Blessed Moon: The King's Seer

by L. S Bethel

  Too distracted by the things going on in his mind, he found himself slacking when it came to his duties. He’d gone back to leaning on the council for such things. Satori had taken charge, delighted to once again have the power he had been denied for the past couple of months. His mother had not been happy to learn that, but even a scolding from her wasn’t enough to break him out of the place he’d found himself in. He spent most of his days holed up in his study, with nothing but the burning lanterns to keep him company. Kang-Dae had mentally checked out and everyone saw it. There were very few who had the gall to do something about it.

  Jung-Soo didn’t knock or have himself announced as he entered into the King’s study. Kang-Dae barely looked up from his desk, though there was nothing in front of him. Jung-Soo leaned up on the side not having or caring to show even a modicum of propriety at the moment. “Fix it,” was all he said.

  “I can’t.”

  “You’re the King, and her husband, fix it.”

  “I said I can’t. There’s nothing I can do that will make this better.” Jung-Soo waited for him to continue knowing he’d been keeping things in.

  “She wants to go home.” Jung-Soo only paused for a moment because he wasn’t exactly surprised. Serenity had been very clear about her wants from the beginning. He knew there must have been more to it.

  “Can she?”

  “It’s possible.” Now things made more sense and Jung-Soo had to stamp down his own sadness so he could focus on his friend. If there was a chance for her to return, Kang-Dae would honor his vow to help her do so, no matter how he felt. Jung-Soo knew it must have been weighing heavily on him. Still, there was something in his eyes that made Jung-Soo think he was holding back. He wanted to prod but he could feel that even releasing this much was hard for him, so he let it go, to focus on the more obvious.

  “Have you considered asking her to stay?”

  Kang-Dae slowly shook his head. “You know as well as do she won’t. The most important thing to her is getting home to her family. She will do whatever it takes to get back to them,” he spoke sadly.

  “Seems to me things have a way of changing,” Jung-Soo mused. “When she first arrived, her only thoughts were to get home. Now, she’s putting herself in danger to keep you safe. She’s running a kingdom. Maybe you can convince her that she could have a life here, a new home. Convince her to stay,” Jung-Soo commanded but was unsure how much of what he was saying was for Kang-Dae’s benefit or his own.

  Kang-Dae looked unsure. This was not an easy task. Serenity was excited to return to her family. It didn’t appear she had any desire to make this her home. The way she spoke about them, it was clear she loved them dearly. Kang-Dae doubted it had ever crossed her mind to stay, not when she had so much to return for.

  “Are you unwilling to even try?” Jung-Soo challenged. His query seemed to spark something in him because Kang-Dae’s expression slowly shifted from uncertainty to determination. ‘Maybe there was hope after all,’ Jung-Soo thought.

  Chapter Nine

  While Kang-Dae was busy putting off his responsibilities, too distracted by their personal drama, Serenity had done the opposite by throwing herself into work. She oversaw the food distribution to the provinces, which only annoyed Satori more. She had been prepared to work with Min on it, but the man was nowhere to be found. Amir had told her he was sick and would not be available for a few days. It had been a bit odd to her as Min seemed like the type to never take a break. She worked with the temporary treasurer to figure out where they could afford to cut spending to prepare for the coming season. She even did some “public relations” by spending time with the noblewomen of the court getting them involved in the kingdom’s needs. That was the most uncomfortable considering how nasty several of those women had been to her, but she managed to put those feelings aside. At that point, facing elitist snobs was preferable to being around her husband. Every moment between them now felt like an awkward chore. It was hard, painful, she just wanted it to end.

  Serenity stopped by her mother-in-law’s study to drop off the names of the nobles who were willing to donate to the treasury. The Queen dowager looked so happy to see her it made her guilty heart feel even worse. “Have a seat,” the dowager told her.

  Serenity tried to decline, “I was going to head to the storehouse and see what we can spare for the villages.”

  “You have been very busy lately. Even busier than my son.” Serenity fidgeted nervously.

  “I just wanted to make sure things were in order in case-,” she stopped herself.

  “In case you aren’t here?” the dowager finished. Serenity’s felt her anxiety spike at being found out. It was this type of thing she’d been trying to avoid as well. How did she tell those around her, those she’d come to care for, those who expected her to rule as Queen, that she was leaving? The dowager gestured to the seat once more, this time Serenity complied.

  “Did he tell you?” Serenity asked.

  “He did. It seems as though it’s affecting you as much as it’s affecting him.”

  Serenity lowered her head. The truth of those words was not something she wanted to hear. “If you truly are returning, soon I will no longer be able to see you. Can we not speak with each other freely, like a mother and daughter?”

  Serenity blinked back the coming tears. “I’m sorry,” she said softly.

  “You do not need to apologize,” the Queen dowager told her.

