I didn't know how to respond to the king's statement. Then, everything Von and I had talked about flashed through my mind. She had a point—hurting the king means hurting him twice. Von already hurt him, and I don't want the same thing to happen with me.
"You don't have to feel pressured. I'll wait," he said, then held my hand.
I forced a smile—not because I didn't want to, but because guilt lingered inside me.
"I want to walk. Care to accompany me?"
I nodded. Why would I hesitate?
We went outside and started walking. As usual, court ladies and eunuchs accompanied us.
"Let's do this often."
"You always say that," I replied.
"Didn't you notice that I want to be with you all the time, my queen?"
I stopped walking and looked at him.
He looked at me, too, confused as to why I stopped.
"Why?" he asked.
"Nothing." I looked away and continued walking.
"You know what? You're a mystery to me," the king said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"I don't even know about your childhood. I haven't met your parents. All I know is that you're Min Yun's cousin."
I bit my lower lip. Why bring this up now?
"Does it matter?"
"To me? Yes. I want you to be open with me. Sometimes I get a little jealous of Min Yun because you're more open to him than to me."
"You know why I'm close to Min Yun."
"Yeah, I know. You grew up together. If I'd known you before, maybe we'd have become friends too. He never introduced you to me when I was the crown prince."
"Maybe you were too busy loving Empress Isha," I teased.
He looked at me curiously. "She's part of my past. Everything between us is done. So don't force me to like her again, because I like you now."
"I didn't say anything."
"You set us up, right? You pretended to be with Min Yun, but you were actually in your chamber."
"How did you know?"
"I know you," he said, then stopped walking. I soon realized we were standing by the lake—the king's favorite spot.
He took a deep breath before speaking.
"Every time I'm here, it helps me relax," he said.
I stared at him, though I could only see the side of his face.
"My favorite spot here is the garden," I shared with him.
"Yeah, I know. You often eat there instead of in your chamber," he joked.
"I don't."
He smiled, and this time, he faced me. He held both of my hands tightly.
"I-jun..."
I looked at him and listened intently. "Whatever happens, please don't leave me. Aside from Min Yun, you're the only person I can count on."
"Do you trust me that much?" It pained me to ask.
"Of course. I trust you just as much as I trust Min Yun."
I bit my lower lip, silently replying, "Thanks." I didn't know how to respond—I wanted to tell him everything. That I was a lie. That everything about me was a lie.
We stayed silent for a few minutes before heading to the garden for tea. He seemed cheerful—maybe the festival's success lifted his spirits.
"Would you like some snacks?" he offered.
"No, I'll just have tea." I raised my teacup, drawing attention.
"I wish Min Yun could join us. He's been so busy these days."
"I'll visit him later. Should I tell him you're looking for him?"
"Don't bother. I know he's busy. I don't want to distract him."
"He'd never think of you as a distraction," I said softly.
He chuckled. "I know—but I feel guilty for not helping him more. I worry I'm burdensome. He's fit to be king far more than I am."
"Don't say that. If Min Yun heard you, he'd be annoyed."
"Yeah, I know."
"We're doing everything we can to solve your case. I hope we catch the culprit soon."
"But I'm not pushing you to work—just being with me as my queen is enough."
"Isn't that why I agreed to marry you? To protect you from dangers?"
"And that makes me feel guilty."
"You don't have to. I do this because I care for you, and Min Yun cares deeply too."
Our conversation continued for hours. Eventually, we returned to our chambers, both tired. I had barely slept the night before.
Inside, Min Yun was seated on the floor.
"Min Yun," I whispered.
He leapt up and embraced me before I could move.
"I missed you." Those words hit me, reminding me of the king's confession. Why had everything become so complicated? I only wanted to help them and instead stumbled into a love triangle.
"Where have you been?" Min Yun asked.
"I was with the king."
He nodded.
"Why are you here?"
"I have a lead on the king's case."
Instantly alert, I asked, "Is Ji‑han involved?"
"Not confirmed yet, but I'm working on it."
I nodded. "Do you want to accompany me tomorrow?"
"Where?"
"To the place where I found the evidence."
"I'll join," I said. He smiled and hugged me again, thankfully unseen by the servants waiting outside.
We sat face-to-face on the floor.
"I'm sorry I wasn't around when the visitors came. We were busy guarding and serving the palace."
"You needn't apologize."
He nodded. "What about Empress Isha?"
"She left. She wanted to help, but I refused. I didn't want her involved."
"What will you do after we solve the king's case?"
"I'll return to my world with Empress Isha."
"Don't you think you'll miss us?"
"Of course I'll miss you—but I don't belong here. You know that."
He nodded gently. "At least I won't have regrets when you leave."
"Regrets?" I frowned.
"About never telling you how I truly feel. At least you know now."
I forced a bitter smile. "I appreciate your feelings, Min Yun. But please don't focus on me—there are other women in this palace."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean—what if I can't reciprocate your feelings? I don't want to hurt you."
"I'm not pressuring you."
I wanted to say more, but we couldn't risk derailing our plan to catch the culprit. I needed Min Yun to focus and not be distant.
"I won't stay long," I said. "I'll fetch you tomorrow. Wear a simple hanbok—not the queen's gown."
Though unsure where we were headed, I nodded in agreement.
He left. I sighed deeply—I had to focus on my mission. I wanted a way home with Von, and I wanted both the king and Min Yun to find their happy ending.
Though exhausted, I couldn't sleep. I stared off into nothingness, ignoring my surroundings.
"Your Highness, you've been like this since last night. Shall I call the royal doctor? Or prescribe some medicine?"
I exhaled. "Don't bother."
"But I am bothered, Your Highness."
I looked at my head court lady—my closest confidante. "I'm fine."
"But your face... it looks like you're mourning something."
I sighed again. Why couldn't I conceal how haggard I felt?
"You don't need to do anything. I'll try to rest later."
"What truly troubles you, Your Highness?" she asked with sincere concern.
I met her eyes and sensed her empathy.
"Being queen isn't easy, right?" I laughed softly, hoping she believed I was merely stressed.
"You carry so much, Your Highness. I hope you find your answer—and you aren't hurt in the process."
"Thank you. I truly appreciate it."
Our conversation was abruptly cut short by commotion outside.
"Your Highness!" the court lady pulled me back protectively.
"What is it?" I asked, alarmed as a panting eunuch approached.
"Ninjas are attacking us, Your Highness."