The sword slipped from Kang Chunho's hand, hitting the ground with a metallic clang. He turned to face Jeoyoon, his eyes wide with a mixture of relief and disbelief.
"Jeoyoon," Chunho whispered, his voice trembling. "You're alive?."
Jeoyoon took a tentative step towards him, his face pale and strained. "Yes barely….my injury is quite deep but its not enough to kill me so stop with the killing…"
Kang Chunho's rage melted away, replaced by a profound sense of guilt and sorrow. He took a step back, looking from Jeoyoon to Qin Injo, who was still trembling on the ground. The courtyard was silent, the only sound the distant howling of the wind through the manor grounds.
Step by step, Chunho walked to he was and pulled him into his embrace.
Kang Chunho shook his head, still overwhelmed by the turmoil inside him. "He planned to take you from me, Jeoyoon. I cannot forgive that."
Jeoyoon placed a gentle hand on Chunho's arm, grounding him. "I know, but he's someone you can't afford to kill right now."
Ahn stepped forward, his eyes filled with hope. "Master Kang, listen to master Jeoyoon. We can seek justice without more bloodshed. Let the emperor deal with his son's treachery."
Kang Chunho looked down at Qin Injo, who was now silently weeping. His heart was a storm of conflicting emotions, but Jeoyoon's presence was a calming force. He took a deep breath.
"Very well," Chunho said quietly. "I shall take his tongue. This way his actions will be forgiven."
"….."
Qin Injo immediately shook his head and kowtowed, begging for mercy.
"Please, on the account that Jeoyoon is still alive and our past relationship…please spare me.."
"…."
"Chunho…let him go…"
Jeoyoon begged not because he wanted to protect Qin Injo but because the emperor favored him and Chunho would be in too much trouble if something happened to him.
"My wife has spoken what can I say….get out of my sight Injo don't make me ever lay my eyes on you.."
Kang Chunho nodded, his gaze softening as he looked at Jeoyoon. "Let's get you inside and tend to your wounds."
As they turned to leave the courtyard, Chunho heard a faint whisper from behind. "Thank you for sparing me," Qin Injo murmured, his voice barely audible.
Inside the manor, the atmosphere shifted from the cold tension of the courtyard to the warm, flickering light of the lanterns. The servants hurried about, tending to the needs of their masters, but their eyes lingered on the trio as they walked through the halls. Kang Chunho's intense demeanor had always commanded respect and fear, but tonight, there was an aura of vulnerability about him that was hard to ignore.
Jeoyoon winced slightly as they stepped into his room. Kang Chunho immediately noticed and guided him to sit down on the edge of the bed. "Let me see your wounds," Chunho said, his voice filled with concern.
Jeoyoon nodded, allowing Chunho to carefully remove his outer garment to reveal bandages stained with blood. Chunho's heart clenched at the sight. "We need to change these," he muttered.
Ahn, who had followed them into the room, quickly fetched fresh bandages and a basin of water. As Chunho gently cleaned and redressed Jeoyoon's wounds, the room was silent save for the crackling of the fire in the hearth and the occasional soft hiss of pain from Jeoyoon.
Once the bandages were secure, Jeoyoon reached out and placed a hand on Chunho's arm. "Thank you," he whispered.
Chunho looked up, his eyes meeting Jeoyoon's. "I won't lose you," he replied, his voice thick with emotion. "Not to them, not to anyone…."
Jeoyoon smiled weakly. "I can't die that easily… haha I'll be fine in a few days.."
Ahn, standing a respectful distance away, cleared his throat. "Master, the physician should be here soon."
Chunho nodded. "Good. Jeoyoon needs proper care. Make sure he is brought directly here as soon as he arrives."
Ahn bowed and left the room to oversee the physician's arrival. Chunho turned his attention back to Jeoyoon, his expression softening. "You should rest now. The physician will be here soon."
Jooyoon nodded, leaning back against the pillows. "Will you stay with me?" he asked softly.
Chunho's heart softened further. "Is that what you want?" he replied, leaning against the wall.
As Jooyoon drifted into an exhausted sleep, Chunho stood quietly, watching over him.
A short while later, the door opened quietly, and Ahn returned with the physician, an elderly man with a kind and knowledgeable face. The physician quickly assessed Jooyoon's condition, nodding approvingly at Chunho's handiwork with the bandages.
"You did well to clean and dress the wounds," the physician said. "I will apply some medicinal herbs to aid in the healing process and prevent infection."
Chunho watched intently as the physician worked, his gentle hands moving with practiced efficiency. Jooyoon stirred slightly but remained asleep, his breathing becoming more even as the physician applied the herbs and fresh bandages.
When the physician finished, he turned to Chunho. "He should recover well, given time and rest. Ensure he drinks plenty of fluid and eats nutritious food to regain his strength."
"Thank you," Chunho said, a deep sense of relief washing over him. "I will take care of him."
The physician packed up his supplies and left, leaving Chunho and Jooyoon alone once more. Chunho sat back down beside the bed, watching over Jooyoon as he slept. The anger and fury that had driven him earlier were now replaced by a resolute determination to protect this man.
As the first light of dawn began to filter through the windows, Jooyoon stirred and opened his eyes. He smiled weakly at Chunho. "Thank you for staying."
Moved by the closeness of the moment, Chunho leaned in, intending to kiss Jeoyoon. However, as he got closer, Jeoyoon turned his head slightly and wrinkled his nose.
"Chunho, you smell too much of blood.." Jeoyoon whispered, a faint smile playing on his lips despite the exhaustion.
Kang Chunho paused, a bit taken aback, and then chuckled softly. "I suppose I do." He sat back, running a hand through his hair. "It's been a long night."
Jeoyoon's eyes softened. "You should clean up. You need to take care of yourself too. No one should have that much blood on their body."
Chunho nodded, realizing that Jeoyoon was right. He had spent the whole night watching over Jeoyoon. He had forgotten to take a bath. "I'll be back shortly," he said, giving Jeoyoon's hand a gentle squeeze before standing up and leaving the room.
"Good morning Master, your bath is ready and I've prepared your robes."