  “I feel like no matter what I do someone is going to get hurt because of me,” she spoke. “I should be happy, excited even, and I am, but I’m sad and angry too. Why me? Why did I have to go through this? How am supposed to go back without-,” she stopped unable to speak the words. “I think all that, then I feel guilty for thinking that, then I resent him for making me think that.”

  “How crazy is that? I’m mad at him because he so amazing I don’t think I want to leave him,” she laughed through her tears. “My family should be my main concern and they are. I will do anything to get back to them. I just wish-, I don’t even know what I wish,” she scoffed. “There’s no solution to this. No fix. This is how it is, and I have to just live with it.”

  “He understands. Even if he can’t express that right now, he knows what you struggle with. He has struggles of his own. So, wouldn’t it be better to face them together while you can?” The dowager questioned. Serenity remained quiet, not sure if she had the strength to do what she was suggesting.

  “After my husband left this world, I used to sit in our room and just think about all the time I did not spend with him and I’d curse myself for my stupidity at wasting even a single moment. If you feel even a morsel of what I felt for him, you should not let time go by without filling it with moments you can carry with you.” The sincerity in the dowager’s eyes just made her words hit Serenity harder. Everything she said made sense. Even now, she missed Kang-Dae. She missed their talks, his smile, the way he made her feel. She didn’t want to give them up, but she would have to. At the very least she wanted to snatch up every bit of him as she could.

  ***

  That evening Serenity returned to their bedroom. She caught sight of Kang-Dae’s crown on its mantle. She looked around but she didn’t see him in the room. A cool wind drew her toward the balcony. Before she could step out onto it, her bewildered gaze fell to the new pallet that was there. There were several pillows resting on top of it and even a thin purple blanket covering it. Kang-Dae was laying out on it staring up at the sky. Curious, she stepped out to join him.

  “What’s this?” she asked, admiring the new piece of furniture. It looked wonderfully comfortable.

  “I had it brought over. I figured we shouldn’t have to leave the grounds to lay under the night sky. And now you can continue to pray out here without hurting your knees.” Warmth spread through her at his thoughtfulness. Serenity thought back to her conversation with the dowager. Deciding to take her advice Serenity lay down on the pallet, surprising and delighting Kang-Dae.


  “Have you been keeping up with your studies?” he asked.

  “Of course.”

  “Really?” Kang-Dae lifted his finger and did a little ‘star writing’.

  “What does this mean?”

  Serenity lifted her brow. “Well since you didn’t leave space between that line and that dot, I think it means you’re a pervert.” She said in a semi-serious tone. Kang-Dae thought for a second about how he had ‘wrote’ his character and blushed when he realized what he’d actually spelled out. Serenity snorted before letting out such joy-filled laughter that he couldn’t help joining in. “You’re so nasty,” she teased as he covered his face with his hands.

  “Stop it,” he mumbled making her laugh even more.

  Having mercy on him she turned her attention back to the sky, writing a message of her own. ‘I’ve missed you.’ She could feel his gaze turn to her, but she couldn’t bear to look at him after being so honest. But when he repeated her own message back to her in the night sky her bashfulness turned to delight. The two did some more writing until they grew tired.

  They continued to lay next to one another, neither wanting to move. “I think,” Serenity began. “we haven’t been the best rulers these past few days.”

  “I think that as well,” Kang-Dae agreed. Serenity swallowed contemplating her next words.

  “We should go back to fulfilling the people expectancies,” she said and Kang-Dae turned sharply to look at her, but he quickly masked his shock.

  “I agree,” he managed to say. The two fell silent once more. Kang-Dae turned toward her. “I am sorry.”

  Serenity turned to face him. “Me too. I didn’t like that version of us,” she stated. “Whatever happens, whenever it happens, I want to go into it together, like we were before.” Kang-Dae nodded in agreement.

  They watched the sky both content with their mutual decision. Kang-Dae’s hands began to sneak over to her waist. “Stay on your side,” she warned.

  He let out a groan pulling a giggle from her.

  Chapter Ten

  Kang-Dae had a little more pep in his step as he moved through the halls. It seemed things were taking a turn for the better. There had been word from Kah Mah inviting them to come and make their partition in person. He saw this as a good sign. Seeing as it was Serenity’s vision that brought about this good fortune, he wanted her to know it. He hadn’t found her in her study or in the library where she had been spending so much time lately.

  “My King,” Yoon called coming towards him. He bowed to him appropriately. “I was wondering if I might have a word.”

  “Later, I need to be at the gate soon and I’m looking for my wife.”

  “Oh, I believe she is in the gardens with Jung-Soo,’ he said in a surprisingly helpful tone. Kang-Dae thanked him and began to head outside. When Yoon followed after him, he did his best not to let his irritation show. “As you know my house’s day of establishment is upcoming,” Yoon began and Kang-Dae had already started to tune him out. As they walked into the garden, Yoon continued to ramble on about the celebration and how he wanted him to attend. His joy returned seeing Serenity sitting on a bench reading aloud. Jung-Soo was by her side listening intently, something resembling amusement on his normally stoic face. Seeing her so at home, filled him with a longing so deep he didn’t notice Yoon had finally stopped talking.

