145 | Shaking Ground (Part 2)

The king did not believe in love. He believed in necessity. He was convinced he needed her. He already decided to put his unusual physical longing on the shoulders of his youth and soaring appetite for a newly discovered dish. One that needed not to be served for him, but to lure him. And the woman's potential to treat him as an equal lured him alright. But above all, he needed for her to love him.

"Say my name..." he whispered, lifting his head and coming closer to her ear. "No one else calls me by my given name. I am afraid I will forget it."

"Sinmun…" The melodious sounds rolled off her tongue as she turned her head slightly to catch a glimpse of his response at her sweet smile.

He sighed, filling a pinch in his gut. "Say what you want from me. I'll give you anything. You want to rule my harem. Done. Do You want to be my queen? I could arrange it. Do you want that idiot guard of mine who duelled for you? You can have him at your disposal."