The Eastern Wing was quiet again.
Seo Yul had finally drifted into a deep, fevered sleep. Yeonhee stayed close, quietly wiping his forehead as the physicians continued their visits throughout the day. The guards outside had strict orders to allow no one in unless summoned by the King himself.
But rumors never needed permission to enter.
By midday, whispers began circling the palace the King had spent the entire night in the Eastern Wing, inside the chamber of the enemy prince. That he'd carried the boy in his arms like a lover. That he'd barked at the guards like a man possessed.
And those whispers eventually made their way to Lady Eun Hye.
She stood in her private quarters, brushing her long hair, when her maid leaned in and whispered the news. Eun Hye froze for a moment then slowly smiled, her reflection in the mirror cold and calculating.
"So," she murmured, setting her brush down, "His Majesty spent the night playing nursemaid to the boy."
The maid lowered her head. "It is said he even brought his personal physician. He hasn't left the wing since dawn."
Eun Hye turned, her silk robes swaying softly as she stood.
"Well, that certainly won't look good in the Queen's eyes," she said lightly, walking toward the doors. "And she deserves to know."
The Queen's chamber was filled with the faint scent of incense and jasmine. She sat near the window, her posture regal, hands folded neatly in her lap. Her eyes looked tired. Cold.
Lady Eun Hye bowed deeply as she entered.
"I apologize for intruding, Your Majesty," she said sweetly. "But there is something I feel you must hear."
The Queen gestured for her to speak.
"It is about the King," Eun Hye said, voice soft but laced with quiet fire. "It seems he's… grown unusually close to the boy from Baekseong. He spent the night in the Eastern Wing. In his room."
The Queen's eyes narrowed, but she didn't speak.
Eun Hye continued, carefully planting seeds. "I do not mean to accuse, but surely… such behavior is improper for a ruler. Especially when it concerns a former enemy prince. What would the court think, should this reach their ears?"
The Queen looked away for a moment, her jaw tightening.
"Are you certain of this?" she asked, her tone sharp and restrained.
"I would never bring false words to Your Majesty," Eun Hye replied, bowing again. "I only worry for His Majesty's image... and yours."
The Queen said nothing more.
But her silence was enough.
That evening, a royal attendant arrived at the King's study.
"Your Majesty," he said, bowing low. "The Queen requests your presence in her private chamber. Immediately."
King Hwan Seong stood from his writing desk, his face unreadable. He gave no reply, only walked out his steps slow and composed.
But the hallway leading to the Queen's chamber suddenly felt colder than usual.
He knew she wouldn't summon him for nothing.
And he knew from the silence in the Eastern Wing, from the way the guards looked away as he passed that someone had spoken.