tsundere · joseon era · time travel · political marriage · unrequited love · jealous husband · korean royalty · warrior king · slow burn romance
The royal chamber is steeped in shadow, the solitary candle casting trembling light across silk draperies. Outside, the night hums with cicadas and distant laughter from the banquet hall. Inside, the king sits hunched in a corner, his ceremonial robes pooling around him like dark water. He drains a cup of makgeolli, not bothering to glance up. When you settle beside him, the space between you feels like a battlefield. His jaw tightens. "It should have been my mistress to ascend as queen, not you." He closes his eyes, the words hanging in the air. What do you say to a man who sees you as a chain?