"What do you mean? How couldn't you be Chindeok's mother?"

Yeonhi took a deep exhale before beginning her story.

"I have never...been with a man before. Fourteen years ago, when His Majesty was pronounced king in brotherhood with His Grace, Jihan entered the palace as a lord with Chindeok as a motherless baby. I had fallen for him and his sad story about how her mother died in childbirth, and he feared for her safety and wellbeing. He was only using her to wiggle his way into my heart. He began to abuse me when he told me he was going to marry me, and from that point onward, I had seen no way out. He'd beaten me black and blue. He threatened to get me thrown out of the palace if I told anyone. Poor Chindeok had no idea."

By this time, Jungkook, who had been watching and listening from the shadows,  stepped up and knelt before Namjoon.

"She did have an idea, my lady," Jungkook said, shaking his head. "Chindeok was the one who told me about the abuse. She told me about all the things you'd gone through."

"S-She...what?" Yeonhi stammered, her heart dropping to the floor. "So...she watched me suffer all these years...?"

"She saw no way out, just as you did, my lady."

"I'm a horrible mother," Yeonhi cried, unable to wipe her tears faster than they flowed. "I should've done something more to save her from him. I should've been more tough. I'm glad I'm not her mother. She doesn't have to associate with such a shameful woman anymore."

"How untrue," Seokjin said, placing a hand on her. "You did everything you could to be strong for Chindeok. You battled with that man for years, and raised such a kind, beautiful daughter at the same time. You are a resilient woman. I commend you for such strength."

Yeonhi looked away, but her tears subsided.

"It is late. We should all get some rest and clear our heads for tomorrow."

"W-What about Chindeok?" Yeonhi whispered, as if she were around. "Where is she?"

"I have her with General Park," Jungkook said, reassuring her. "She should be sleeping now. And so should we."

Yeonhi nodded once, standing up on her own. She smoothed out her dress, pulling her hair back and tying it in one long ponytail that reached down to her slender waist. Wiping away the wetness underneath her red, puffy eyes, she took a deep breath and steadied herself.

"Alright. As long as Chindeok is in safe hands, I have no regrets."

"I can't believe it," Seokjin said, resting his head frustratedly on his hands. "I can't believe I was jealous of her."

Namjoon looked over at Seokjin, then up at the risen sun that peaked over a horizon jagged with mountains, billowing wisteria and the rusted, yet glowing curves and shingles of a temple. Deciding that the former was more beautiful, he pulled himself towards the young man and took his hands away from his face, revealing a brilliance more radiant than the sun itself.

"Why do you say so, my love?" he asked, aching to look into his dark, mysterious eyes.

"I've been nothing but a fool. I was so focused on what you thought of her and how beautiful you thought she was that I never stopped to think about what she desired, or who she was as a person. I might've been able to help her, or"--

"Seokjin-ah, it was an honest mistake. Please don't let it rattle you too much. I'm sure she forgives you."

"How could she forgive me? She doesn't know the crime I've selfishly committed."

"There are harem women who do far worse than you. You cannot allow yourself to feel so bad about it, Seokjin."

"I've still made a transgression, no matter how minor it may be."

Namjoon pulled Seokjin into his arms, cradling the man as he deprecated himself aloud and in his own heart.

"You can apologize to her tomorrow, love. Make a new friend."

"Okay, Namjoonie," Seokjin finally said, satisfied with that decision. They sat there together, holding each other for what seemed like eternity. Seokjin soon found himself on the verge of sleep, and prayed that Namjoon wouldn't move until slumber took over. He ran his fingers gently through his hair, giving Seokjin the tender, warm feeling he loved and craved so much.

"Still feeling bad, love?" Namjoon asked, cradling him as he looked up into the king's eyes.

"Not as bad anymore," he smiled, rubbing his head on Namjoon's chest. "I feel okay."

"Good. I don't want you to feel bad anymore.  Let's go to bed now, sweetheart."

With that, Namjoon picked Seokjin up in his arms, and carried him to bed bridal style with a gentle, compassionate smile on his face. He suddenly felt the aching fatigue of the day settle into his muscles and push him farther into the bed, experiencing relief from the stresses of the day.

"Honey, do you feel like making lo--"

Seokjin tilted his head to the right, looking at the royal's peaceful, porcelain face as he slept. Slumber had already taken him from Seokjin, making the latter smile at his serene face.

"Good night, my love," he whispered, before slipping his head onto Namjoon's chest and falling asleep -- with his ear on his beloved's beating heart.

"What is your name?"

"Hae Mirin, daughter of Hae Baekcheon and Hae Eunri."

"Ah? The Hae family? Are you related to Lady Hae Seonbi?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Do you understand and accept the rules of His Majesty's harem?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Good, then! Welcome to the palace, Lady Hae. You will reside in the Lower Palaces, and His Majesty and His Divine Grace will welcome you personally tomorrow."

"Thank you, my lord. Long may they live."

I can't wait to see you again, sister...