Chapter 100 - Before the King Reached Her

Jong Suk had been watching Yeon Joo's colour return far too slowly for his liking when he finally stopped pretending that a cup of sugar water and a quiet room inside a Joseon summer palace would be enough. She had managed several small sips while resting against his chest, but her fingers remained cold around the edge of his robe and each time she opened her eyes, the effort seemed to exhaust her. He checked her pulse again, then pressed two fingers against the inside of her wrist while studying the pallor around her lips. "When did you last eat properly?" he asked, keeping the cup near her mouth in case she could tolerate another sip.