Thief of Twilight

Part One: Chapter 33

"You what?" Lord Baek sat next to Lord Kang at the table.

Emperor Kang fastened his belt around his waist.

"You want to go to the Butterfly Mansion alone?" Lord Baek questioned. "Does that even make any sense? What if the murderer is still out there! What if they attack you?"

"Only a fool would dare to attack the emperor." Emperor Kang turned to Lord Baek. "I will return after dinner." he fastened his sword at his side. "I will visit Zurine before I leave."

"What about Lord Seo?" Lord Kang asked. "What do you want us to do about him?"

"He doesn't seem to need any assistance. But I will ask if he wants a few guards to patrol the area." the emperor walked out of the room. Lord Kang and Lord Baek looked at one another.

"Beom..."

"Yes?"

"Ever since we left the mansion yesterday, I've been feeling a little uneasy."

"How so?"

"It would appear as if Yohan knows something and he doesn't want to tell us. Also, that strand of hair-."

"It was silver." Lord Kang said. "But I will admit. Yohan has been acting a little weird. I'll take a look into it."

"But do it in a subtle way. Just watch his mannerisms. Don't ask him anything."

"Yes, I know." Lord Kang crossed his arms. He already knew what the emperor was thinking. While Zurine's hair is white, the strand of silver hair did look like a perfect match.

Who would have wanted to attack Lord Heo, he thought.

"I'm going into the city. I'm going to ask Seong-ja if she or her brother have been to the Butterfly Mansion in the past few days." Lord Baek got to his feet.

"Oh, alright. I'll stay at the palace. Just in case something happens." he watched Lord Baek step out of the room. His chest was suddenly heavy. He wondered what was going through the emperor's head. He wondered if the emperor was even thinking clearly. He's noticed that the emperor has been a little obsessive when it came to Lady Abedayo.

Don't let it cloud your judgment, he thought, it will only hinder you.

___

I stayed in a ball under my blankets. I hadn't had an appetite since I woke up. I desperately want to disappear from this place. The weight of guilt was beginning to crush me.

"Lady Abedayo, you must eat something." Min-ji's voice was as clear as day. I heard her set something on the table in my room. "I will return shortly. Please eat something or the emperor will worry."

I couldn't bring myself to answer. I spent most of the night crying. My throat is a little sore but I'm sure some tea will soothe it. The door to my room slid open once again. Damn, she came back that fast?

"Zurine."

My body gave a sudden jolt.

Yohan?

What is he doing here? I thought he was going to the Butterfly Mansion.

"You haven't eaten..." he sat at the edge of my bed. "Min-ji brought porridge, some broth, and tea. You need to eat something."

I curled into a tighter ball.

"Zurine..."

I watched as a hand appeared before me. Is he crouching over me?

"I am sorry if what I said offended you. But...I don't know how much clearer to say it. I care for you deeply and want you to know that my actions are genuine. I do like you. Every day, my feelings for you grow more and more. So please, just take your time. That's all I ask."