ELLIOTT

Do you have feelings for me

Chapter Two.

Cheonsu walked forward to meet his brother halfway. They both stopped and bowed equally to one another. For a moment, they simply stood there looking at each other before embracing tightly, laughter escaping between them.

"Well, how old are you now, ninety?" Hyeonjo asked as he released his brother.

"Well, I get to be the one who looks old protecting your ass."

Hyeonjo laughed as he guided his brother up the stairs.

"Meanwhile, you look like you just finished puberty. I think we should switch locations. Probably it's that temple," Cheonsu complained, and the two brothers chuckled.

They ascended the stairs together. A table covered with an array of dishes awaited them. They both sat at opposite ends of the table on their cushions. Mabel, who had followed behind them, knelt beside the table and personally uncovered each dish.

"I know you will break a lot of your strict diet, but moments like this don't come often, so I wouldn't take no for an answer," Hyeonjo said.

"I suppose I'm left with no option."

They both laughed, and Mabel couldn't help but smile.

"You really outdid yourself, your highness," Cheonsu remarked to Mabel once she finished uncovering the dishes.

"You flatter me too much, My Lord."

"She never accepts accolades, does she?" Hyeonjo chimed in.

"She never does," Cheonsu agreed.

Meanwhile below, the maids uncovered the table already prepared for the four knights. Cushions had been placed at the four corners of the table for them to sit on. The four knights stood around the table as the maids stepped away, waiting for permission before they could accept the king's benevolence.

Mabel stood and bowed.

"I will take my leave now, My king, My Lord." She bowed to both of them.

The two nodded, and she descended the stairs with her two maids following closely behind. The door shut behind them.

Hyeonjo looked toward the four knights.

"Please, don't mind us. Help yourselves."

The four of them bowed before taking their seats and helping themselves to the meal.

The table was eventually cleared, leaving only wine and golden cups behind. The king's eunuch, Lincoln, poured wine into the two cups. The brothers raised their drinks before taking a sip. The four knights now stood at attention facing them, having also finished eating.

"How are you doing, brother? The doctor I sent to you is the best in herbal medicine. Why did you send him away?" Hyeonjo enquired worriedly.

"Some things are beyond medicine, brother. However, I will be fine. We should talk about the issue of producing an heir. Are Mabel's reports still the same?"

"How easily you change the subject each time I ask about you."

"Producing an heir is the most important thing. Don't worry, I'm not dieing anytime soon," Cheonsu said with a smile as he took another sip of wine.

"She has no fertility conditions. In fact, the midwife said she has improved."

"Then what is delaying the good news? Or do you have some condition? You can tell me. I'm your brother."

Hyeonjo laughed, his voice echoing through the walls.

"There is no such thing, brother."

"I know. You are my brother after all."

Silence settled between them, as though they both understood the true reason behind the problem.

"She is a very nice woman. I see her show her love for you every day. Shouldn't you take pity on her?" Cheonsu poured more wine into his cup. Lincoln attempted to step forward to stop him, but Cheonsu signaled for him to retreat.

Hyeonjo swallowed hard.

"How long has it been? Ten years? And you still haven't learnt to love her. Why not take pity on her, at least for the sake of the throne? It is your duty to her, brother."

"I try. I send gifts, I... I..." Hyeonjo gulped down the wine in his cup and placed the empty cup back onto the table. Cheonsu took the initiative to refill it. He and his brother had not shared such a deep conversation in a very long time.

"We both know I married her for the throne. To strengthen my rule. Her father wanted it. I gave him what he wanted for peace."

"The throne needs an heir. You can't fight your enemies to protect your throne while fighting yourself too. Stop. Protect yourself before protecting against enemies. Give your throne an heir."

"I will try my best, brother," Hyeonjo replied dismissively.

"I will be holding my hand over ceremony in a few days," Cheonsu said, his face tightening slightly from the strength of the wine.

"Hand over? You didn't tell me! Are you planning to die soon? How bad is your condition?" Hyeonjo asked, filled with worry.

Cheonsu laughed, clutching his chest as he tried to catch his breath.

"I am not dying anytime soon. I've told you this, brother. I am simply protecting myself, just as I need you to. I need to make sure it is known who leadership is falling to. It will reduce the risk of war and strife."

Hyeonjo nodded in agreement.

"So, do I at least get a hint on who it is?"

"I know you are the king, but that knowledge is beyond your boundary."

Hyeonjo rolled his eyes in disappointment.

"Do you need any help from the Palace?"

"I have everything I need. I am also a king in my own kingdom," Cheonsu remarked.

"I just need you to be there with Mabel and the men in senate."

"And we will." Hyeonjo lifted his glass.

But Cheonsu rose to his feet to leave. He bowed.

"Come on, brother, you just arrived! Why are you in such a hurry to leave?" Hyeonjo slowly stood after him.

"I have work to do just as much as you do. Thank you for your hospitality, your highness. You should visit the temple soon as well. I believe you need space away from these four walls of ink, paper, and politics. It must be exhausting. We can help clear your mind."

Hyeonjo laughed at his brother's words.

"Exhausting, yes. However, I would still prefer pen, ink, and politics over your path, brother, so leave me with that."

They both chuckled as Hyeonjo turned toward the four knights.

"The four knights!" Hyeonjo's voice echoed through the walls. "I see all your achievements, all you do for this kingdom. They are remarkable. Remind me, Min, what was your gift again?"

"I control fire, your Majesty. I am what I am by your grace, my king," Min bowed.

Hyeonjo nodded.

"And you, Nari?" Hyeonjo requested.

"I see energy, your Majesty. I can distinguish evil from good and also read minds."

"I fear you can read my mind right now. Have you been listening to my thoughts?"

