Empress Handbook

Chapter Thirty-Nine | Sisters and Misters

The roses and peonies around the Court of Spring glisten under the morning sun.

Yeoreum almost wants to squint her eyes at the outrageous decoration that is desperately trying to force a feeling of joy. She nudges Taehyung and looks at the large banner furled across a pink and white balloon arch that says, Happy One Year Anniversary.

"Why are we holding a one-year anniversary two months after our actual anniversary?" Yeoreum says. "It's so dumb."

Taehyung smiles. "The Imperial Household Agency said we needed to do something celebratory, so Jungkook came up with this idea."

Yeoreum frowns. "Jungkook?"

Jungkook jumps to Yeoreum's side with a boyish grin. He puts his hands on Yeoreum's shoulders, squeezing the chiffon details of her dress.

"Yes, me," Jungkook gushes. "Long time no see, sister-in-law."

Yeoreum flinches toward Taehyung instantly. A smile stretches across Taehyung's lips as he feels her tight grip. At least she trusts him.

"Why are you so shocked? Law was boring, so I came back," Jungkook says, pouting. Seeing Yeoreum grow more and more uncomfortable, he composes his teasing expression and bows his head. "Also, I'm very sorry for your loss of Sowon. It must be hard."

"Thanks," Yeoreum mutters. She turns to Taehyung with a faint smile. "I'm going to greet some Noble Ladies."

Taehyung nods and watches Yeoreum scuttle to a group of women. Yeoreum's eyes are on those powdered faces, but Taehyung can tell her attention is still nervously latched on Jungkook.

Taehyung sighs. "Why does Yeoreum dislike you so much?"

"I don't know," Jungkook says with a shrug. "She was quite nice to me when I saved her. My star sign goes along with hers more than yours, so she should be fond of me."

"What are you on about?" Taehyung snaps. "Yeoreum and I have the same star sign."

"And they say the same star signs clash."

"Star signs are not real," Taehyung utters, rolling his eyes. "I think I see why Yeoreum doesn't like you."

Loud chatters rise from the entrance of the Court of Spring. Everyone turns their attention to the tall, dashing figure who waltzes into the party with a dominating viciousness.

A woman emits a quiet squeal. "Who is this man? He is so cute."

A man shrieks, "His gift is a fan crafted by Park Il. I recognise that bag."

The crowd's excitement and curiosity erupt to a new volume as a couple of women race to the entrance to get a better view of the new guest.

Ms Kang once told Yeoreum that Park Il is a talented, bizarre fan maker popular amongst the upper circle who would only create one fan per year. Because of the quality and exclusivity, the price of his work is generally up in the billions. Yeoreum wonders if she should go to the man to thank him for such an extravagant gift when that mystery guest enters her gaze. Her mouth falls agape.

It's Yoongi.

Min Yoongi.

Yoongi is in a light grey suit that makes him feel surreal against the sunlight behind him. His hair is slicked back, accentuating his deep-set chiselled features that feel starkly different from before.

A woman nudges Yeoreum with an ambiguous smile. "Your Majesty, Isn't that your old security guard?" she says.

"Yes," Yeoreum falters, trying to keep her calm.