DN12

Chapter 12

An Unexpected Proposal

“Are you here to give me a warning?”

Danseol’s lips moved faintly as she stared at the pavilion ahead. She realized now that the one who had summoned her was none other than Yi Gyeom, the Emperor of Hwangseon.

“I want you to deliver this to the place I tell you.”

She had already found the physician’s errand suspicious. Normally, it was the physician who prepared and personally delivered the medicine—both to check the patient’s condition before taking it, and to observe afterward for any problems.

Medicinal decoctions were rarely made from a single herb; depending on the patient’s health, they could be a cure or a poison. Monitoring the patient’s reaction was considered an extension of treatment itself.

If such care was taken even for ordinary patients, how much more so in the imperial palace—where most decoctions were meant for noble figures. It was strange that a mere court lady was entrusted with the task.

Now, she understood—it had merely been an excuse to summon her.

Danseol exhaled deeply and began walking toward the pavilion.

“This way, please.”

A eunuch standing at the entrance spoke calmly, guiding her inside. The vast hall was empty except for him.

Following him down a dim corridor, she arrived at a room located in the deepest part of the pavilion.

“Please, go in.”

The sliding door opened with a soft srrk. Danseol’s grip on the bowl of decoction tightened.

Beyond that door was the Emperor of Hwangseon, Yi Gyeom.

Knowing this made her steps feel heavy.

“He is waiting for you.”

At the eunuch’s gentle urging, she stepped inside. The faint sound of the door closing behind her felt ominous.

As expected, Yi Gyeom was waiting. He had likely come straight from state affairs—dressed in a golden dragon robe, hair neatly tied up beneath a small crown.

“I have brought the medicine, Your Majesty.”

Danseol bowed respectfully and offered the decoction. She knew full well that he had not summoned her for this reason, yet she feigned ignorance.

But Yi Gyeom was not one to be deceived so easily.

“Drink it.”

Her eyes widened in shock. She had assumed the medicine was just a pretext, never imagining he would order her to drink it.

The dark liquid in her hands suddenly felt like poison.

“What’s wrong? Afraid it’s poisoned?”

His low voice was calm, but tinged with an almost mocking amusement.

“Is it frightening to experience for yourself what you once planned for me?”

Danseol bit her lip at the blatant taunt.

“I do not understand what Your Majesty means.”
“I didn’t know shamelessness was now a basic skill for assassins.”
“…”
“Was it not you who begged to be sent to the pharmacy so you could poison me?”

So—he knew everything.

“Then… do you intend to kill me first?”

Danseol stared down at the bowl in her hands. After all, who would let someone live when they had once tried to kill them?

“Do I seem like such a cruel man?”
“…You must think so.”

He studied her for a moment before murmuring:

“Killing you to remove a future threat would be the cleanest method… but I do not use such crude measures.”

The casual tone scratched at her pride. It felt as if her resolve—to risk death—was being trampled.

“Then… do you mean to reform me?”

Her sarcasm made him smile faintly.

“Become my woman.”

Her brows furrowed despite her effort to remain composed.

“Your jest goes too far.”

She believed he was toying with her—bored with palace life and finding amusement in mocking a powerless court lady who could never kill him.

“What could I possibly gain from jesting with you?”
“Only Your Majesty would know the answer to that.”

Her bold reply made the corner of his mouth curl upward.

So—this is why she caught the Empress’s eye.

Danseol appeared meek, but there was a defiant streak in her. Calmly delivered barbs like that would be enough to provoke the Empress, Cheon Ihwa.

“I am offering you an opportunity.”
“…What opportunity?”
“The chance to kill me.”

Her breath caught. First, he accused her and pressed her; now, he was offering her the very thing she sought.

Was this some elaborate game?

“If you became a concubine, you would have more freedom to move—and more chances to meet me.”
“…And more chances to take your life.”

The truth of his words was undeniable. As a lowly court lady, reaching him was near impossible. As a concubine, she could gain allies and greater freedom of movement.

But there was a deeper problem—

To be the concubine of the man who destroyed Seolhwa Nation? Never.

No matter his beauty or power, Yi Gyeom could never be her man.

“If I were to become your concubine, what would you gain from it?”

His expression shifted subtly.

“That is none of your concern.”

In truth, he planned to use her to bind Cheon Ihwa’s attention—buying time to destroy the Empress’s family and power base. But he had no intention of telling Danseol.