King & Kween Kang (The Rise Of Kang's #1)

Chapter 39

Heard, but Silenced

A couple weeks later, King Tae-Han and Queen Asora's return to their hometown and kingdom was marked by urgency and tension as they were swiftly escorted to the palace. Advisor Jangsu, usually composed and respectful, displayed uncharacteristic urgency as he ushered them into the waiting carriage as they walked from the dock. Typically, a soldier would accompany the King, but Jangsu, in a surprising move, firmly pushed the soldier away, a sight that left both the royal couple and the soldier bewildered.

The King and Queen exchanged puzzled glances as Jangsu's actions caught them off guard. It was a departure from his usual demeanor, and the sudden shift in his behavior heightened the sense of unease. However, Tae-Han, ever calm in the face of uncertainty, reassured them with a simple directive, "Close the door, soldier. Everything will be alright."

As Queen Asora secured the carriage door, her instincts kicked in, and she swiftly locked it. Meanwhile, King Tae-Han, sensing the gravity of the situation, retrieved a sword from beneath his seat, a silent acknowledgment of the potential danger they might face.

"What happened, Jangsu? How bad is it?" King Tae-Han's voice was low, his eyes fixed on the advisor, his concern palpable.

Jangsu wasted no time in responding, his words tumbling out in a rush as the carriage hurtled through the streets towards the palace. With every passing moment, the gravity of the situation became increasingly apparent to the royal couple. Jangsu's account painted a dire picture of events that had transpired in their absence, each detail adding weight to the impending crisis awaiting them at the palace gates.

As the carriage finally pulled up to the grand gates of the palace, King Tae-Han wasted no time. Before Jangsu could even finish his report, the king swung open the carriage door, the vehicle still slowing down from its rapid journey. Asora, ever graceful, reached out and placed her hand on Advisor Jangsu's cheek, her expression a mixture of gratitude and concern.

"You are brave, Jangsu," she murmured, her voice soft yet resolute. "You have fought for our country in our absence, and for that, you should be commended."

Jangsu nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and weariness. He had indeed done his best to uphold the kingdom's interests in the face of adversity.

With a gentle gesture, Tae-Han helped his wife out of the carriage, his protective instincts kicking in. Asora's touch lingered on Jangsu's cheek for a moment longer before she followed her husband out of the carriage.

Ascending the grand palace steps, Tae-Han couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding that hung heavy in the air. Each footfall echoed ominously against the stone, a stark contrast to the bustling activity that typically filled these corridors. The once-familiar walls seemed to loom larger than he remembered, their imposing presence casting a shadow over his already somber mood.

As they ascended, Tae-Han couldn't help but notice the gloomy weather that matched his own internal turmoil. Dark clouds gathered overhead, threatening a storm that mirrored the turbulence within his own heart. The air was heavy with anticipation, as if the palace itself held its breath in anticipation of their arrival.

With each step, Tae-Han's mind raced, trying to piece together the events that had transpired in their absence. His thoughts were a whirlwind of worry and uncertainty, fueled by the knowledge that their kingdom faced grave danger.