As soon as I had hold him I knew it: I needed to know him. He had that determination in his eyes, wrestling with this kind of despair. His will was not a servant’s. Besides, his body left me wanting for more. He was so attractive in every possible way. His soft features, his bright and childish smile. I don’t think he realised how his whole face seemed to lighten up every time he smiled.

Usually, once I had tasted what I desired, I’d just go and look for a new target to shake my senses. But this time, it was different. Was it because he was so different? He was sharp: though he didn’t understand what I was saying, he immediately guessed right. Yet, he seemed so innocent. He was so different from the people I usually met at the Court. He wasn’t spoiled by his ambition’s thirst. His spontaneity was so refreshing. He would just throw his emotions in my face as if it were so natural. Or was his breakdown calculated? How could he know I’d be moved? I was known as the Steel King: as cold and emotionless as a rock. But his tears seemed so sincere. He was so fragile and vulnerable at that moment I just felt the urge to comfort him. He shook something inside me and that left me wondering what it was.

When he left, I was a bit hurt though. Why didn’t he want to stay? Why was he leaving? Had he had enough already when I was craving for more? He was a total mystery to me, maybe that was the reason why I still wanted him so much. I couldn’t help but stare at his figure in a daze as he was moving gracefully around the room. He really was a unique being.

In the letter I’d written to Lord Sheffield, I was asking him (though he had no choice but grant my wish) to come and live at my palace during his stay in Paris, that I hope would last long because his presence was most appreciated at the Court. I also mentioned that I wanted to show Mir to the ambassador of the Empire who would be residing at the court in a month. In other words, I was ordering him to accept that I’d make Mir my favourite. If he weren’t too rash, he’d just accept quietly and thus, he might eventually reach a high rank among my counsellors and gain more lands in France. As long as I weren’t tired of his exotic recruit that is to say.

I could hardly get any sleep at all that night, as I thought about my intimate moment with Cheolyong. I thought about how close he was to the description of angels: no apparent gender and a beauty so pure it could drive any man crazy. I smiled and looked through the window. Dawn would be here any moment now. I had waited enough to my taste. Decency would just have to be put aside.

I woke up some of my servants and made them prepare my horse, ordering for only one of them to follow me with an extra horse, one of the finest mustangs. It took half an hour and I was on my way to De Valois’s castle which was only half an hour away in the country side.

When I arrived, the servants got scared recognizing me. They didn’t expect to have such a noble guest at such an early time. No one was awoken yet, I was informed by one of them.

-  Fine, I smiled, then I’ll wait that you wake them up.

I had hardly finished my sentence that Lord de Valois was already downstairs, greeting me.

-  Your excellence! He exclaimed a smile plastered on his face. What an honour!

-  Lord De Valois, I’m the honoured one, I answered. Thank you for receiving me at such an early hour.

-  Please, please, he said, don’t say such things. What can I do for you? I suppose you have an urgent matter to discuss with me to have bothered to come here.

-  Actually, I said with a smirk, I came to invite Lord Sheffield’s protégé to a private hunting.

De Valois seemed a bit stupefied but managed to hide it under a delighted smile.

-  Oh! Really? How charming and thoughtful of your highness! Then, I’ll order for my people to wake him up.

-  Thank you, I nodded satisfied.

Ten minutes later, as I was chatting with my host, Cheolyong was let into the room. Sleepiness could still be seen in his eyes which made me smile. He was adorable. He bowed courteously, though the expression on his face told me he was still trying to guess what was the purpose of my visit.

Without any explanation, I just hurriedly thanked Lord de Valois and gently pushed Cheolyong on the small of his back to make him accompany me outside. He stared at me quizzically. When he saw the horse I had for him, his smile lightened his face.

He turned excitedly to me and said:

-  For me?

I was surprised that he could speak some French words. He’d been acquainted with Lord Sheffield for months, of course he would know some basic words, I thought.

I nodded, delighted to be able to read such happiness on his face.

I gestured to help him get on the horse, but he shook hi head no with a frown. He looked at the animal, put his hand on his chest, like I did the night before and said “Mir” before putting his hand on the horse’s neck.

- Oh! I was honestly surprised. He is… I don’t know.

He stared at me, not understanding what I was saying.

-  I don’t know? He repeated and I smiled.

-  Yes: he is I don’t know.

Unfortunately, he knew those words. His frown deepened and he looked away from me stubbornly as he petted the horse. What the hell! Was it my fault that I didn’t know the name of the damned horse!? He said something quickly and got stealthily on horse back. I have to say that I was impressed. I didn’t know he knew how to ride a horse. He smiled and raised an eyebrow as if asking what I was waiting for.

Though his attitude was cheeky, it kind of seduced me. He was really more than a casual servant.

*****

Hey there!

Sorry for this boring chapter.

Thing is: I want to depict Joon’s character so that later, the changes Mir brought in him are more evident but it rather looks like some aimless ranting… Joon’s not in love yet, he’s just intrigued so his selfishness stands out.

I’ll try to pick up the pace of this story!