🌻 A Prince's Promise
Yelua was stripped of his title overnight. No plea or protest could bring it back. Tian Ke remained bedridden, watched over day and night by Yun Yuhua and Qian'ai, whose care never wavered. Seo Ju had vanished without a word—only to return quietly, hidden from all eyes.
That was when he saw him—the man from before—the one with the brooch. But now, Seo Ju recognized more than just a trinket.
"…That man. He's the one who wore the brooch… No—he's the Emperor of Ming," he whispered to himself, suspicion tightening in his chest. He kept his distance, hidden in shadow, eyes fixed on Yun Yuhua as she helped Tian Ke to his feet. Every movement between them was gentle, practiced—a quiet bond no words could define. Then his gaze shifted. The Emperor of Ming stood not far off, watching the siblings with a silence that spoke volumes. Though he wore no smile, there was a softness in his eyes—subtle, but unmistakably warm.
Then, as if sensing a presence, the Emperor turned. Seo Ju stepped behind a tent, movements measured and silent, his expression unchanged. He watched without alarm, simply observing. The Emperor looked around momentarily, then walked away without a word.
Seo Ju's eyes followed him until he disappeared, before shifting his gaze back to Yun Yuhua. She smiled—bright, composed, effortless. But something about it didn't sit right. Beneath that calm expression, he sensed unease—controlled, buried, but boiling all the same. A tight feeling crept into his chest. He wasn't sure what it was—doubt, anger, or something else entirely. Without another word or glance, Seo Ju turned and slipped out of sight, agitation quietly rising with every step.
Unnoticed by either of them, from the center of the tent, Jeong Min's personal attendant had been watching. His eyes followed Seo Ju for a moment, then shifted to Yun Yuhua. A slow smile spread across his face.
"It's her," he whispered, eyes gleaming. "The blood of the Crown Princess lives."
Unaware of the quiet storm brewing around them, Yun Yuhua remained close to her brothers, never straying far. Ji-nara, ever persistent, brought them food whenever she could. The Ming Emperor had one final edict to deliver before his departure. Lee Jae and Jeong Min waited alongside Lee Hae inside the main tent. The air was thick with formality as everyone, including the Joseon subjects, gathered and took their seats. The Emperor's gaze swept the room. Then, with a sly glint in his eye, he smiled at Lee Jae.
"I have one final verbal edict—one I had already conveyed to Yelua before his demotion," the Emperor said calmly. A heavy silence settled over the tent, tense with unease.
"What nonsense is this?" one voice whispered harshly.
"Has he lost all reason to act so recklessly?"
The Emperor cleared his throat, and the murmurs died at once. Lee Jae remained composed, his gaze steady as he turned to the Emperor.
"Your Majesty," he said, calm but edged with curiosity. "What matter is so grave that it warrants your presence here in Mongolia?"
The Emperor smiled, the kind that held secrets.
"I have come to annul the engagement between Jinaran and Yelua," he declared. "In its place, I bestow upon her a new engagement—with a heir of Ming blood."
"What? A Ming heir?"
"Who could it possibly be?"
"Are not His Majesty's sons far too old for her?"
"Absurd! It would be no different than bidding her marry her own father!" Jeong Min's father snapped, unable to hold his tongue. The Ming Emperor merely smirked. Lee Hae closed her eyes, then turned to face the Emperor. With graceful poise, she bowed.
"Your Majesty, I thank you for broadening our horizons," she said. A collective gasp rippled through the tent. Even Lee Jae looked stunned.
"Lee Hae…" he called, his voice taut with urgency. But she turned sharply, eyes cold and unflinching.
"You turned your back when I needed you most," she said. "Now that the Emperor of Ming has stepped onto this land and extended his hand to me and Ji-nara—I will accept it."
Her voice was steady, resounding like the decree of a judge. Lee Jae clenched his fists, his fury simmering beneath his calm exterior, his gaze fixed unblinkingly upon her. With unshakable resolve, Lee Hae stepped into the center of the hall. In an instant, Ji-nara burst into the main tent, her breath ragged, tears staining her face.
"Mother, I beg you! I do not wish for another marriage!" she cried, her voice trembling. Without hesitation, Lee Hae seized her daughter's sleeve and pulled her down to kneel before the Emperor. The Emperor observed them, his expression inscrutable, not a word escaping his lips.
"Your Majesty, once more, I thank you for your kindness," Lee Hae said, her voice low and steady, refusing to argue.
The Emperor raised his hand in a gesture of restraint. "You may rise. I would not have my future in-laws kneel after such a difficult moment."
Lee Hae rose slowly, her back straight. But Ji-nara remained on the floor, her sobs wracking her body.
"I will not marry another! I will only marry him!" Ji-nara cried, her voice breaking as the words spilled from her lips.
"Ji-nara, maintain your dignity," Lee Hae urged, her voice steady but betraying a tremor of fear. "This is the Emperor—if you-"
"I would rather die than marry a man I do not know!" Ji-nara shouted, her face contorted with despair. The Emperor's eyes narrowed slightly, and a sigh escaped him, heavy with unspoken thoughts.
