Thief of Twilight

Part Three: Chapter 99

"How are the affairs with Masir since Lord Donzo's death?" a government official inquired.

Emperor Kang took a deep breath. "I believe his son has taken over his father's position as head of the family and is now ruling over the region. But I have not heard anything more than that."

The government officials looked at one another.

"You have nothing to worry about. I believe his son has better judgment and won't act as childish as his father." the emperor reassured them.

"How is Lady Abedayo? I heard she is away visiting family." an official smiled as he leaned forward.

The emperor nodded his head. "She is well. She should be back in a few days."

"My, you sure give her quite a bit of freedom."

"I must. I do not want her to be a caged bird."

The meeting ended, but many officials still wondered if the sudden changes to Masir would affect them. The emperor waited until everyone left the meeting hall before sinking into his seat. He looked up at the ceiling heaving a sigh.

I miss her, he thought.

"How was the meeting?" Elder Kang entered the meeting hall with her hands held behind her back.

"The officials still question the safety of their regions near the border of Masir."

"That is a given. After all, many of the nobles of Masir are childish and often get others involved in their quarrels." Elder Kang laughed lightly. "How have you been? You seem like a sad pup with Zurine away from the palace."

The emperor rolled his eyes.

"Time away from one another is a good thing." Elder Kang smiled.

"Maybe I should have gone with her."
"No, I think it is best that you remain here. Besides, Ji-eun is with her. She will be alright."

Emperor Kang nodded his head. "Do you think she is alright with just Ji-eun by her side?"

"I think she is perfectly fine. Besides, from what I've heard from Sinopia, the other moon children are pretty strong.

"Do you think she's enjoying her time with them?"

"I believe so."

Emperor Kang leaned forward. "She comes back in a few days..."

Elder Kang nodded her head.

"I should prepare a nice dinner for her." the emperor rose from his seat before circling the table. "I will speak with the chef and ask him to purchase ingredients from the market. I will have him prepare a nice summer feast for her return. I will only prepare refreshing summer dishes." walking past his grandmother, he took a moment before turning to her. "There's something else that you wish to tell me, isn't there?"

Elder Kang turned to her grandson. "Have you told your father about her?"

Emperor Kang pursed his lips.

"It's one thing not to tell your brothers. But it's another not to tell your father. You are the youngest, and you are most like him out of you, Ji-hun, Seok-jin, and Hyun." Elder Kang explained. "It would be best to tell him right away. Unless...you want him to summon you two to the palace himself?"

Emperor Kang shook his head. "I plan on telling him after everything has calmed down."

"I can only do so much, Yohan." Elder Kang leaned back her head. "Once your father sends word that he wants to meet her, nothing will stop him. You two will be like a baby rabbit in the mouth of an eager wolf ready for the kill. You know how your father is. Behind that gentle, kind facade is a beast that will stop at nothing to catch his prey. You two are alike in a sense. I know that you killed Lord Donzo. You are lucky that no one else has caught on."