The next early morning of April arrived, painting the palace with drifting cherry blossoms that fluttered like soft pink snow across the courtyards. On the second floor terrace of the Queen's chamber, Genie sat gracefully upon her chair, the petals brushing gently past the balustrade as the royal physician attended to her with steady confidence.
When the treatment concluded, Genie offered him a warm smile.
"Thank you, every day," she said softly.
The royal physician bowed with utmost respect.
"No, Your Majesty. It is my honor. For your health to recover fully, I am willing to come as often as you desire."
With another deep bow, he stepped back and departed, his figure soon disappearing down the terrace stairs. Genie lingered in her chair, her gaze following him briefly before shifting toward the palace view. The morning sun lit the tiled rooftops, and the drifting blossoms swirled in the soft breeze, filling the air with a gentle fragrance.
Chief Han approached quietly, his presence calm and attentive.
"Your Majesty, do you need something?" he asked with care.
Genie rested her hands on the carved arms of the Queen's chair and kept her eyes on the distant palace gardens below.
"Han," she said softly, "you sometimes visit your family on your breaks when you leave the palace, don't you?"
At her question, Chief Han blinked once, then gave a slow, respectful nod.
"Yes, Your Majesty," he answered, his voice low and steady.
Genie smiled with composure, her voice calm yet warm.
"And they're all doing well?" she asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Chief Han replied, his tone carrying quiet gratitude. "Thanks to the good care and support you've ordered from the court, all of my family are doing well."
Genie's lips curved into a serene smile, and she nodded.
"I thank the Lord for watching over your family." Then her gaze shifted toward Lady Park, who stood respectfully beside Chief Han. "And how about your family, Park? Are they well?"
Lady Park's eyes softened, a glimmer of fondness rising as she answered.
"They are doing wonderfully. Ever since we returned from Arabia, they've been happier—I can visit them more often now. They always bless Your Majesty with their hearts."
Genie's eyes warmed, and she gave a slow, thoughtful nod.
"Please deliver to them my thanks," she said. Her gaze then drifted outward once more toward the palace view—the fluttering cherry blossoms, the blossoming trees, the crisp green of spring. The morning air seemed alive with renewal, yet in her heart a quiet restlessness stirred.
"I think it's time for me as well…" Genie murmured, her voice trailing softly as her eyes deepened with unspoken thoughts.
Her round, luminous eyes caught the morning light, glittering not only with beauty but with a longing she could not share aloud.
With the sun rising over the crisp April morning, light spilled across the military yard, painting the stones and trees in a golden hue. Jade sat upon the podium, scrolls of new division assignments spread before him. His eyes were steady and contemplative as he reviewed the names and groupings of the palace warriors. The yard was quiet—empty still—before the footsteps of training would echo across its grounds.
At length, Jade closed the scrolls with a soft thud, pressing his palm upon them as he exhaled a deep, quiet sigh. His gaze lifted toward the rows of green trees swaying gently at the far edge of the yard, their leaves shimmering in the morning breeze.
And then, unbidden, last night's images came rushing back.
The lanterns rising like stars into the dark sky.
The music of strings drifting through the garden.
Queen Genie, radiant under the glow of celebration.
And beside her—Moonsen.
From where Jade stood in the shadows, he hadn't heard their words. He had only seen the closeness, the exchange, the unspoken weight between them. He remembered turning away before his heart could tremble further.
Yet now, in the stillness of morning, he realized something. His spirit was not crushed, nor did bitterness gnaw at him. The gift he had prepared still lay in its silk box, but the ache of not offering it had softened. Instead, a calm certainty settled in his chest, like roots firming into the earth.
He clasped his hands together, his voice barely above a whisper, carried by the crisp spring air.
"At the right timing, in God's guidance… I shall."
The soft light of dawn spilled across the Moon family's courtyard, casting long golden lines between the pillars and the blossoming trees. A cool breeze carried the faint scent of wet earth and spring petals.
"Moonsen, are you going to the court earlier today?" Moonho's steady voice came from behind, echoing faintly in the still yard.
Moonsen turned at once, dressed already in his royal official silk robes. His posture straightened instinctively, and he bowed politely to his father.
