Chapter 80 - The Hand Behind the Trap

Lee Yeong emerged from behind the folding screen wearing a fresh dark robe, still fastening the belt around his waist while his damp hair fell loosely over his shoulders. Yeon Joo expected him to take the cushion opposite her and continue defending himself, but he walked around the low table instead and lowered himself directly onto his knees in front of her. The movement surprised her enough that she straightened automatically, because even inside the privacy of their chamber he was still the King of Joseon, a man before whom ministers lowered their heads and servants barely dared breathe incorrectly. Yet Lee Yeong showed no concern for his position as he placed both hands against his thighs and looked directly into her eyes, his anger no longer carrying any trace of embarrassment over being discovered half naked in the hot spring.