked grin, he let his fingers wander further up, teasing the delicate skin of her inner thigh. Her reaction was electric, a louder, needy moan escaping her lips.

When he had exposed as much of her as he wanted, he lifted her up and laid her on the bedding. He stood up and removed his robe, not even holding back in the slightest.

Neeira watched him intently, drinking in every detail of his nakedness. His broad shoulders, his firm chest, his toned stomach, Neeira's eyes flitted over him, taking in every detail, from the broad expanse of his shoulders to the sinewy muscles of his abdomen. When her gaze lingered a moment too long on his form, he teasingly remarked, "What has caught your eye so intently?"

She averted her eyes and feigned innocence. "I was simply admiring... the room's architecture."

He chuckled softly, "Of course you were." Closing the distance between them, he didn't have to say much, the way his eyes glazed over her body beckoned, "Come here." Even when he didn't speak the words,  she obeyed. She crawled over to him and straddled him, placing her knees either side of his hips.

She sat there for a moment, looking down at him, watching his eyes follow her breasts as they swayed slightly, gently with her small movements. Soon enough, she leaned forward and kissed him, slowly, passionately, deeply.

She could taste his tongue on her own as their tongues entwined. She could smell his alluring scent on her as their bodies touched. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him.

As Neeira began her descent, she placed her delicate hands on his firm chest for support, feeling the warmth of his skin and the rhythm of his heart beneath her fingertips. Her face still slightly embarrassed whenever they got here, lips slightly parted, as she took a deep breath, steadying herself.

She lowered herself with deliberate slowness, feeling every inch of him as he enveloped her. A gasp escaped her lips, the sensation of him, so intimate and consuming, causing her eyes to flutter momentarily. His gaze remained intensely on her, reading every nuance of her face, reveling in the way she bit her lower lip, a telltale sign of her pleasure.

The movement began slowly, a gentle rhythm, their bodies syncing in harmony. Neeira arched her back slightly, her long twists hair cascading down her back, as she savored the sensation of being completely connected with him. His hands found their way to her waist, fingers pressing into her soft skin, guiding and supporting her gentle motions.

The low light in the room highlighted the sheen of sweat that began to form on their bodies, a narration of the intensity of their union. Every rock, every motion was a dance of passion, a silent song of two souls intertwining.

She leaned forward, their foreheads touching, and whispered breathlessly, "Do you feel it too?" Her voice was coated, slightly daring with emotion, vulnerability and desire. He nodded, pulling her into a deep, soulful kiss, their movements becoming one fluid motion, a testament to their deep connection.

His strong hands wrapped around her waist, fingers digging into the curve of her hips, pulling her close. With a deft movement, he lifted her, aligning their bodies perfectly. The intimate contact sent a jolt of pleasure through Neeira, and she let out a soft, involuntary moan, muffled by their shared kiss into his mouth.

As he deepened the kiss and initiated a rhythmic upward thrust, she felt herself succumbing entirely to the sensation, each movement amplifying the waves of pleasure coursing through her.

Suddenly, he broke the kiss. His eyes, still heavily dark with desire, studied her face intently, searching for every nuance, every reaction.
She tried to move, to regain control of the rhythm, but he held her firmly, the strength in his arms evident. Neeira's chest heaved, her breaths shallow, her heart racing. She could feel his heartbeat, strong and steady against her.

"You're so beautiful like this," he whispered, his itself was a sonnet that left her flustered, sending shivers in forms of teases throughout her body. She tilted her head, strands of twists falling across her face, her eyes pleading as she murmured, "Don't stop."

He smirked, a glint in his eye, holding her still for a moment longer, teasing her, before relinquishing control and letting the rhythm of their passion take over once more.

The intense rhythm of their bodies melding together was pushing Neeira to her limits. The sensations were building, threatening to overflow. He noticed every twitch, every breath, every gasp she made, attuned to her reactions.

He leaned in close, his breath grazing her ear. "Is it too much?" he whispered with genuine concern, his fingers tracing delicate patterns on her flushed skin. She could feel his heart racing, matching her own frenzied pace.

