Thief of Twilight

Part One: Chapter 25

I walked towards the meeting hall with my hands held behind my back. I woke up to beautiful flowers and had a wonderful breakfast. I thought about what Yohan said in the wisteria grove and I think I'm at least capable of letting him like me. I don't know if I can ever reciprocate the way he feels about me to the fullest but I can at least try.

I stopped just before the door to the imperial hall clenching my hands together. Lord Baek told me that Yohan had a meeting to attend in the morning. I wonder if the meeting has ended.

Placing a hand on the door, I listened closely. I could hear one of the government officials inside question the emperor on his views regarding Masir. It seems Yohan is indifferent to the situation. Maybe because the south is not near the border of the Sincehon and Masir.

"Are you eavesdropping?"

I spun sharply to see Lord Ryu leaning into me.

"I'm sorry. Did I frighten you?"

"No." I caught my breath. "H-How are you, Lord Ryu?"

"I'm doing well. My visit to the palace has come to an end. I must return to the capital. I will be leaving the palace by noon."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. But...I hope you enjoyed your stay."

"Oh, I did." he smiled darkly. "It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope to see you again very soon."

The doors opened and a dozen men walked out of the imperial hall. Each of them bowed their heads to me before walking away. Yohan stepped outside with his hands at his side.

"Zurine." he gazed down at me with a soft expression.

"Oh, Yohan." I reached into the sleeve of my robe. "Here. I drew this for you." I pulled out a folded piece of parchment.

Yohan tilted his head to the side.

"It's not much, but I thought you would like it."

Yohan took the folded piece of parchment and opened it. "...I like it..." he smiled softly before folding it into a rectangle. "I will make sure to treasure it." he stored it inside of his robe.

"Then, I'll get going." as I walked off, Yohan took my hand. "Is something wrong?" I turned to him.

"No." he gently kissed my forehead. "I just wanted to kiss you before you left."

"...Uh-huh..." I turned to Lord Ryu. "Lord Ryu, it was a pleasure to meet you."

"It was a pleasure to meet you as well, Lady Abedayo." Lord Ryu bowed his head once more. I gave him a wave before walking away. I don't think I need to say anything else to him. I think I've done enough.

"Lady Abedayo! Lady Abedayo!" Min-ji came running up to me.

"Min-ji? What's wrong?" I placed my hands on her shoulders. "Calm down..."

"Hyo-rin! Sh-She got an emerald necklace!" Min-ji caught her breath.

"A necklace...?" is it against palace rules for a servant to receive gifts such as jewelry?

"And she's saying that some man gave it to her."

"Is that so?" I smirked. "And did she say who the man was?"

"I don't know. But it looked expensive." Min-ji took a deep breath. "I think she's trying to make the emperor jealous."

I draped an arm over her shoulder. "Don't worry about it." I smiled. "Yohan won't fall for her tricks."

"I know but still..." Min-ji frowned.

"How about we go to the art studio and paint." I smiled.

That's right.