Ji-hwan had spent his past life longing for Seong-min's affection.
Now, he would give anything to escape it.
But Seong-min had no intention of releasing him.
"You will remain in the palace," the king declared. His tone was unruffled, but there was no option for debate.
Ji-hwan stood up. "Your Majesty, I have no place here".
Seong-min leaned against his throne, gazing at him. "You were born in the court. Your father was a minister."
"A father accused of treason" Ji-hwan snapped. "The court would not take me in."
Seong-min's expressionless face did not change. "Then let them speak.".
Ji-hwan clenched his fists. He had expected dismissal, not this. Seong-min was not supposed to care
Seong-min leaned to the side. "Are you defying a royal order?
Ji-hwan recognized a test when he saw one. In his old life Seong-min had been cold and distant, but this Seong-min… enjoyed testing him.
Bowing rigidly, Ji-hwan compelled himself to say it. "I would never disobey Your Majesty.".
"Good." Seong-min's mouth twisted into a half-smile. "You will be my royal secretary from now on.".
Ji-hwan's blood ran cold. What?
A position right beside the king?
Seong-min's gaze lingered on him—thinking, probing. As if he was waiting for Ji-hwan to drop his guard.
Ji-hwan couldn't help but be slightly restless with his body. He had attempted to flee, and in doing so, had drawn Seong-min's attention even more.
Fate was certainly cruel.