  “It is good to see the Queen and Jung-Soo getting along so well. It is a most unusual relationship but a welcome one.” Yoon said. Kang-Dae frowned at the term ‘unusual’ to describe what he felt was a normal friendship. “Not many Queens before her has ever struck up such a bond with a guardsman who was not her own,” Yoon continued.

  Having no use for the talkative old man he left him behind and went to retrieve his wife. Her guards followed behind at a distance. As soon as Serenity noticed him her mouth formed that smile he was so fond of and her eyes brightened, making his heart skip. “Hi,” she spoke warmly. He returned the greeting.

  “The Queen of Kah Mah has invited us to stay with her for a few days so we may meet in person.”

  “Really?” she exclaimed excitedly, shutting her book and standing up. Tickled by her excitement he took her hand to walk with her. “Also, the shipments from the eastern province have started up once more. I thought you’d want to come with me to receive it.”

  “Okay,” she said eagerly.

  “How’s the reading coming along?”

  “Jung-Soo thinks I need to focus more on my comprehension and less on translating, but if I don’t translate, I can’t comprehend it,” she whined.

  “You are right, Jung-Soo is wrong,” he said loud enough for the man to hear. Kang-Dae almost tumbled forward when “something” stepped on the heel of his shoe. He looked back and Jung-Soo stood facing forward like he’d had no idea what had happened. Kang-Dae ignored him and kept moving as Serenity fought to keep her laughter in.

  As they arrived at the gate those around them bowed. Representatives from the other provinces were present as well. Kang-Dae had the gates opened. Serenity gasped to see the long line of wagons lining the path. She squeezed his arm and let out a happy noise.

  “We will send each of you back home with your share of goods and men to help transport it,” Kang-Dae announced. The representatives vocalized their thanks.

  “Everyone in our province will know of the Queen’s willingness to help the people and the King’s generosity,” one representative cheered, and the others joined in. Serenity became bashful from the unexpected praise making Kang-Dae smile. The people were becoming more and more accepting of her which pleased him greatly. He wanted them to see what he saw in her. A dark voice tried to remind him she wouldn’t be around much longer, but he refused to acknowledge it. He would keep himself present and not give in to despair of the future.

  ***

  “We waited too long,” Jae-Hwa complained. “Whatever was going on between them has resolved.”

  “It doesn’t matter. As rumors of her greatness spread, we will make her flaws and secrets just as well known. Soon even the King will be unable to ignore it,” the conspirator replied.

  “How can you be sure words will be enough to sway him?” she asked.

  “Words are just one tactic. In war, we use many to ensure victory.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Serenity yawned putting the book on the history of Xian back on the shelf. She had finally gotten through it, though it had been a challenge. Serenity had nothing against this world’s authors, but they did not write for entertainment. “My Queen, I think you should go rest,” Gyuri suggested.

  “I will, I just wanted to grab one book before I headed back.”

  “To what end?” Arezoo questioned.

  “I just want something to read before I go to sleep,” Serenity answered defensively.

  “You find time to read when you are in your chambers with the King?” inquired Arezoo, almost sounding perplexed at the notion.

  “Why is that so surprising?” Serenity asked.

  “I just think you wouldn’t have the time.”

  “What do you mean?” questioned Serenity genuinely confused.

  “I’m not married my Queen, but I do know what goes on in a marriage bed.”

  Serenity’s brow wrinkled as she tried to comprehend what Arezoo’s point was. As soon as she made the connection she gasped out, “Arezoo!”

  “What? It is common for married people, is it not?”

  “Is that what you think we’re doing every night?” Her slow shrugged made Serenity snort. “Married people don’t have to do that every time they're alone,” she told her.

  “I would,” she said it so easily Serenity almost choked on her laughter.

  “Nasreen, why is your sister like this?” Serenity joked.

  “She has always been this way. No one can figure out why.” Arezoo tossed a book at her which she easily dodged.

  “I can’t with you guys. Let’s go,” Serenity said.

  Once she
was back in her room, Serenity dismissed her guard. She moved to take off her heavy dress and stopped. On the table was a vase with a beautiful bouquet. Serenity smiled knowing exactly where they came from. Kang-Dae had been doing things like this a lot in the past few days. Just last week he’d arranged a picnic for them outside the walls full of her favorite foods. The weather had been perfect and the two fell into natural conversations that lasted hours. Yesterday he took her out horseback riding, claiming she needed to become more comfortable atop the large animal. She’d been nervous the whole time but endured. Now she at least knew she could ride without falling off. He’d been a patient and kind teacher.

  With every gesture, she felt herself becoming more and more enamored with him which delighted and saddened her. She knew they were trying to go on as if they had a future, but she still needed to protect her heart. So, every time she felt herself falling, she thought of her mother and how she must be feeling. The guilt and sadness were enough to keep any delusions she may have at bay.