Chapter 20
An Unintended Union
“Greetings to Her Majesty, the Grand Empress Dowager.”
“You need not rise. Sit.”
The Grand Empress Dowager gestured for Danseol, who had hurriedly tried to stand, to remain seated.
“As a member of the Imperial Family, it is only proper to pay respect to the elder of the palace. Please, sit here.”
“You are unusually well-mannered and graceful for someone so young.”
A satisfied smile curved the Grand Empress Dowager’s lips as she took the seat of honor Danseol had yielded. The drape of her blue silk robes, cinched tightly at the waist, made her slender frame and soft curves stand out in quiet dignity.
Her sharp eyes swept the chamber until they settled on Seorang, who stood silently to the side.
“Were you receiving a physician’s consultation just now?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I see. And how are Lady Dan and the child she carries?”
In Hwangseon, everyone believed Danseol’s surname was Dan. To reveal her true family name—Baek, belonging to the royal clan of Seolhwa—would mean immediate exposure.
“Both mother and child are in good health, Your Majesty.”
Seorang bowed deeply as he answered.
“Excellent. Then you must take responsibility and watch over them with utmost care.”
“I shall devote myself entirely to that duty, Your Majesty.”
Though the exchange between Seorang and the Grand Empress Dowager was warm, Danseol herself felt as if she were sitting on a bed of needles. She alone seemed tormented by the fear that their lie might be exposed.
“You look rather pale, child.”
The Dowager’s keen gaze swept her face, forcing Danseol to quickly smooth away the shadow from her expression.
“I believe I am only a little fatigued.”
“Is it morning sickness already?”
“No, I think it is simply the change in sleeping quarters.”
“Well, it is true—new surroundings are rarely comfortable.”
The Dowager nodded at her explanation before turning to Seorang.
“Have her served a calming medicinal tea each day, one that will bring her ease of mind.”
“It shall be prepared from tonight, so she may rest more soundly, Your Majesty.”
The Grand Empress Dowager seemed pleased with his brisk reply.
“Good. Is there nothing else you require?”
Her penetrating gaze made Danseol force a small, polite smile.
“His Majesty has already seen to my every need. I lack for nothing, Your Majesty.”
The Dowager’s eyes moved once more about the room. Luxuries filled every corner, yet the air felt strangely barren. She clicked her tongue.
“Men always think material things suffice. His Majesty is no different.”
“I am truly fine…”
“Eunso, are you there?”
At the Dowager’s summons, a young court lady entered quietly.
“You called, Your Majesty?”
She was Eunso—a well-composed, demure girl whose bearing made it clear why even at her young age she had been chosen to serve the most senior member of the Imperial Palace.
Seeing her unexpectedly reminded Danseol of Choa, the maid who had once given her life for her.
“From today, you shall serve Lady Dan here in Chiwoljeon.”
Eunso’s face flickered with visible surprise. Her eyes briefly scanned Danseol, and in them glimmered a trace of dismay.
Danseol recognized it instantly.
She doesn’t want to be entangled with me.
She had seen that look countless times during her brief life in the palace. After all, who would willingly serve a concubine disfavored by the Empress?
Danseol had no desire to endanger another’s life. One maid’s death—Choa’s—was already more than enough.
“I am grateful for Your Majesty’s kindness, but truly, there is no need.”
“Does Eunso not please you?”
“That is not it, Your Majesty…”
Danseol glanced at Eunso before speaking with deliberate clarity.
“The attendants of Chiwoljeon suffice. And… if her service were suddenly transferred, Eunso might be pained at leaving Your Majesty’s side.”
“How admirable, to be mindful of the feelings of one so far beneath you.”
Even Eunso seemed startled by her words, staring at Danseol with wide eyes.
“Your Majesty, too much strain is ill for the child. Perhaps it would be best to let the Lady rest.”
“You are right. I have lingered too long.”
Startled by Seorang’s reminder, the Dowager rose at once. After all, this child was the precious heir of the Empire—any risk to the pregnancy was unthinkable.
“Rest well, child.”
