이무기의 복 (Mourning Bride)

8. King and King

"May I spend my time in the gardens today since we have no class?"

Seonghwa turned from where he had been arranging a vase with winter greens in San's sitting room. Yeosang stood on the sidelines and watched them with attentive eyes. Just like his, San's eyes stuck to Seonghwa's delicate fingers as if they were honey tugging on the leaves. The reminder of the pleasure they had brought was still fresh, and San felt a connection of trust distinctive to that he had with the king building in his chest.

"You shouldn't wander too much. Since you are still new around here, those who frown upon your presence might voice their displeasure if they find you alone."

The shaman was busy today preparing for the spring festivities. He would be out in the city soon and leave San in Yeosang's hands.

San sulked, his bottom lip jutting to announce his displeasure.

"Can't I have a guard accompany me?"

Exasperated, Seonghwa let go of the flowers. He seemed ready to launch a speech at San about his worth and how it shouldn't be taken lightly. When he crossed eyes with Yeosang's carefully considering expression, Seonghwa's frustration bled out of his features.

"Fine. Yeosang will introduce you to a guard you can trust and you may meander. Stay among the inner palace walls. The rest of the city isn't safe," Seonghwa gave in. His agreement looked much prettier on his features than a scowl, but San still gritted his teeth.

He had wanted to explore the forest on the hills. Some creatures living there offered him a piece of home and games. He made no promises to drop by, but he grew tired of his stifling surroundings.

Seonghwa left with another warning glance that San should behave, and San remained with Yeosang. The shy smile on the housekeeper's face was much more boyish than Seonghwa's or Hongjoong's. Since he didn't carry himself with as much prestige, San slumped in his seat, at ease with him.

"Shall I send for a guard, your majesty?"

"Please do," San grinned. His tail swished under the table, happy he got to decide something. He felt Seonghwa would scold him later even if they had become closer, but San could bear that. He looked upon the shaman with too much admiration to mind his worry. San had importance at the court, and he was the dragon king. But he also was a mighty being that had lived for 999 years and would live for many more. He knew how to be at ease with the troubles Seonghwa dreaded him running into.

Yeosang returned with a tall man by his side. They bowed to San together while he beckoned them to relax. The guard introduced himself as Yunho. He had a spear by his side and carried it with the practised ease of a fighter in his gloved hands. His body was threateningly tall and a scar split down his left cheek and chin, but San found he looked trustworthy.

"I shall escort you on your walks through the gardens, your majesty. You shan't notice my presence, and I shan't make myself known until necessary," Yunho pledged. Intrigued by the privacy upheld even by the guards, San agreed. When he stood to go for his walk, his hips didn't hurt as bad as before. Seonghwa had handled his body with such care.

The sand crunched under San's shoes as he stepped outside. He wore dark pink robes today that endorsed his white hair and antlers. As he greeted the birds singing their songs on the roofs of the buildings, they complimented his appearance. Shy at their attention, San basked in the spring sun and the faint breeze that lost its frigid bite every day. He felt uneasy walking alone while knowing he had someone watching and accompanying his every step, but he tried to disregard the urge to glance over his shoulder. Yunho's tall frame followed him at a subtle distance so he could be by San's side within a heartbeat in case of an emergency.