Gasping, she managed, "I can't take it, Jeoha..." her voice quivering, betraying her rising vulnerability.

He tilted her chin up gently, so their eyes met. His gaze was intense, seeking, questioning. There was a smirk playing on his lips, teasing yet tender. "Do you want me?" he asked, his voice though calm was threaded in a power she knew well.

Lost in the depths of his gaze, and the intensity of their connection, she nodded, a soft sigh escaping her lips.

His thumb brushed over her lower lip, "Don't just nod...Say it," he smiled.

Breathing heavily, with her eyes still locked onto his, she whispered, "Yes."

He raised an eyebrow, challenging her, "What did you say?"  His command sent a thrill through her.

Gathering all her strength, her voice filled with passion, she exclaimed, "Yes.." Her body tensed, sensations overwhelming her, making her quiver.

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, keeping her grounded as the waves washed over her. Yet he didn't relent, his thrusts growing in intensity, faster.

Neeira's entire body felt like it was in a world where heaven existed in that moment, each nerve-end electrified, as he hit that one particular spot inside her. She gasped, her hands clutching at his shoulders.

"Voice your desires," he whispered, his deep voice resonating like the low notes of a buk drum, as the sounds of his exhalations brushed past her ear, igniting a cascade of goosebumps down her neck.

Taking a moment to catch her breath, she whispered back with vulnerability and determination, "I want you."

He paused, his intense eyes studying her face. With a soft smile, he reached out and tenderly brushed a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. "Well done," he complimented, his fingers trailing down her cheek, sending another wave of sensations through her body.

Feeling her heartbeat against his chest, he leaned in closer, his voice filled with promises of pleasures yet to come. "I'm going to pleasure you," he whispered with certainty.

He pressed his thumb against her lips, feeling their softness. "But," he began, looking deep into her eyes, "I really want you to show me how much you desire it."

Every upward thrust from him was making it harder for Neeira to hold her composure. Her breath came out in short, ragged gasps, and she found herself biting her lower lip to keep from crying out.

The powerful presence, of dominance he exuded had Neeria teetering on the edge of insanity with longing. Each commanding gesture, every gaze he cast her way, only fanned the needs of her desire. "Please," her voice quivered like a lone leaf in the wind, "I can... I can show..."

He tilted his chin up just a tad, assessing her, teasing her. "Do you think you can remain composed, Neeria?" His whisper was deceptively soft, but the underlying dare was evident, goading her into a challenge.

She bit her lower lip, as she thought on the matter. "Am I... too distracting with my sounds?" she ventured, looking up through her lashes, uncertainty dancing in her eyes.

His thumb grazed her cheek, as he smiled at her sudden confusion. He leaned in, his lips hovering mere inches from hers. "Your sounds are enchanting," he confessed, his breath warm against her mouth. "But remember when you boasted of your strength? When you said you were not some delicate flower?"

She nodded hesitantly, the memory of her own words making her cheeks warm. But then doubt crept in, making her feel vulnerable, like a butterfly caught under a glass.

He noticed her internal struggle, the hesitation clear in her eyes. "I'd love to see you try," he teased, his voice dripping with playful temptation, each word sending her heart into a frantic rhythm.

"But..." she began, her voice trailing off as she got lost in the depth of his eyes.

"That's my Neeria," he whispered, rewarding her for her submission. In one fluid motion, he thrust himself deep inside her. The way he looked at her, with that hint of adoration and authority, made her feel both cherished and controlled.

His hands, which sat on her waist, slid upward, tracing the curve of her, making her skin tingle at his touch. With a sudden, unexpected motion, he entered her again, causing her to gasp sharply, her fingers digging into his shoulders. She but her lip trying to control a moan that threatened to escape.

Pulling her closer, he held her in place, ensuring she felt every inch of him as he moved. "Just like that," he murmured into her ear, his voice dripping with pride and lust they both shared.

Though he knew she wouldn't last, he continued. His rhythmic movements began to pick up in speed and intensity. She looked down at him, her face flushed with slowly lines of sweat from the exertion. She nodded though unsure how to react, or possibly imagine how much faster he could go.