“I shall see you out, Your Majesty.”
“One last thing. In this delicate time, refrain from serving His Majesty personally. I shall also inform him of this.”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
The Dowager departed with Seorang. Danseol collapsed into her seat as if all strength had drained away.
“Truly… will I survive this?”
It was becoming clearer: life in the palace would be even more treacherous than she had imagined.
Later That Evening
After dinner, Danseol stepped outside to take in the night air.
If only things could pass peacefully…
Her gaze tilted up toward the stars, when suddenly—
Thunk.
Something firm struck the back of her head.
“To wander alone at this hour… you are far too reckless.”
“Y–Your Majesty!”
Startled, she looked up into the looming figure of Gyeom. In her fluster, she pressed against his chest, only for his large hand to firmly hold her shoulder in place.
“Would the woman favored by her Emperor recoil so?”
“Forgive me… I was only startled.”
“Then it is not that you dislike me?”
Danseol bit her lip, unable to answer.
“You don’t deny it.”
“I… am not skilled at lying, Your Majesty. I hope you understand.”
Her brazen reply drew a chuckle from him.
“The Grand Empress Dowager praised you endlessly today. I daresay she misjudged.”
“Her Majesty knows nothing of the truth.”
Her quiet explanation—spoken for the Dowager’s peace of mind—made Gyeom’s lips curve again in an unreadable smile.
“Most would strive to earn my favor. Yet you refuse.”
“Our bond exists only for mutual gain, does it not? There is no need for pretense.”
“Well said.”
He released her shoulder at last. Danseol let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Yet her heart remained unsteady, for the memory of that night—their bodies pressed together—flashed in her mind with disquieting clarity.
What am I even thinking…
She shook her head hard, ashamed.
“Your eagerness only spurs me to greater effort.”
“…In what regard, Your Majesty?”
“Tonight, I shall sleep in Chiwoljeon.”
“…What?”
Her composure cracked instantly. No words could have horrified her more. To share a bed with the one man she least wished to face… it was unbearable.
“Make your preparations well, Lady Dan.”
He spoke with an almost playful cruelty, smiling as if to savor her dismay.
The Bedchamber
“Is the water’s temperature to Your liking, Lady Dan?”
“It is fine.”
“If you are uncomfortable, perhaps it is best to remove your underrobe—”
“The physician said to keep my abdomen warm. The nights are still cold.”
In truth, she kept the robe on to hide the plum blossom mark etched inside her thigh. Seorang accepted her explanation with a bow.
A maid poured fragrant liquid into the bath.
“This is rosewater, imported from the West.”
“Such a rare thing… why waste it on me?”
“Will it not be needed, if you are to serve His Majesty tonight?”
Danseol remained silent. Though to her it meant nothing, to others, tonight was their consummation. The Emperor had come of his own will—such nights were rarer, more precious, than auspiciously chosen ones.
Nothing will happen… He did not touch me even that night…
She clung to that fragile hope.
Soon, she entered the bedchamber. Gyeom was already waiting.
“You’ve taken long enough. I expected much preparation, but you’ve exceeded it.”
Her robe, sheer as mist, revealed pale skin beneath, her form tantalizing in its delicacy.
“My attendants dressed me so…”
“And their will reflects their mistress’s desire. Does it not?”
His tone was taunting, but his eyes roamed her body with heated weight.
“It was only to avoid suspicion. Nothing more.”
Flushed by the memory of their shared heat, she turned sharply away.
“Now that appearances are satisfied, I shall sleep in the corner.”
“How dull you are, in this one matter.”
He caught her wrist before she could retreat.
“Servants are no fools.”
At that moment, the chamber’s lamps extinguished. Darkness fell. Danseol realized in a rush—the lights had been left burning so that watchers outside could glimpse within.
“…Then I shall rest here. Please, retire, Your Majesty.”
There was no choice. To keep up appearances, she must share his bed. She comforted herself: the couch was wide, she could sleep far from him.
Or so she thought—until Gyeom closed the distance, his presence looming near.
End of Chapter 20
