The rain had stopped.
The palace was still drenched, the air thick with the scent of wet earth and pine. Sunlight streamed through the lattice windows of the Eastern Wing, casting soft golden lines across the floor.
Seo Yul lay curled beneath a thick blanket, sweat clinging to his brow, his cheeks pale but warmer than before. The fever had broken sometime during the night, thanks to the physician's urgent care and the man who'd stayed by his side till dawn.
He hadn't seen the king since.
His limbs felt heavy, but not in pain anymore. Just weak. His throat was dry, his voice nearly gone. Yeonhee had sat with him for a while, silently feeding him warm porridge, but left shortly after to prepare herbs.
Now he lay alone again, staring at the ceiling beams. Remembering nothing clearly only flashes of warmth, arms around him, the steady thump of a heartbeat against his back.
And the cold fear that came after.
A soft knock startled him.
Before he could respond, the door slid open halfway, and a familiar figure peeked in.
"Yul?" Hwan Jae stepped in, holding a small tray with steamed buns, dried fruit, and a small teacup. "I heard you're awake."
Seo Yul blinked slowly, unsure of what to say.
"I came as soon as I could," Hwan Jae said, his voice gentler than usual. He placed the tray down beside the mat and knelt next to him. "You scared me, you know."
Seo Yul's lips moved slightly, but no sound came out. He looked down, ashamed.
Hwan Jae noticed.
He picked up the teacup and held it out. "Here, it's warm ginger water. Not the best taste, but good for your throat."
Seo Yul reached out weakly, his fingers brushing Hwan Jae's. The warmth of the cup steadied his trembling hand.
They sat in silence, broken only by the quiet sipping of tea.
"I wanted to ask…" Hwan Jae began carefully. "Who did this to you, Yul?"
Seo Yul's grip on the cup tightened slightly.
"I won't tell anyone if you don't want me to," Hwan Jae continued, sensing his hesitation. "But… you don't have to hide it from me either. Not after everything."
Seo Yul lowered his gaze again. His voice was barely above a whisper.
"I… fell."
Hwan Jae gave a sad smile, one that didn't reach his eyes. "You're a bad liar."
Seo Yul's throat tightened.
"But it's okay," Hwan Jae added softly. "You don't have to say anything right now."
He stood, brushing his hands on his robe. "Just rest. I'll come check on you again later."
As he reached the door, he paused and looked over his shoulder.
"I missed you, you know," he said with a gentle smile. "The garden's boring without you there to complain about every flower."
Seo Yul blinked, and something stirred behind his eyes. A tiny lift at the corner of his mouth.
When the door closed behind Hwan Jae, the room was quiet again. But it didn't feel so empty anymore.
The tray still sat beside him, warm and waiting.
And this time, Seo Yul took a small bite.