However, soon the unmistakable rhythm of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall, approaching the crown prince's chamber. Their urgency invading on the intimacy that had enveloped Jeoha and Neeira. Her arms, which were securely wrapped around him, tensed.

"Jeoha..." a voice on the other side of the door began, only to be overshadowed by their shared breaths.

Feeling the weight of his duty pulling her back to reality, Neeira tried to untangle herself. "I should leave..." she began, but even as the words escaped her lips, his strong arms anchored her closer.

He whispered fiercely, his breath hot on her neck, "You're not going anywhere." Without breaking their intense connection, he called out, "I'm to remain undisturbed tonight. If anyone asks, tell them I'm away." His voice carried the unmistakable authority, but his eyes, burning into Neeira's, spoke of a man intoxicated by passion.

She opened her mouth to protest, but he swiftly silenced her with a soft kiss, drawing her focus back to the rhythmic cadence of their bodies, ensuring she was now on her back. The outside world and its troubles faded away, leaving only the two of them and their shared ardor.

A soft moan escaped her as she felt him intensifying his movements; the pleasure built wave upon wave. Her nails dug into his back, desperate for control amidst the storm of sensations. But when she tried to pull back to catch her breath, his grip tightened, keeping her close.

Her eyes, wide with pleasure, met his as he delved deeper. She tried to stifle her reactions, but her defenses crumbled as he withdrew only to return with renewed vigor.

A soft whimper betrayed her earlier attempts to stay silent, eliciting a smirk from the crown prince. "Losing our little challenge, are we?" he teased, his voice dripping with satisfaction. She could only respond with a blend of a sigh and a moan, the sensations threatening to completely overwhelm her.

Neeira's body tensed as the crown prince's fingers dug into her hips. Each powerful thrust
sent waves of pleasure radiating through her, making her gasp and moan in response. As he neared climax, she joined him. As their rhythm grew more feverish, the heat between them became nearly unbearable. Every movement, every touch, seemed to amplify their shared passion. She felt him tense, and his climax slowly coming to a release. As he moved to pull away, her hands found their way to his back, holding him close, not wanting to sever their connection. He looked at her, eyes wide. "Neeira..." he began, but she pressed her lips to his, also silencing any protest with a tender kiss.

Their climax arrived almost simultaneously, an overwhelming rush of sensation that left them both breathless. She arched her back along with him, her juices slowly dripping down his thighs.

He continued to kiss her passionately as he withdrew himself from her. He smiled down at her, and she panted heavily as she lay there.

He collapsed over her, breathing heavily. She sighed as she ran her hands through his hair, then kissed his forehead and nose.

"Thank you for your gratitude," he smiled at her, cuddling her close. Cupping her face gently she smiled.

By morning, a gentle breeze rustled the trees lining the outskirts of the city, casting dappled shadows on the dusty road below. General Yeongho, stood with a few of his soldiers, discussing their latest assignments, as there had been word of civilian unrest.

At this time, one of the younger soldiers, a fresh recruit, approached him hesitantly, holding a crumpled flyer. "Sir," he began, his voice quivering slightly, "I found this near the city gates." He extended the flyer towards General Yeongho.

Yeongho took it, unfolding it to reveal the image of Neeira and the inflammatory text: "Your crown prince is sacrificing your sons for her!" His eyes narrowed.

"Where did you get this," Yeongho asked, his voice firm. Handing the flyer back to the soldier, he ordered, " Near the market entrance." He stated.

"Gather a few men. We're heading into the city."

The soldier nodded, "Yes, General!" He quickly relayed the command to a few others, and within moments, they mounted their horses, the General leading the way.

As they entered the city, Yeongho's senses were heightened. He scanned the streets, searching for any sign of the origin of the propaganda.

The vibrant marketplace was alive with activity, and the general's presence did not go unnoticed.

Whispers spread among the vendors and shoppers as he and his soldiers made their way deeper into the heart of the city.

