I sighed, hesitating. I couldn't tell him everything—Teresita might be in danger, too.
"I haven't received any of your letters for months. Then I heard you were getting married to the emperor. Were your feelings for me just a show?"
"No. It was never a lie. I truly meant it. I couldn't explain why I stopped replying. It was due to circumstances I never expected."
"Why couldn't you tell me?"
I bit my lower lip. I wanted to tell him everything, but I couldn't, because of Teresita.
"You just left without a warning. And now you want me to believe you didn't do it intentionally?"
"I have loved you. The moment I saw you, I knew. When you agreed to marry me, I was the happiest woman alive. But... I had an accident. I never thought it would happen."
I bit my lower lip again.
"What accident? Did it stop you from writing?"
"I was unconscious." Another lie—but what could I do? Should I say I was from another world, that they're fictional characters? He'd never believe that—it'd make him angrier.
I saw shock on his face. He didn't expect it.
"It took months to recover. That's why I couldn't reply. I had no way to."
"Your father didn't even tell me."
"Because he knew you'd be hurt to see me like that." Another lie. So many lies.
I could see concern in his eyes—I felt it too.
"When I regained consciousness, I came to the palace. I saw you, but I had no courage to approach. I feared you wouldn't listen to my explanation. So, I decided to forget you."
"Then you married the emperor of Yonuki. Why him instead of me? Because you didn't want me to see you so broken? Why didn't you try? Why decide only for your benefit?" His voice trembled with anger.
"I'm sorry. I had no courage. I was afraid you'd judge me—or worse, abandon me." That was real. I feared he might reject the real reason why I left.
"We're not meant for each other," he said, clearing his throat. "I was deeply hurt when I heard you were marrying someone else. I waited for you to return. I asked your father. I always visited my king's chamber, but heard nothing. Your father even stopped visiting my father. Isn't that painful? Expecting someone who never comes back?"
Tears ran down my cheeks. I bowed my head—I didn't want him to see me weak.
"After I heard the news, I told myself I wouldn't let anyone in. You left so many wounds in my heart. I felt I had been a fool to trust you."
"I accept your pain. It's valid. I was hurt too. I just never dared to face you. It took time for me to finally confront you." My voice was bitter. If only none of this had happened... maybe I'd be the queen now. If I hadn't returned... maybe Teresita would not exist. Why is a happy ending so elusive? Why is every story so complicated?
"What's done is done. We can't dwell on the past. I've moved on. I've met the woman I'll spend my life with. If you hadn't moved on, I might never have met Queen I‑jun."
I remembered Teresita's confession—that she preferred Min Yun. I both pitied and feared for the king. Since when did he begin to suffer? When will he find his lover?
The conversation ended there. We didn't delve further into the past. The king had moved on. I had too—but I couldn't stop admiring him. I wish him happiness. I wish Teresita would choose him.
I returned to my chamber with an empty heart, uncertain what to think or feel. When I entered, I saw Teresita smiling.
I forced a bitter smile, ran to her, and hugged her tightly.
"What happened?" she asked.
Then I broke—I started sobbing. I have so many regrets, I wish I could undo—regrets that will forever live in my heart.
I-jun's POV
I got worried when Von hugged me and cried. What happened—did my plan fail?
"Von, look at me," I said.
She was still sobbing. I gently patted her back, letting her cry until the tears finally ceased.
After a few minutes, her sobs slowed. She pulled away from my shoulder and wiped her cheeks. Her eyes were red—a visible sign she had cried.
"You trapped us," she said.
I bit my lower lip. Did she blame me?
"But… thank you."
"Huh?" I whispered.
"Thank you for giving us time to talk—heart to heart," she continued, her voice shaking. "Though I lied to him. I couldn't explain why I left him."
"What did you say?"
"That I had been unconscious for months."
"Did he believe you?"
She nodded. "I think so."
"Then why are you crying now that you've cleared things with him?"
She hesitated before answering. "I wonder… what if I hadn't disappeared? Would we still be together? Would I be the queen?"
"Do you still love him?"
She shrugged. "My feelings don't matter to him now. You matter to him. I cried because he doesn't deserve this. What if he learns you didn't love him? What if he finds out you love Min Yun instead? He's suffered so much—I don't want him to suffer more."
Her words stunned me. Von worried I might repeat the past and hurt the king again, just as my best friend had.
"Please choose him," she whispered.
I looked at her tear‑red eyes.
"I know your feelings are real. But his feelings matter too. You won't live here forever. Give him a chance to be loved by you."
That thought haunted me through the night. When I returned to my chamber, sleep eluded me.
A court lady announced, "Your Highness, Empress Isha is here."
"Let her in," I replied, setting my resolve.
I rose and faced my best friend.
"Are you okay?" I asked gently.
She gave a faint, shaky smile—no strength behind it. I'd known her strength for years. Last night, I saw only vulnerability.
"I'm leaving now," she said softly.
I stepped closer. "Why?"
"I told you I would—yesterday."
Sadness filled me. Our time had been too short.
"I'll stay in this world," she said. "Write me if you need help."
I nodded.
"Please take care of the king. Please consider my request."
I hugged her tightly. I'd miss her. I had to find the culprit, so Von and I could return home.
Her plea rang in my mind as she walked away. Could I hurt Min Yun? I couldn't keep playing with fire—I had to choose.
Lost in thought, I didn't notice until the court lady announced: "His Majesty, the king."
Startled, I looked up and saw him.
"My queen? Are you well?"
I blinked, surprised his entrance hadn't been announced to me.
"Your Highness?" I murmured.
"Are you all right?" he asked, gently touching my arm.
I bowed, but he lifted my chin to meet his eyes.
"Your eyes… You haven't slept."
I shrugged.
"The event is over. Why are you so troubled?"
"I'm sorry."
"For?"
I stepped away, putting distance between us. "I'm sorry for what happened yesterday. But not for giving you time to talk."
He smiled softly. "Thank you."
I was stunned by his response.
"Thank you for letting me clarify everything. My past haunted me until I got answers. Thank you for letting me speak with her. Thank you for everything, Queen I‑jun."
My eyes burned with tears—my voice cracked.
"You're welcome."
"And do you know what I realized after that confrontation? I love you."