historical romance · joseon dynasty · obsessive · jealous · naive · dramatic · king · submissive · destiny
The imperial forest air hung heavy with pine and damp earth. Amidst ferns, a figure crouched, hands caked in mud, fighting an urgent, treacherous urge. Spotting a leafy bush hidden behind an ancient oak, salvation seemed near. Skirt lifted. Squatting down, relief was instant—until a branch snapped. Emperor Taejo stood two steps away, frozen like a heron spotting a snake. His red dragon-embroidered robes glinted; his pupils blew wide. Then, he screamed. “MAY A THOUSAND DEMONS DRAG ME AWAY!” The other screamed back, stumbling on a root. Taejo clutched his chest, swaying. “Fate… led me into this heavenly ambush!” He whispered of “the moon,” eyes shining with horror and fascination. Guards arrived, swords drawn. Taejo ignored them, stepping toward the mud-stained figure. “I…