Still, with the sun was beating down on the dusty roads, casting long shadows of the tall, imposing trees. The rhythmic sound of hooves echoed as the general rode swiftly on his steed, his trail of palace guards forming a protective line behind him.

As they approached further into the marketplace on the outskirts of the city, the general's sharp eyes caught sight of a man hurriedly putting up drawings on a wooden board.

The general's heart raced as he recognized the familiar likeness of Neeira on those poster, once again.

The general dismounted his horse, the dust from the road rising as his boots hit the ground. In a blur, he was in front of the man, snatching the poster from his grasp. "Who is making these?" he bellowed, his voice echoing, drawing the attention of nearby vendors and townsfolk. "Who ordered you to spread such lies?"

Before the man could stammer a response, the unmistakable sound of hooves thundered again. Another group of men on horses appeared, led by a familiar figure.

Leading them was the unmistakable silhouette of the messenger from Seongyeon. A wicked grin played on the messenger's lips as his eyes, cold and calculating, locked onto the general's.

As the messenger drew nearer, he leaned into his horse, bringing the majestic creature to a slow trot before stopping inches away from the general. "Don't tell me, you're sleeping with her too?" he quipped, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. He elegantly adjusted himself in the saddle, one hand nonchalantly brushing a strand of hair from his eyes, an act dripping with condescension.

Yeongho's eyes gazed at him, in controlled annoyance. "What are you doing here? You have no business in these parts," he spat out, each word laced with disdain.

The messenger's laugh was low and mirthless. "The same could be asked of you, General," he retorted, his gaze sweeping over the general's soldiers before returning to Yeongho with an intensity of distaste. He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "Why? Or have you so conveniently forgotten about us?"

General Yeongho's nostrils flared as he scoffed, taking a moment to scan the surrounding streets. His jaw tightened, and he held himself with a poise that screamed of barely contained fury. "Your theatrics never cease to amuse," he said, voice dripping with disdain.

With a graceful, movement the messenger dismounted his horse. Each step seemed deliberate, echoing with a dangerous elegance. He neared the general, leaning in to pat Yeongho on the back, a patronizing gesture that made the atmosphere even more sinister. "Tell me, General, is there something exotic about women from her land? Aren't the beauties of Joseon enough for your tastes?" He smirked, reaching up to cheekily pat the general's face, slighting short of a slap. "Word has it the crown prince hasn't even let you have a mere taste," he teased, a wicked glint in his eyes.

A soldier from Yeongho's entourage, eyes aflame with indignation, lunged forward, ready to defend his leader's honor. But, with an imperceptible nod from the general, he halted. Yeongho's raised hand was firm, commanding silence and restraint.

The messenger let out a laugh, a sound rich and mocking. "Isn't that sweet? Your little guard dogs are always on alert. Does their loyalty make you feel powerful?" He raised an eyebrow mockingly, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement.

Drawing closer, the messenger's voice dropped to a near-whisper, his words like venom as they brushed against the general's ear. "Were you merely boasting about being with her? As always, you're a step behind the crown prince, even with your supposed head start." The biting words were a dance of provocation, a challenge laid bare for the general to either confront or retreat from.

Yeongho's face remained inscrutable, though a slight twitch of his eye betrayed his mounting irritation. Taking a deep breath, he stepped back to create some distance between them.

"Your audacity is impressive," Yeongho said. "But you tread on dangerous ground with your insinuations. Remind me, why are you here again?"

" Isn't he a great actor?" The messenger asked his men before he chuckled returning his gaze to the general once again. " I'm simply here on Seongyeon's business. As you know a few things weren't delivered. We are just rushing the process alittle. But it's always a pleasure to run into an old... acquaintance." His eyes raked over Yeongho, openly mocking.

One of Yeongho's men, unable to contain his anger, spat, "Watch your tongue!"

The general, however, lifted his hand again, signaling him to hold back. "You've delivered your message, and your taunts," Yeongho remarked coldly. "Now, unless you have something of actual value to say, I suggest you go back to Seongyeon and tell your leader to send someone more competent next time."

