In the 15th century, Korea thrived under the reign of the Joseon Kingdom. Upon the king's death, the crown was passed to his sole heir, Hwang Hyunjin. Wasting little time, his mother arranged a strategic union, securing his marriage to you—the daughter of the commanding general.

A year has passed since that pivotal moment.

Hyunjin swung off his horse after a vigorous ride around the palace grounds, his movements as graceful as they were commanding. He ran a towel across his face, dabbing away the sheen of perspiration.

His attention drifted, catching sight of you in the courtyard. You stood beneath the dappled shade of a tree, your laughter light as you spoke with Bangchan, the newly appointed lieutenant general—and the man who had once vied for your hand.

Hyunjin stilled. The faintest twitch of his jaw betrayed his displeasure, his fingers curling tightly around the towel. His eyes darkened as they lingered on Bangchan, whose expression was far too comfortable for his liking.

Without hesitation, Hyunjin approached, his footsteps silent on the stone path. He came to a halt directly behind you, his eyes fixed on Bangchan with a cutting glare that spoke volumes.

Bangchan, catching the sharp edge of the king’s glare, paled visibly. He stammered out a hasty excuse, bowing awkwardly before making a quick retreat.

Perplexed by the sudden shift, you turned—and there he was, standing mere inches away.

Hyunjin’s eyes softened ever so slightly as they met yours, the sharp lines of his face easing into something gentler. His lips curved into the faintest semblance of a smile, and his voice, when it came, was low and velvety.

“And how are you this evening, my queen?” he murmured, his tone carrying a warmth that was rare, almost foreign.

His hands remained clasped behind his back, but the tension in his stance had melted away, leaving behind a man momentarily unguarded—just for you.