Hands snaked around Tessa’s waist. She felt a strong pull, urging her to lean backwards.
She rolled her eyes. It was him again.
His chin rested on her right shoulder. “Hi, love! What are you up to?” He asked.
“Not much. Just on my way to the kitchen to remind the staff about the queen’s meals.” Tessa looked around and saw two of his guards standing back at a safe distance.
“It should be time for dinner soon.” He agreed. “And yet I find you on this bridge staring at the pond.”
“What are you up to?” She asked him.
He shrugged and kissed her cheek. “Just strolling through my gardens.”
“How was court today?”
He let go of her and walked up beside her, leaning on the wooden bridge. “It was tough...”
Tessa leaned on the bridge as well. “I’d say it would get better but what do I really know of court.”
They stood that way for a few minutes, just enjoying the peace and tranquility of the gardens.
“I really have to go. The queen’s meals should be ready now.” Tessa said, as she curtseyed to him.
He held her arm. “Have you reconsidered my proposal?”
She looked up at him. Even at this distance, his face was still a blur. “You have a queen and two concubines. It would not be respectful to any of them for a lowly palace maid to join their ranks.”
“I have done my duty to my country and my people by marrying the queen and my concubines. It’s been years now and there is still no heir. Maybe heaven is trying to tell us something.” He took both her hands. “Would it be too selfish of me to want to marry for love this time?”
Tessa looked down. Deep in her heart, she knew the answer to that question.
It was a resounding NO.
As much as she loved him, for the longest time that she had loved him, she also knew her duty and her place in this palace.
“Queen Hyoni must be wondering what’s taking me so long. I have to go, Your Highness.”
He held on to both her hands a little longer. Squeezing them lovingly, he nodded and let her go reluctantly.
“I’m coming to your chamber tonight.” He whispered.
“But your wives…”
“Understand that the King has the right to choose where he lays his head at night.” He finished.
“Jeongjo…” Tessa sighed.
“Deuk-im, I’ll see you tonight.”
Tessa curtseyed and left the bridge but not before stealing one last glance at her king.
This time, she could see his face. And the face she saw shocked her to her very core.
