Your Majesty

2.

Taehyung is practising his sword in his garden when he spots the Empress Dowager approaching him. He throws his sword, ducking behind a bush, holding his breath as he waits for her to walk past his chambers.

He lifts his head a little, peeking from behind the bushes after a while, he is relieved when he doesn't see her.

"Are you hiding from me?"

He shrieks, turning towards the voice to see the old lady towering him.

"I-I wasn't hiding. I was searching for something", he laughs nervously, as he stands up. Empress Dowager shakes her head, "You are grown enough to have a child of your own, Taehyung -ah. When will you stop your childish habits?"

Taehyung pursues his lips, looking down. If someday Taehyung has to bear Empress Dowager and his own mother together because of any unfortunate turn of events, he swears he will slit his own throat.

"I don't ever see you taking part in any activities of the palace. What do you even do, child?"

Taehyung looks at her, embarrassed, "I do take part in certain activities, Mother." "Like?" She asks, unimpressed. Taehyung remains silent.

She sighs, "Every consort is required to cook for the Emperor once in a while. I would love to see you do that, Taehyung."

Taehyung nods profusely, "I understand, Mother."

She hums, before clearing his throat, "I have told my servants to store your favourite dried persimmons in your rooms. Don't let the other consorts know." Taehyung beams, smiling from ear to ear, "You are the best."

"She spoils him herself, then she wonders why is he like that", Jeongguk mutters, as he observes them from a distance.

When Taehyung returns to his chambers, he has to grab So-ra's elbow to stop her. She has a blanket over her head ready to go out.

"Where are you going?"

So-ra looks at him confused, "To manipulate the documents and to strike out your name from the kitchen duty, My lord."

Taehyung sighs, lips drooping down,"Don't do that. I will cook."

So-ra gasps, almost losing her balance, "You will cook, Lord Kim? Are you alright?" Taehyung gives her a blank expression, "Yes I will cook and yes I am fine."

So -ra nods, still in shock.

The whole royal kitchen is in shock when they see Taehyung enter the kitchen the next day, a thick recipe book in his hand and a headband on his forehead.

"What does the Emperor like?" He asks one of the cooks as he slams the book on one of the counters.

"He isn't picky, Consort Kim, he eats everything" The cook says, nervously. Taehyung nods, closing his eyes as he opens a random page of the recipe book.

"Then we will cook", He says, pausing as he opens his eyes, reading the title, "bibimbap". He nods, grinning.So-ra and the cook look at each other with fear and uncertainty.

"First we need to cut the vegetables. Please bring me carrot, mushroom-" Taehyung frowns, when he realises the letters of the book are faded. So he announces, "and any vegetable that is available in the kitchen. Please bring it to me."

He refuses any interruptions from the cook or So-ra and the next few hours in the kitchen are filled with his words and the clanking of his utensils.

"It's not half an inch, we need exactly half an inch of vegetables."

"Rice smells a little weird but I think it's fine"

"I think it's burnt, My Lord", So-ra mumbles helplessly.