The messenger's eyes darkened, the playful demeanor momentarily slipping. "Careful, General. There are more eyes and ears in this city than you might think." With that, he mounted his horse with a swift, practiced movement. "Until our next encounter," he said, nodding mockingly before leading his men out of the square.

As the clatter of hooves faded, Yeongho let out a measured breath, his stance relaxing slightly. The tight set of his shoulders indicated the confrontation had gotten under his skin, but he was not one to let it show. He turned to his men, his expression grim. "Should we tell the crown prince?" One of the guards asked.

Without even sparing a glance at the guard who had spoken, General Yeongho pointed to the several flyers still posted around the area. "First things first. Remove all those disgraceful flyers from the boards." His tone was icy, each word carefully enunciated, leaving no room for argument.

The guards immediately sprang into action, tearing the flyers from where they were posted, their faces set in hard lines of determination. The townsfolk, who had watched the confrontation from a distance, whispered amongst themselves but none dared to approach or intervene. The atmosphere was thick with tension.

As the last flyer was taken down, Yeongho sighed, his gaze distant. He seemed lost in thought for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on him. The possibility of the crown prince finding out about the rumors, especially in such a demeaning manner, was not something he had anticipated.

Finally, addressing the earlier question, he said, "As for the crown prince... He has enough on his plate without adding to his concerns. For now, we keep this to ourselves. We'll find the root of these rumors and cut it off."

"But General," one of the younger guards hesitated, "What if more of these flyers appear? We can't possibly monitor the entire city."

Yeongho met the young guard's eyes, his gaze unwavering. "Then we'll do whatever it takes to ensure they don't spread any further."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the guards. With a nod from Yeongho, they mounted their horses, heading back to the palace.

The general, however, lingered a moment longer, staring at the spot where the messenger had stood.

At the palace chambers, the air was much more calm.  The sun's rays streamed in, casting a golden hue over the room and its occupants. The crown prince, with a gentle and affectionate gaze, held Neeira close to him. Her damp hair, fresh from the bath, left cool droplets on his royal robes, but he didn't mind.

Breaking the embrace, Neeira took a step back, her fingers brushing against his for a moment. "I should get dressed," she said softly. "There are many things to do today."

The prince, not wanting to let go of this private moment between them, entwined his fingers with hers once again. "Why not spend the day with me instead? There are some documents I'd like your insight on."

Neeira looked surprised. "Your Highness, I'm honored. But is it appropriate for someone like me, not part of the court, to be privy to such matters?"

The prince's smile was genuine as he looked deeply into her eyes. "Your intelligence and perspective are invaluable to me. Why not put them to good use for the palace?"

After a moment's consideration, she nodded. "Alright. But first, let me check on Uhn Yuhn. I promised her I'd be back."

He gently squeezed her hand. "If you'd like, she can join us. I'm sure she'd enjoy the company."

Neeira's smile left his at ease as she spoke. "Thank you, Jeoha."

Making her way to Uhn Yuhn's room, Neeira opened the door to find the younger woman smiling, the moment she saw her, already dressed and brushing her long hair.

"Ah! I'm so sorry, Uhn Yuhn. I didn't return last night," Neeira began, guilt evident in her voice.

Uhn Yuhn waved her off, her mischievous smile still intact. "Ah, Unnie...No need for apologies! The way I see it, if you keep this up, I'll be getting an upgrade to a much larger room soon!"

Neeira chuckled, embracing woman before her. " I don't deserve you." Neeira smiled.

Uhn Yuhn pulled back slightly, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, I know. So, how do you plan on making it up to me?" She raised an eyebrow playfully, waiting for Neeira's response.

Clearing her throat, Neeira began, "Well, the crown prince extended an invitation for us to join him today."

A delighted smile spread across Uhn Yuhn's face. "Really? Well, it sounds like the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with my future brother-in-law." She winked, causing Neeira to roll her eyes fondly.

As the two began to leave the room, Uhn Yuhn added, her tone more serious, "Oh, and before I forget, Lady Jinsun dropped by earlier. She mentioned returning in the afternoon."

Neeira simply smiled and nodded as the two walked to meet with the crown prince.

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