The Last Imoogi

New Beginnings?

The entire dinner, Kwon Jiyong and Governor Park talked nonstop about the issues in the province over some wine. Governor Park even brought out his precious ginseng wine after they finished all the azalea wine. Sandara wanted to stop her father, basically because she didn't know Kwon Jiyong's alcohol tolerance but the latter just accepted the drink without any hint of refusal or hesitation on his face.

She was surprised though, at how familiar Kwon Jiyong was about Gyeongju. She didn't have to tell him twice the direction to their home when they traveled earlier, and now that her father was enumerating his concerns in the province, Kwon Jiyong seemed to be aware even of the smallest villages, oftentimes saying it out before her father could. Kwon Jiyong remained as distant and stern as before, but at times would smile and nod like an obedient son in law. Sandara found herself smiling as well.

If only abeoji know how lucky he is for making this block of ice smile. She couldn't even make him smile like that often.

Soon she decided to ask for her mother's help to prepare the beddings at one of their guest house just in case her husband would want to retire to bed. Though Seol and some of their servants cleaned the room earlier, she still wanted to make sure everything was to His Excellency's liking.

"Dara-ah..." Madam Park held held her hand when she finished spreading out the beddings. "I'm glad we gave you to the right person. My heart was finally at ease,"

Sandara smiled and hugged her mother. Whatever Kwon Jiyong was showing her parents, it must be for real right? She asked herself. Well, even if it's not and they were all just for a show, she was still thankful. At least her parents won't be worrying about her anymore.

"Seems like the rumors were true," Madam Park said, obviously delighted. "The people in Hanyang have talks about you and His Excellency. They said, he pampers you too much,"

Sandara was shocked to hear this. There were rumors about them? Well it's true... Lately, Kwon Jiyong had been really nice to her. Well, he's still cold and aloof most of the time, but sometimes he would suddenly change as if possessed, and do all the sweet things a husband should do to a wife.

But all those times, she was only thinking he did those things to protect her from humiliation. After all, if the royal uncle's wife loses face, it would count as him losing face as well.

But how did these things reach the knowledge of the people outside? Most of the time, they were inside the estate or at the palace. Just who could have spread the news about them?

She turned to her mother with a sheepish grin, not knowing what to say. Even her, herself, she was still bewildered with her husband's actions.

"Dara-ah... Your duty as a wife, you should be aware of it. Don't neglect His Excellency, alright?"

Sandara wanted to protest. When did she neglect him? More like he was neglecting her!

"You should nourish your body and prepare yourself for bearing a child."

*Cough!

"Eomma!!!" Sandara choked and coughed at her mother's words. Her cheeks became heated, turning  to a shade of crimson.

"Why? Did I say something wrong? I'll pack some herbs before you leave tomorrow."

"I'm not ready for it," Sandara mumbled making Madam Park slap her leg lightly.

"Park Sandara! Your duty is to give His Excellency an heir!"

Sandara only pouted.

Just the thought of seeing another stone cold being with Kwon Jiyong's face coming from her womb made her feel uncomfortable.