Rise of an Empress

The Night of Disappearance

For the first time, Concubine Seo feels no excitement in herself hearing Emperor Sinjong will meet her today.

Why does a married partner need this news of the arrival of her partner? Can't she have a day with him without any announcements, without any plans?

The maids prepare arrangements for her bath. The steaming water and floating petals of red roses don't add any dreamy desire to Concubine Seo today. She just sinks her body inside the water. 

Her mind again starts to rush in this steaming rosy environment.

Emperor Sinjong won't ever accept Lady Seo with a simple dress without any artificial fragrances.

He is just in need of Concubine Seo who will prepare her body for himself hours after hours.

Yun Hee rubs the rose fragrance all over her body and wears silk dresses. She keeps waiting for the emperor. For the first time, she feels her love for Sinjong has disappeared these days. She doesn't love him anymore.

The sounds of heavy boots don't sound like something expected anymore. Concubine Seo bows to Emperor Sinjong as he steps towards her.

"Are you well now, Yun Hee?" Sinjong's voice seems so different from normal to Yun Hee today. Maybe it was always like this, but she just couldn't understand as she was drawn into a daydream.

"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty... "

"That's nice to hear. I wanted to meet you several times, but the situation didn't let me. "

"That's too much kindness for a mere concubine," Concubine Seo smiles. But the emperor understands that this smile is different from her previous smile.

"Yun Hee, I am sorry about the baby. Don't be sad about the baby. We can have a baby in the future too and don't worry about your future," for the first time Sinjong feels like he doesn't know how to console someone.

"I will do what you will want," Concubine Seo says in an expressionless voice.

Both of them remain seated silently.

"Are you angry with me?" Sinjong holds Yun Hee's hand.

"Why will I be, Your Imperial Majesty?" She looks into his eyes.

"I sent the maid back when you sent her for me." 

"But your kindness saved me. I am grateful to you for saving my life," Yun Hee fakes a smile.

"I don't know what to say to you, Yun Hee," Sinjong loses his words.

Suddenly Concubine Seo stands up and says, "Don't hesitate, Your Majesty. I am always here to serve you no matter what happens to me. I will serve you until I reach the end of my strength."

Making him shocked, Yun Hee starts to undress.

Emperor Sinjong comes back to his senses when Concubine Seo seductively curves her naked body against him.

"This is what I only have to serve you. And this is what you come to me for. Will you come to me even if I lose my charm, Your ImperialMajesty?" Concubine Seo whispers.

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