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“Your Majesty, are you here?” Kye-sook called and carefully went through a narrow study with books lying about in disorder and in the way. The gentle wind blew in, bringing cherry blossoms petals from outside, like the small pieces of the sunset cloud.
There was no response. The advisor sighed, knowing that his king had fallen asleep while reading once more.
After a few minutes, he finally found Soo-won sleeping with his face against the table. The large window had been completely opened. He felt the cold of the spring night coming. Did not want to wake the king, Kye-sook took off his coat and covered it on Soo-won’s body, then closed the window. He needed to have a discussion with his king, but now he had to wait.
The black-haired advisor sat under the window, leaned back on the wall, with his chin propped up on one hand and his legs crossed. Looking at the sleeping king, he felt like the flow of time was turned back, and they were at the library in General Yu-hon’s mansion, without duty and sorrow.
The night was falling, and the whole room gradually sank into the silent darkness, but Kye-sook did not stand up to light the candles. He felt tranquil in this darkness, with the books around him, with the sweet scent of cherry blossom lingering on the air, and with his most important person.
Sitting in the dark for too long, Kye-sook began to feel sleepy and chill as well. He moved forward to sit beside Soo-won. In this dreamy moment, he was not the advisor of the Sky Tribe, and Soo-won was not the king of Kouka. He’s only my brother. My precious brother. Kye-sook thought and laid his hand on the other’s shoulder. Soo-won’s face in his sleep was so peaceful and lovely, as if he was dreaming a happy dream. The advisor gently touched his golden hair and his cheek. The great war was coming and he wished Soo-won could sleep peacefully for as long as he could.
“Kye-sook…?” Soo-won suddenly opened his eyes. The sleepiness still remained in his voice. “When did you come here? I’m sorry…”
“Shhh, Your Majesty. Nothing important. Just continue to sleep.” Kye-sook lowered his voice.
“You too.” Soo-won grasped his hand and pulled the coat to cover Kye-sook. “You’re sleep-deprived.”
Together, they laid down on the floor and pillowed on the books.
“It makes me think of the old days.” Soo-won smiled. The faint light of the silver stars lit his face. “You and me always slept in the library like this. And then my dad…”
“You talk too much, Your Majesty.” Kye-sook did not want the sad memories of Yu-hon to break this special moment. “Sleep well. See you tomorrow.”
“Good night, Kye-sook.” Soo-won murmured. “See you tomorrow.”
Tomorrow, they would be the king and the advisor again. Tomorrow, they would return with the duties, the plans, the war. Tomorrow, the night before would become a vague memory.
But tonight, they embraced each other closely under the coat, among the old books and cherry blossom petals, and enjoyed the warmth while the wind sang its dulcet song beneath the moon and the stars.
Just tonight.