They truly do not know who I meant, the Emperor thought, his gaze shifting from Ji-nara to the others. He raised his hand, and the room fell into a heavy silence.
"I promise you, my child," he said calmly yet reassuringly, "the man you marry will be one to your liking. He will treat you with the utmost care and respect."
Ji-nara shook her head vehemently. "There is only one man in my heart," she said, trembling. "No one else. Please, Mother, I beg of you."
The Emperor smiled, a soft, warm expression. "I assure you, the man you will find will surpass your expectations. But I shall offer you a challenge," he said, his tone turning playful. "I will give you a clue to aid you in your search, and when you find him, you may ask of him."
Ji-nara, taken aback by the Emperor's sudden change in demeanor, wiped the tears from her cheeks. She hesitated, then nodded.
"And if I cannot find him?" she asked quietly.
"Then he will find you," the Emperor answered with a smile that held a quiet certainty. "When you seek him, he will come to you. You need only ask. His heart is more guarded than a fortress."
The realization hit Ji-nara like a flash. Her face softened, her heart skipping a beat. Could it be…? Her heart knew it even before her mind caught up. Tian Ke. She smiled, her eyes bright with gratitude, and she bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," she said, her voice full of emotion.
The Emperor nodded with satisfaction, pleased by her response. "Go with peace, Lady Ji-nara. Trust that fate will guide you."
Ji-nara stormed out of the main tent, tears still clinging to her lashes as she rushed toward Tian Ke. Inside, the Emperor's expression turned cold as he locked eyes with the visibly agitated Lee Jae. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips—measured, knowing. Without a word, he rose to his feet, his robes sweeping behind him in fluid motion as he strode out of the tent, the weight of his presence trailing in his wake.
Lee Jae stood frozen, his thoughts clouded by what had just unfolded. With a frustrated groan, he stepped forward, only to halt before Jeong Min—whose expression was far from calm. She wasn't looking at him. Her eyes were fixed on Lee Hae, sharp and dark with silent fury. Lee Hae met the glare without flinching. The unspoken challenge between them sparked like lightning, a language only women of their stature could speak. But instead of rising to it, Lee Hae gave a slow, mocking smirk and turned to leave, her steps measured and composed.
Jeong Min clenched her fists. When she turned to her father, expecting support, she was met only with cold disappointment in his eyes. He said nothing—just walked away. The rejection struck deeper than words. Jeong Min slammed her hand against the table with a furious cry, echoing through the tent. Her personal attendant stepped in without hesitation, bowing slightly before delivering his news.
"I've found the woman His Highness, the Crown Prince, has been seeing," he said, his voice low but precise. A wicked smile spread across Jeong Min's face before it twisted into deranged laughter.
"Another one?" she sneered. "Who's the next wretch trying to steal his seed now?!"
Yun Yuhua packed their belongings with her brothers, ensuring Tian Ke was strong enough to travel. When they finished, they approached their horses. The Emperor, noticing them, came over and offered a gentle smile.
"Make sure you return safely," he said, his voice warm. They nodded in agreement.
"And you as well, Your Majesty. May your journey be safe," Yun Yuhua responded with a smile of her own. The Emperor's gaze softened as he looked at her.
"Do not push yourselves too hard… One has already been injured, and another has overexerted himself. I do not wish to hear of any more recklessness," he teased lightly. Qian'ai, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks, scratched the back of his head as laughter bubbled between them.
"We will take care of ourselves and each other," Tian Ke assured the Emperor with a steady tone. The Emperor's smile deepened, his eyes sparkling with approval. They mounted their horses, offering the Emperor a subtle yet respectful nod. He returned the gesture, a quiet understanding between them.
Suddenly, the thunder of horses' hooves rang from behind them.
"Stop!" Ji-nara's voice cried out. They turned. Qian'ai and Yun Yuhua exchanged smiles. Tian Ke swiftly dismounted from the horse and stood firm. Ji-nara, with urgency in her steps, quickly dismounted and rushed toward him, her arms outstretched.
"I... I didn't know if I should bid you farewell..." he whispered steadily and softly. Ji-nara's eyes welled with tears as she gazed at him, her heart pounding. Before she could think, she closed the space between them, pressing her lips to his. Tian Ke stood still momentarily, taken aback by her sudden outpouring. His mind raced, realizing she was releasing all the feelings she had kept locked away. Without a word, he kissed her back, gently cradling the back of her head, his hand threading through her hair.
"Do not leave without telling me, you stubborn fool…" she murmured, her voice breaking. "You return to me hurt, and I cannot bear that..."
Tian Ke smiled softly, his arms pulling her close. "I swear on my life, I will return unscathed. But until then, wait for me, Ji-nara. The matters of my family... they are not to be taken lightly."
Ji-nara nodded, burying her face in his chest as she tightened her embrace. "I will wait… I will wait here for your return, no matter how long it takes."