As he submerged himself into the warmth of the bath, the tension of the night seemed to melt away. The scent of blood was replaced by the cleansing aromas of jasmine and citrus, the traditional bath oils that helped to rejuvenate one's spirit as well as cleanse the body.
After a long, meditative soak, Kang Chunho emerged from the bath feeling refreshed. He donned the robes that had been laid out for him, their fabric soft and comfortable against his skin.
"Ah…he really is an odd one, even after seeing me in that state he wasn't scared?"
He made his way back to the Jeoyoon's room, knowing the massacre he had caused last night he knew it wouldn't be long before tgr the emperor's message arrive.
"You can't get your bandages wet, let me help you clean your body.."
Kang Chunho grabbed the cloth only for Jeoyoon to snatch it back.
"You don't have to worry, I can handle it myself.."
"…"
"Alright lets just have breakfast instead…"
Before they could begin their meal, a servant entered the room hurriedly, bowing deeply. "Master Chunho, a message from the Emperor," he said, presenting a sealed scroll with the imperial crest.
"I see….you may go and get Ahn for me…"
"Certainly master, I wish you speedy recovery madam.."
The servant bowed as he left ignoring the shocked expression on Jeoyoon's face.
"What did he just call me??"
"Have you forgotten? I declared you to be my wife yesterday so of course they'll call you madam."
"…."
"Why would you let them!!"
"…"
Chunho looked at him calmly, a small smile playing on his lips. "Because it's the truth. I declared you my wife, and they will respect you as such."
Jeoyoon opened his mouth to argue but then closed it, a faint blush rising to his cheeks. He looked away, clearly torn between his embarrassment and the warmth he felt at Chunho's unwavering declaration.
Putu! "We're not married it's inappropriate to call me your wife and besides I'm also a man.."
"And if feels a bit weird to call you my husband….being my wife is much better.."
Chunho unrolled the scroll, his expression turning serious as he scanned the contents. As expected, the message was urgent. The Emperor's summons required his immediate presence at the palace to discuss the repercussions of the previous night's events.
"I have to go," Chunho said, his tone lazy if Jeoyoon wasn't injured he would have taken him along.
Jeoyoon's concern was palpable. "What does it say?"
Even though he asked, he had a sure guess as to why the emperor had called him.
"The Emperor needs to discuss the massacre that occurred last night…"
Chunho replied, rolling up the scroll and handing it to Ahn, who had just entered the room. "Prepare my carriage. I need to leave at once."
Ahn bowed deeply. "Yes, Master Chunho. Everything will be ready shortly."
With a final glance at Jeoyoon, Chunho's expression softened. "Take care of yourself while I'm gone. I'll be back as soon as I can. It's a 2-day trip, is there anything you want me get you?."
Jeoyoon nodded, still looking somewhat unsettled. "I love the rice balls, red bean buns and candied fruits there...….be careful, Chunho. The jade palace is a dangerous place."
Chunho gave him a reassuring smile before turning to leave. "Promise me you'll wait for me? In the meantime you're in charge, I'm sure you'll take good care of things in my absence."
Jeoyoon nodded, he wondered why Chunho didn't think he'll escape during his absence.
In the Imperial Palace, Chunho stood before the Emperor, his posture respectful but his eyes gleaming with intense gaze.
The Emperor sat on his throne, watching Chunho with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"Lord Chunho," the Emperor spoke, his voice firm, "your actions against the Kung and Jun families are concerning. How do you explain such aggressive measures?"
A small, confident smile played on Chunho's lips. "Your Majesty," he began, his voice calm yet resolute, "I merely protected what belongs to me. Jeoyoon is my wife, and I have a duty to ensure his safety and well-being."
The Emperor's eyes widened in surprise. "Your wife? Jeoyoon?" he asked, clearly caught off guard. Then, as realization dawned, his expression darkened. "Did you say 'his'?"
Chunho's smile didn't waver, but his eyes gleamed with possessive pride. "Yes, Your Majesty. Jeoyoon is mine. Our union may not be officially recognized, but in my heart and mind, he is my wife."
The Emperor's face flushed with rage, his hands gripping the arms of his throne. "This is an outrage!" he thundered, causing the courtiers to flinch. "Not only do you speak of a union that goes against every law and tradition of our land, but you dare to call it a marriage. How dare you speak such words in the imperial court?"
Chunho remained unfazed. "I understand your concern, Your Majesty, but--"
"Silence!" the Emperor roared, rising to his feet. "You mock our laws, our traditions, and the very foundations of our society with this... this abomination!"
The court fell into a shocked silence. The Emperor's eyes blazed with fury as he continued, "Lord Chunho, your actions are not just disruptive, they are criminal. You speak of protecting what's yours, but what you claim goes against nature itself!"
Chunho's smile faded, replaced by a look of cool defiance. "Your Majesty, I--"
"No!" the Emperor cut him off. "This matter is far more serious than I initially thought. Guards! Detain Lord Chunho immediately. He will be held until we decide how to address this grave transgression against our laws and moral code."
Chunho remained unfazed, his posture relaxed and confident. "Your Majesty," he began, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of steel, "I believe you're forgetting our agreement."
The Emperor's eyes widened, his fury momentarily replaced by confusion. "Agreement? What agreement could possibly justify this... this abomination."