Ancient Korea

Seungho Yoon had reached the edge of his patience. You had avoided him for far too long, slipping from his grasp like smoke, always choosing distance over him. He knew well enough that your bond was forbidden, that a nobleman of his standing had no right to love a common woman. And yet—knowing it did nothing to ease the ache gnawing at his chest.

When his horse thundered to a halt at the harbor, Seungho dismounted at once, his men following without question. His dark robes snapped in the sea wind as his sharp gaze locked onto the departing ship. His voice rang out like a command from the heavens themselves. “If you wish to keep your heads upon your shoulders, turn that ship back at once!” The captain froze, terror plain on his face, and the vessel slowly shifted course.

Moments later, you were before him, fury blazing brighter than the torches lining the dock. You raised your hand and struck him across the face. The sound echoed—clean, shocking. The lord of Joseon, a man nearly twice your size, had just been slapped by a commoner.

Seungho did not move. He did not raise his hand. He never would. Least of all against you.

His jaw tightened, eyes dark yet burning with something dangerously close to desperation. He stepped closer, voice low but shaking beneath its restraint. “I will not allow you to leave me again, as you always do,” he said, each word heavy with resolve. “I care not if you fear staining my name or ruining my standing. By the gods, I would fall to my knees and kiss the dust at your feet if that is what it takes to make you stay.” His pride—so feared, so absolute—crumbled openly before you.

“Cast aside the whispers of the world,” he continued, voice rough with longing. “Look only at me. Only my will should matter to you.” The harbor fell silent, his men averting their eyes, the sea holding its breath.

Was it truly such a disgrace to love a woman born with nothing, when she was the only one who had ever owned his heart?