Thief of Twilight

Part Three: Chapter 107

I enjoyed a delicious breakfast with Yohan, his brothers, and sisters-in-law. I can tell Yohan doesn't like uninvited guests but with Hyun and Seok-jin, it's different. While it's obvious he was upset by their sudden arrival, he doesn't seem to be in a bad mood.

Myeong and I took a walk around the palace. Iseul went to visit Eunseo. Seok-jin and Hyun found Beom and went hunting in the nearby forest.

I haven't asked Yohan to do any repairs on the art studio since Hyo-rin trashed it. But I also haven't been in the mood to create any art lately. But today, I felt like drawing something. The only problem is...I don't have any supplies. I still have my sketchbook and charcoal sticks that I kept in my room. But that's about it.

I wandered the palace grounds holding the sketchbook and charcoal sticks to my chest. Since Myeong is taking a nap, I think I have a few hours to entertain myself and maybe spend some time with Yohan. I eventually found myself at the imperial study. Poking my head inside, I saw Yohan diligently working at his desk. Maybe I shouldn't go inside. I don't want to distract him. I quietly stepped away from the door.

Maybe I should go to the pavilion...

"Zurine."

I poked my head back inside the study. "Yeah...?"

"Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, everything is fine." I smiled.

Yohan set down his brush. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." I reassured him. "I was just looking for a place to draw. I haven't asked you to repair the art studio yet so...I don't have a lot of options at the moment."

"You are welcome to draw here." he stood up and walked to the door. He took my sketchbook and charcoal sticks from my hands and brought them inside the study. "Would you like to sit here?" he gestured to the table. "I can ask the servants to bring you some tea and snacks. Or would you like pork buns?"

"I'm fine." I followed him inside. He set my things on the table before pulling out the chair. I took a seat as he kissed my cheek.

"If there is anything that you need, just ask." he returned to his desk and took a seat. I reached for the charcoal stick but couldn't help myself. I turned my head and watched him work diligently as he read over each piece of parchment. I've never actually seen Yohan work. I mean, I know what he does but still. I've never seen this side of him. He carefully read over each form before signing his name at the bottom. With curiosity getting the better of me, I got up from the table and walked to his desk.

Yohan glanced up at me. "Is something wrong?"

"No, no." I shook my head. "I'm sorry. I know I'm being annoying but I just...I've never seen you work before."

Yohan chuckled.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"Nothing." he scooted back his chair and tapped his hands against his lap. "Would you like to have a seat?"

I happily sat on his lap.

Yohan reached for a piece of parchment and read it over.

"So...this is what you do all day?" I asked.

"Yes." he said. "I read over the documents and sign my signature at the bottom. I try my best to get them done before the deadline as most of them are time-sensitive." he reached for hs brush and held the tip to the paper. He slowly signed his name before setting the document to the side.

"Your handwriting..." I murmured.

"Hm?" he reached for another piece of parchment.

"It's so pretty..." I frowned.