••●••
The radiant dawning was quickly replaced with dark grey clouds and rain drizzling on the ground, blessing the crops with supple droplets.
The Lord of Evenfall was awakened by the noise outside his window. He quickly put on his morning robe, tying it so idly while opening the curtains. He was immediately welcomed by small sprinkles of rain, and the fog made it even harder for him to see from afar. The cold wind was creeping beneath the silk he was wearing, and the longer he stayed, the more the cold became so unbearable.
He went back to his bed, his arms crossed. He turned to face sawbones, sleeping firmly by his side. He figured he wanted to feel her. He took the time just thinking of it, shortly biting his nails. Eventually, he found his forefinger delicately stroking Hanan's bare back. The sight of her intoxicated him. Even the way her skin felt pappy in his fingers. He slowly raised the blanket, covering her hips, causing the sawbones to turn her body, facing him as she languidly swaddled her arms around his chest.
Won then tucked Hanan's stray hair behind her ear so he could see her clearly. Her eyes were still shut, her almond lips slightly open. His heart still thirsted for her. His skin was reaching out to her although it still burned him, perhaps that was what he should feel for wanting her to be close that even just seeing her there felt so wrong, but still so right.
Of course he would never forget that night, all the tears he had to dry, the second he caught her and placed his lips all over hers, caring less about the world. He would never forget the way she kept crying, running her fingers around his hair. Biting him. Biting back harder his lips began to bleed. It was so wrong, but still so right. He would never forget the way Hanan touched his lips, saying "I love you" as they did.
The sawbones awoke, letting out a little smile as she cupped his face. "Did you sleep well?" She asked. Won answered, brushing her hair. "I did, sawbones. I did."
---
The guards took Sunoo to the false king's tent. A small feast of meat, fruits, bread and wine were served at his table. "Sit." The king gestured to the seat opposite his side as Sunoo obeyed. It has been a while since he has even seen such a filled banquet, and he could feel his stomach stir up.
"Eat." Jaeyun said, picking up a piece of grape, tossing it in his mouth. He could see Sunoo hesitate. Even so, the thought of being poisoned still crossed the mind of the captive, the Lord of the Heralds.
"It is disrespectful to refuse your king. Eat." He added, letting out a slight smirk before grabbing his goblet of wine, showing him that everything in the table was not at all foisted with poison. So, the young lord had no choice but grab a piece.
Jaeyun tossed Eru's scroll towards Sunoo, then said. "The heir's bride is keeping her relationship with her brother out of the public's eye."
He read the message inside, then was suddenly astounded by what he discovered. "It can't be." He muttered meekly.
Jaeyun only laughed. "The people of Witherhall and Evenfall would never look at their royals the same again." He said, certain about the riot that awaited the cities. "Write to the world, Sunoo." There, he stood in such a way a ruler would, reaching out for his victory. "Write about such unforgivable crimes. See that my little brother reads about that horrid undoing of his harlot wife." He laughed harder.
Later on, Hoon entered the tent, immediately bowing to Jaeyun, who was now puzzled. "And what is the meaning of this act, huntsman?" He asked.
Hoon raised his head, facing him. "All hail Your Grace, King Jaeyun."
He stepped back, furrowing his brows. No. He thought to himself over and over again, until he started to clasp the idea of himself finally wearing the golden crown. The King of Witherhall is dead.
A smile escaped from his lips from then on.
