Thief of Twilight

Part One: Chapter 24

"How much longer will Lord Ryu be staying at the palace?" Emperor Kang read over the current proposals for the upcoming season. "I can't focus with him here."

"He's here in your father's stead. Remember to be polite and courteous." Elder Kang spoke softly while drinking her tea. "I can smell Lady Abedayo's scent on you."

Emperor Kang looked up from his desk.

"You already know how I feel. I don't want you to marry her. She is not the one for you."

"That's not your decision to make."

"What if she doesn't love you? What if she's just in it for the-?"

"I know that she isn't of royal blood or come from a noble background. But that doesn't bother me. She's a kind woman. I will learn more about her as time goes by."

"What if she isn't who she says she is?" Elder Kang set her cup on the table.

Emperor Kang pursed his lips.

"What if it's all an act?"

"Why do you dislike her so much?" he looked at his grandmother.

Elder Kang gave a sigh. "You are an alpha. You don't need a human or a mage for a wife. You need another alpha. A female alpha at that." she crossed her arms over her chest.

The emperor stood before walking to the table where his grandmother sat.

"Having an alpha as empress would mean nothing if she did not make me happy. I will take Lady Abedayo as my bride and she will be my empress. I am not looking for your acceptance or approval. I am telling you what will happen. What you can do, is treat her with respect and be cordial when the two of you meet. If you have nothing further to say, then I will be leaving." Emperor Kang walked to the door.

"She will bring danger to you and this palace!"

Emperor Kang glanced over his shoulder.

"That woman will hurt you. Don't waste your time with her. Get rid of her. I don't care how. Give her money to leave the palace. Just get rid of her." Elder Kang turned to the door. "She is no good!"

"Yohan."

Emperor Kang turned to see Lord Baek walking up the steps.

Elder Kang slowly stood up before walking to the door.

"You have two days to make a decision. You better choose wisely. I only want the best for you, Yohan." she pat the emperor's shoulder as she walked by. "Hello, Tae-sung."

"Ah, Elder Kang. Good day to you." he bowed his head. As he raised his head, he saw the emperor clenching his jaw.

"Is something the matter?"

"What do you think of Zurine?" Emperor Kang questioned. "How do you see her? Do you think she's a bad person?"

"I don't think she's a bad person. But she is very guarded." Lord Baek replied. "She doesn't seem to answer personal questions about herself though..."

"Would you say that makes her a bad person?"

"No."

"That's what I thought." the emperor looked up. "Where is Zurine now?"

"In her room..." Lord Baek was startled at the way the emperor addressed Lady Abedayo.

"And where is Lord Ryu?"

"I don't know. He's probably wandering around the palace."

Emperor Kang narrowed his eyes. "I want him to leave already. But he won't. Gather the horses. Find Beom and Lord Ryu. I will meet you at the front gates."