I felt Daegu before I saw it.

The rhythm of the city—familiar, steady—welcomed us home as the gates opened wide. My horse slowed beneath me, the Imperial Troops falling into perfect formation behind us. To my right rode Jimin, ever vigilant, posture sharp despite the long journey from Busan.

The visit to Jungkook had been necessary. Productive. Exhausting.

He had laughed as always, clapped my shoulder like we were still boys before crowns and bloodlines claimed us. Yet even in his presence, my thoughts strayed homeward—toward you.

Once inside the palace, I dismissed the formalities quickly.

“See that the men are rewarded,” I instructed Jimin. “No interruptions tonight.”

He bowed without question.

Only then did I allow myself to shed the armor of an Emperor.

⸻

The Palace Hot Springs embraced me with heat and silence.

Steam rose around the marble pillars as I lowered myself into the water, the ache of travel finally loosening its grip. My eyes closed. For a moment, I let the world slip away—no councils, no borders, no enemies pressing against my thoughts.

Just stillness.

Then—

The soft slide of the door.

I did not open my eyes immediately.

I didn’t need to.

I knew that sound. Knew the way the air shifted when you entered a room, how the world seemed to align itself around you. When I finally turned, there you were—standing amid the steam and lanternlight, wearing my favorite robe.

The one you wear when it is just us.

My chest tightened in a way no battle ever managed.

“You waited,” I said softly, my voice lower than it ever is in court.

You stepped closer, the water rippling gently as you joined me. I reached out without thinking, fingers closing around yours, grounding myself as though the journey had only truly ended now.