"Father, you woke up already," Moonsen said, his tone warm yet disciplined.
Moonho approached slowly, his steps calm, the years etched into the lines on his face. His faint smile carried both pride and quiet concern.
"Do you have an early meeting in the palace today?" he asked, studying his son's composed expression.
Moonsen's lips curved faintly as he shook his head.
"No, I'm going extra early… to look into books, and to refine strategies for the relationship with Ash Kingdom."
Moonho exhaled softly, his gaze lingering on his son's devoted demeanor.
"The relationship has already returned to stability—especially after your envoy trip. And yet, you're still pressing yourself this hard."
Moonsen lowered his head respectfully, his voice serene but resolute.
"It is my duty. I shall always give my utmost effort." He offered a courteous bow. "Have a good day, Father. I'll be on my way now."
He turned, his hand brushing the wooden gate's worn handle. But before he could push it open, his father's voice, firmer this time, stopped him.
"Moonsen—my son."
Moonsen froze, his back to him for a moment. Slowly, he turned. His calm composure didn't falter, but his eyes softened as he met his father's gaze.
Moonsen turned back and smiled.
"Yes?"
Moonho hesitated, then asked softly, "How is Her Majesty doing?"
At his father's question, Moonsen smiled gently, his tone filled with warmth.
"She's doing well. Always diligent, always carrying the weight of the kingdom with such grace."
Moonho gave a small nod, returning the smile.
"I see. And how about…" He paused, his eyes steady but cautious.
Moonsen lowered his gaze, sensing where the question was heading.
His father's voice came quietly but firmly.
"How is your relationship with her these days?"
The memory of the night before flickered vividly in Moonsen's mind—his words, her expression, the distance between them that no confession could close. He fell silent for a moment before recalling her face with aching clarity.
He remembered how he had stood before her, heart unguarded.
"I admire you, adore you, and from deep inside my heart, I like you… not only as my sovereign but…" His lips had curved into a fragile smile, trembling with sincerity. "…as a woman."
And he remembered her reply, steady yet gentle, her eyes unwavering.
"I'm sorry, Moonsen. I cannot accept your heart. Nor this gift, not now."
Moonsen heaved a sigh, masking the heaviness in his chest with a faint smile.
"I guess winning someone's heart doesn't always go the way I wish," he said quietly.
At his son's bitter, pretending-to-be-okay smile, Moonho studied him for a moment before nodding slowly.
"I see. Well, Moonsen, don't hesitate to come to me for comfort when the burden grows heavy," Moonho replied, his voice both steady and compassionate.
Moonsen's smile softened into something more genuine as he nodded.
"I will. Have a good day, Father."
With that, he turned and walked across the palace yard, his figure retreating beneath the noon sun.
Meanwhile, as midday bells echoed faintly across the grounds, Jade was seated at the long dining table with the other warriors. The air was filled with the lingering warmth of roasted meats and herbs, their simple yet hearty meal a moment of camaraderie.
When the warriors finished, they each rose, offering Jade polite bows before departing one by one. Jade returned their gestures with easy kindness, his smile carrying both authority and warmth.
Just as he set down his cup and prepared to rise, he noticed Enna approaching. The soft steps of her shoes contrasted with the heavier tread of soldiers' boots.
"Good afternoon, Master Chef," Jade greeted with a courteous smile. "The food today was excellent. Thank you."
Enna's eyes met his briefly before lowering with a shy grace, her lips curving into a serene smile.
As Jade crossed the quiet stretch of the military garden toward his office, the air filled with the soft rustle of spring blossoms, a court lady in pale silk appeared, bowing gracefully.
"Minister Jade, Her Majesty has summoned you," she said respectfully.
Jade's heart gave a sudden, unsteady thump. He kept his composure, voice steady though something inside him stirred.
"I shall go at once. Thank you."
He turned, following her steps back through the garden. The warm April breeze brushed across his hair, carrying the faint fragrance of cherry blossoms. Each gust only made his chest tighten, his heart beating faster and faster with anticipation.
The thought of seeing Genie—just being in her presence again—was enough to fill him with both exhilaration and unease. He quickened his pace, walking with controlled urgency, the sun glinting faintly on his figure as the Queen's chamber came into view.