Cheonsu laughed at Hyeonjo's concern.

"She needs access to read your mind. She only possesses that ability when the subject grants access or lets their guard down," Cheonsu reassured him.

"Goodness me, that would have been disastrous. Now to you, Yul, what are your gifts again?"

"I am blessed with the gift of control, your Majesty. I possess great strength and mastery over my body," Yul bowed.

Hyeonjo nodded and turned toward Yeonhwa. His gaze immediately softened the moment it landed on her.

"Yeonhwa..." His voice came out strangely gentle.

Yul noticed it. He tilted his head slightly between Yeonhwa, whose gaze remained lowered, and the king. The look in Hyeonjo's eyes was one Yul instantly recognized, so he quickly resumed his respectful posture.

"The only one in her class. I suppose you need no introduction," Hyeonjo said. "You all should continue your hard work. I have sent gifts to your quarters, please accept them."

"Your grace is immeasurable, your highness," the four chorused as they bowed.

"You will eventually spoil them, won't you brother?"

"Don't blame me. These are the eyes of my kingdom. I need to ensure my gates are well protected," Hyeonjo countered.

"I'll leave you to it then."

"And of course, my gifts would add nothing to a king, however, I still sent gifts to your temple. Please accept them, brother." Hyeonjo bowed lightly, and Cheonsu respectfully returned the gesture.

"You truly know what to do, your Majesty," Cheonsu praised, making his brother laugh.

"Allow me to take my leave now," Cheonsu concluded. He was about to depart when Hyeonjo's voice halted him.

"I'd like to have a word with Yeonhwa for a few minutes."

Cheonsu's expression changed instantly. He clearly disliked the idea. However, he could not refuse his brother, the king. Cheonsu glanced at Hyeonjo, then at Yeonhwa, before exhaling softly and descending the flight of stairs. The other three knights followed behind their leader. The door shut behind them, leaving only Yeonhwa and Hyeonjo in the hall.

"How are you doing, Yeonhwa?"

"I am thriving only by the king's grace," Yeonhwa responded. Her gaze never left the floor, her posture rigid like that of a trained warrior. Hyeonjo disliked the formality. He knew this was simply who Yeonhwa was, but he had hoped privacy would make things easier.

"Everyone leave," Hyeonjo ordered the stationed guards.

Lincoln attempted to respectfully object, but one glance from the king made him swallow his words. Within moments, the hall was empty.

Hyeonjo slowly descended the stairs.

Sensing him drawing closer, Yeonhwa swallowed nervously. He stopped directly in front of her.

Unsure of what to do, Yeonhwa instinctively attempted to bow lower before him, but Hyeonjo immediately held her upright.

"We are alone. I dismissed them to make you comfortable. You should refrain from being so courteous."

"I am merely a servant. How dare I dream of too much before the king?"

She was right. She was nothing more than an orphaned peasant girl whom Cheonsu had discovered near the lake. He sensed the energy within her eyes and brought her to the temple to train her since the age of eight. And just like that, an ordinary girl became the Eye of Joseon, respected and honored throughout the kingdom.

"Yeonhwa, look at me," he said gently.

Yeonhwa couldn't even bring herself to consider it. This was the king. Yet at the same time, she could not disobey him either. Her hands trembled faintly, and Hyeonjo noticed the thin streak of sweat forming on her forehead.

"You have undergone all kinds of training to control your body, yet somehow you lose control whenever you stand before me. Why wont you accept your feelings for me, your body clearly displays it fails you before me?"

Yeonhwa remained silent, uncertain of how to respond.

"Do I need to issue a decree?"

There was silence between them.

When nothing could persuade Yeonhwa to meet his gaze, Hyeonjo stepped closer. The heaviness of their breathing filled the silence between them.

Hyeonjo gently lifted her chin. Yeonhwa finally met his eyes. A subtle smile appeared on his lips. He was hopelessly captivated by the blue streaks hidden within her eyes.

"You possess healing energy, just like my brother. Couldn't you heal my heart from loving you? At least then it would be easier to let you go."

"I do not deserve the king's heart. You think too highly of me, your Majesty."

"Then tell me where else my heart should go."

"The queen. She deserves all the love as the woman who stands beside you, your Majesty."

Hyeonjo clenched his fist before slowly releasing her chin and turning away.

He was exhausted from hearing everyone force him to love Mabel, as though he did not understand his own heart. Fury burned within him. He took several steps away, unwilling for Yeonhwa to witness that side of him.

"What you seek, your Majesty, cannot exist beneath the heavens. I belong to the temple."

"And I am the king!" he thundered as he turned back around.

Yeonhwa shivered.

The moment he saw fear flash across her face, Hyeonjo instantly regretted raising his voice.

Yeonhwa was right. Anyone who entered the temple to become a sage, even students, were forbidden from engaging in romantic relationships. They were expected to devote their lives entirely to training. Frivolous distractions like love could divert them from reaching their pinnacle. It was a sacred rule known throughout the land. Yet despite such sacrifice, being chosen by the temple remained one of the greatest honors in Joseon. Possessing gifts was respected second only to the palace itself.

"I am the king, Yeonhwa, and my brother created that rule. I can ensure it is reversed," he said, lowering his voice once more.

"That single rule made the temple what it is today. Romance, desires of the body, and the path of the spirit and mind cannot coexist. One must always be sacrificed. These things cannot be changed. I do not believe Lord Cheonsu created that rule, it is simply a truth everyone understood long before him."

Hyeonjo swallowed hard. He had never felt this frustrated in his entire life.

"Tell me..." The atmosphere in the room suddenly grew heavy.

Yeonhwa already knew what he was about to ask. She bit her lower lip nervously.

"Do you have feelings for me?"