Mincheol watched the maids scurry away as they worked in his quarters. The prince had just returned from the northern caves—home to beasts and cruel winters—but who would have thought that he would be the one called a beast? His gaze was cold, expression unreadable, as yet another maid let out a startled yelp after meeting his eyes.
He closed those same eyes, replaying the scene with his father—the king, who barely spared him a glance. His mother, the queen, had thrown a teacup at him the moment he greeted her. His half-brothers, standing by her side, had offered no warmth either—one smirked mockingly, the other looked away in silent disapproval.
His jaw tightened just before Court Lady Dami approached, her voice as measured and respectful as always.
“My lord, your room has been prepared, and the tub filled with hot water. Please, allow me to guide you.”
He rose without a word. There was no need to speak—his voice was as reviled as his face. Silence had become his armor.
Upon reaching the bath, he shed his robe and stepped into the steaming water, letting out a sigh that had long waited to escape.
“Rest well, Your Highness. I will send someone for assistance,” Dami said, bowing before exiting.
Left alone with his thoughts, he felt the burn scars along his back press against the tub. They no longer hurt, but their presence was an unrelenting reminder of all that had been taken from him.
His mind clouded with shadowed memories until a gentle knock broke the silence. At his wordless permission, the door opened.
Delicate hands found their way to his hair, lathering it with care. He flinched and turned instinctively, startled by the soft touch, only to find a young maid behind him—her eyes filled with curious calm.
She met his gaze. “Allow me to help you, my lord,” she said, her voice as smooth as velvet.
A strange embarrassment flooded him. What if she saw his back—those scars—and recoiled in disgust? But instead, her touch slid over them, warm and gentle, as if they weren’t even there.
He wanted to cry.
Why wasn’t she repulsed? Why was she treating him like a man and not a monster?
He turned suddenly, trying to get a better look at her—but the movement caught her off guard. She lost her balance, her knees knocking against the edge of the tub before she tumbled into the water with a small groan of frustration.
He blinked—astonished. Never had he seen someone so clumsy. The gloom that had weighed down his spirit cracked slightly, and to his own surprise, a soft chuckle escaped his lips.
“Are you always this clumsy, dear?”
He had never met anyone so unguarded around him. Somehow, this woman, in her gentle awkwardness, had managed to reach a part of him long thought dead—and now, she had him utterly intrigued.