My deep soul

Chapter 32

The evening air was cool, carrying the faint scent of the gardens around Hwarang House. Jinyoen balanced a tray carefully in her hands, the warm steam from the food rising gently into the dusk. She had been searching for Jidiwi for what felt like an eternity, wanting to give him the meal she had cooked herself.

Her eyes finally landed on him in the pavilion, deep in conversation with Master Wi-hwa. Curiosity tugged at her steps as she approached quietly, trying not to interrupt. But what she saw made her halt in her tracks.

Master Wi-hwa was kneeling before Jidiwi, bowing deeply, his voice low and reverent. “Your Majesty,” he said, the words ringing through the quiet evening air.

Jinyoen froze, the tray trembling in her hands. Her heart slammed against her ribs. 'No… it can’t be.. he can't know '

Before she could think, the tray slipped from her fingers, crashing to the ground with a deafening clatter. Silverware clinked and food scattered across the polished wooden floor.
Jidiwi immediately spun around, eyes dark and sharp, and saw her standing frozen, face as pale as a sheet. Without a word, he closed the distance in a few long strides and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

“Jinu,” he murmured, his voice low and tight with fear, “he has figured it out. I knew this would happen sooner or later.”

Her lips parted, but no words came out. Her black eyes were wide with shock and fear, staring at the master who had unknowingly been caught in the revelation.
Master Wi-hwa, equally stunned, looked from Jinyoen to Jidiwi. “My lady… you knew about this?” His voice was incredulous, a mixture of surprise and concern.

Jinyoen’s gaze flicked to Jidiwi, silently seeking reassurance. He sighed, his jaw tightening, a shadow of both love and protectiveness crossing his face.

“She has known since the Thanksgiving festival,” Jidiwi said calmly, though his grip around Jinyoen’s shoulders did not loosen for a moment. His eyes burned with unspoken intensity, and the low edge in his voice carried a warning. “Do not mistake her calm for ignorance, Master Wi-hwa. She knows enough to be careful.”

Wi-hwa’s mouth opened, but he could not deny the tension radiating from the young man who was both his student and—unexpectedly—the king of Silla. The older master’s eyes darted to Jinyoen, who was still pressed close to Jidiwi, the tray forgotten on the pavilion floor. “I see… I did not realize… She is aware…”

Jidiwi’s expression darkened as he tightened his hold on her. “She is my life, Wi-hwa. And if anyone so much as looks at her with danger in their heart, I will not forgive it.” His voice dropped lower, almost a growl.

Wi-hwa cleared his throat softly, still kneeling. “Your Majesty… my loyalty has always been to you. And my respect to her as well.”

 "You must" Jidiwi's tone filled with raw protectivenes.
---                                                        

The sky outside the corridors of Hwarang house was painted in the soft gold of evening, but tension hung thick in the air. Jinyoen, walking down the quiet hallway after the final examinations, froze when her eyes fell on a sight that chilled her blood.

Sunwoo stood with his sword raised, its gleaming edge pointed directly at Jidiwi. His stance was tense, his eyes burning with accusation, as though he had finally reached the limits of his patience.

Jinyoen’s breath caught. 'No… not like this.'

“Sunwoo!” she cried, rushing forward. Her steps echoed loudly in the narrow hall until she threw herself in front of Jidiwi, spreading her arms wide as if her small frame could shield him from the steel. Her dark eyes flashed, filled with both fear and fury. “What do you think you are doing?”