Emperor Kim Gwangjoo looked from one child to the other. Both of them looked down in shame, avoiding his eyes.
"Kim San," he called his son by his full name. "What are you doing here?"
San did not reply but kept on looking at his feet. The Emperor gazed at them like a hawk but neither children were willing to talk so he sighed.
"San, I thought I was very clear," he stated. "You are grounded. You cannot roam around freely after bunking your language classes!"
San mumbled something like 'didn't want to leave Sunye alone.' The Emperor only shook his head in dismay. He turned to Sunye, who was also averting his gaze. He stooped down to her and adopted a gentler tone.
"Sunye, don't be scared," he assured her. "You will not be punished for this. Kim San broke the rules and he will be the one who would face punishment."
Upon hearing those words, Sunye became more alarmed. Her eyes widened to plea with the Emperor.
