After Seokjin calmed down, Namjoon pulled out a soft, red cotton handkerchief and gently traced it over his face, wiping away any more tears that stuck to his blushing expression.

"Come, I will handle this situation right away," he said, letting Seokjin stand up and following suit. Namjoon led him from his room to the throne in the back of the palace. Sitting in the prestigious seat, Namjoon ordered a cushion to be placed at his feet. When it came, it was placed on the velvet-covered floor.

"Sit," Namjoon said, holding out his hand towards the chair.

Seokjin sat at Namjoon's feet, smiling to himself as Namjoon summoned Sura.

Does Namjoon feel the same way for me...as I do for him?

I'd be so lucky if he does.

When Sura entered the throne hall and saw a less than happy Namjoon, her spirit began to quiver in fear, despite the calm facade that covered her figure. When she saw Seokjin sitting at his feet, her spirit growled in pure anger.

Nevertheless, she knelt and bowed to the ground.

"Praise to Your Majesty," she said, listening to the little bells that jingled around her neck as she raised herself back up.

"Yang Sura," Namjoon began, making the young noble next to him purse his lips in anticipation. It was habit of Namjoon's to call someone by their full name when he was serious -- and oh, was he serious.

"Where were you this morning before the sun's peak?"

"I was in the gardens, Your Majesty."

"And who else was in the garden with you?"

"The First Lord Kim of the North, Your Majesty."

Namjoon softened just a bit. "You've done well in speaking the truth so far. Continue doing so and I may have mercy on you."

"I would never lie to you, Your Majesty."

Bullshit.

Looking up at Namjoon, Seokjin began to worry. Anything could come out of Sura's mouth, and Namjoon could easily be led into a lie.

Namjoon touched his hand to Seokjin's shoulder in reassurance.

"Explain how Lord Kim received the cuts on his hands."

Here we go.

"Lord Kim and I were conversing on the matter of birds. He had gotten up to leave, but he left his cloak. I had sought after him to give it back when I tripped, and my clumsy self pulled him down on accident."

Seokjin knew an outburst would've been inappropriate at the time, so he held his tongue.

Oh, the things I want to say to you--

"Permission to speak, Your Majesty."

A young girl no older than fifteen stepped up and bowed to Namjoon, repeating the ritual Sura practiced when she entered.

"Permission granted."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Seokjin's eyes widened a bit as he watched Rinji raise her upper half from the ground.

"Lady Yang's account of events is false. I was sent to escort Lord Kim to your throne hall this morning. Before I retrieved him, however, I watched as Lady Yang tore his cloak almost completely in half and pushed him to the ground. She muttered some insult about the crows and vultures feeding on his body, then walked away."

"Lord Kim, is this true?" Namjoon said, already deciding Sura's punishment.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Seokjin said, holding his hand out toward Rinji. "Her name is Rinji, she brought me to the throne hall where you summoned me."

Nodding, Namjoon held his hand out. "Stand, child," he said, with sympathy fused in his voice.

Rinji stood, lowering her head out of respect.

"Rinji also helped me when she saw my wounds," Seokjin said, winking at the girl. "She cleansed them with water and offered to bandage them. She possesses a kind heart."

"Rinji, you honor yourself and your family," Namjoon said, smiling at the blushing girl.

"The royal line of Kims have been known throughout the kingdom to reward those who are kind, and punish those who are selfish. Kind girl, you do well for yourself," Seokjin recited proudly.

"As a reward, please dine with us as an honored guest," Namjoon said, almost ruining Rinji's composure.

Almost unable to hold back a jump for joy, Rinji knelt on the velvet beneath her and thanked Namjoon.

"Yang Sura," Namjoon began, losing all trace of mercy and taking on a cold tone to his once cheerful voice.

Sura looked at both Rinji and Seokjin from the corner of her eye, but looked down at the ground.

"You shame yourself," he spat. "You commit this act of aggression towards Lord Kim, then lie to my face? Am I nothing but broken stone to you?"

Sura didn't open her mouth, knowing Namjoon didn't want an answer.

"Guard," he said, not taking his eyes off Sura. Another man, all armored up and prepared for battle, marched towards the foot of the throne.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Take Lady Yang to the mountain palace, where she will reside until further notice."

The mountain palace was a dark, secluded, rough little castle with one room atop a long flight of stairs. Located far from the palace and guarded heavily every hour of the day, no one would be seeing Sura for a while -- to the relief of the noble seated next to the king.

At least we get to live in peace...for now.

The guard held Sura harshly by the forearm and escorted her out of the palace hall, where she would be kept for a long, long time.