How To Kill A King:

Chapter 19

Surprisingly, all of the other consorts agreed to pay him a visit. They arrived a week later, bringing gifts with them and a sizable amount of people as well. The sun sunk its sweltering heat into the land and into their bodies. Moisture hung in the air, giving everyone a slight sheen of sweat to wipe at. It was devastatingly hot. In other words, he’d picked a perfect day for cold drinks and bonding games. 

As Min-jun walked out of the villa, all eyes fell on him. Goodness, they brought a whole army, didn’t they? There were four other consorts, all equally beautiful, carrying themselves with a grace and confidence that they had been able to afford. All of their hanbok managed to be both simplistic and elegant, dyed in flattering pastels. Their hair had been arranged in intricate buns, adorned with gold pins. 

The shortest of the consorts approached him and bowed in her light blue hanbok. “It’s nice to meet you, Royal Noble Consort Hui.”

“Likewise.” He hoped she wouldn’t notice that her own name had escaped him. “But please, call me Min-jun. Formalities make me nervous. I’ve only been royalty for a month now.”

The woman nodded, smiling as if they’d just begun a game, her hairpins shifting a bit. “Then, you should call me Yun-seo.”

“Consort Eui!” one of the other consorts said, adjusting Yun-seo’s hair. Admonished, really. They knew each other already. Had they met in the palace or beforehand? Childhood friends, perhaps? Nobles often pushed their children together as playmates, figuring that the children of the rich would be better suited for the role. 

It was a bit of a reach, even for him. Not everything had to be intricately linked. 

Yun-seo took hold of the other woman’s arm. “This is my best friend and greatest love, Seo-hyun.”

“Stop it,” Seo-hyun said, but a blush and a smile gave her away. Wonderful, they’re both in love with one another. They wouldn’t hold it against him if he took all of the King’s attention. The other two consorts, though. They glared daggers, their thoughts made quite clear to him. He’d work on that. 

“Well, I am beyond ecstatic to have all of you here,” Min-jun said. “Thank you for accepting my invitation. I’m sure a wonderful time awaits us. Now without further ado.” He gestured to the doors behind him. “Please come inside. I’m sure we’re all eager to get out of this heatwave.”

Indoors, cool air greeted them. They walked down halls, too narrow to fit more than a few people, and so they had to travel in rows. At the front, Min-jun, Seo-hyun, and Yun-seo led the rest to his suite, with the rest strolling behind them, still too weary to make conversation. All the windows along the outside wall had been shut to keep out the heat, casting a subdued light on the corridor. Two of his maids opened the suite doors for the five of them, and then shut them, making sure barely a sound was made.

. . .

Five tables had been set with fruit, cakes, and iced tea. The two consorts with daggers for eyes grimaced down at the food, while Yun-seo finished about four honey cakes before Min-jun managed to finish speaking. 

“I’m glad the food seems to be to your liking,” Min-jun said, feeling surprisingly comfortable. Honey cakes had always been Su-jin’s favorite as well. She’d love the food here. More treats than a person could ever eat. Her sweet tooth wouldn’t be able to resist, and he’d probably have to drag her away from them. Sweets weren’t good for her heart, after all. 

She nodded, scarfing down half of a golden pear. “Food always tastes better when you eat it at someone else’s home.”

“You just like it when someone else does all the work,” Seo-hyun said, earning her a quick jab in the stomach. She let out a grunt but seemed otherwise amused. 

One of the weary consorts finally decided to bite into one of the honey cakes, convinced by Yun-seo’s appraisal. She took small bites of the cake but didn’t seem disappointed by it. It was a start. A slow one.

“Oh!” Yun-seo exclaimed, clapping her hands together excitedly. “I almost forgot. I brought something for you.” She turned to the doors. “Court Lady Heo! Bring them in!”

“Yes, your Highness,” replied a tired, defeated voice. A moment later, a slew of court ladies walked in with bottles in their arms. Alcohol. And lots of it. Soju, plum wine, rice wines, and so many more that he couldn’t even recognize. He swallowed, his mouth dry.

“This is for later,” Yun-seo said, winking at him. 

“This is a horrible idea,” Seo-hyun murmured. 

“Oh come on,” Yun-seo said, nudging Seo-hyun with her elbow. “It’s just one drink.” 

“Then why’d you bring twenty different bottles?”

Yun-seo pouted. “I wasn’t sure what you all liked. People have very different tastes when it comes to alcohol.” She turned to him. “It’s alright with you if we have a drink, right, Min-jun?” Suddenly, they were just two old friends goading each other. Min-jun should decline, he knows that much. He was too honest when drunk, too reckless. He forgot everything he had worked so hard for. But he hadn’t had a single drink since coming to the palace, and he could feel the toll of the withdrawal kicking in now. Especially now, with twenty different varieties in front of him. 

“I suppose one drink wouldn’t hurt.”