Notes:
dangpa – 3-pronged spear
hwarot – dress for royalty
Disclaimers: I don't own QSD and its characters.
Guard Duty
Seung-gi yawned as he glanced over his dangpa. "What a waste," he said as if talking to it. "I've slept so late cleaning you and for what?"
He squinted his eyes left and right just to check if someone might overhear him Seeing that he was alone, he continued his tirade. "Do you know how long I have sharpen you? Two hours! But here I am stationed in probably the most remote and most boring place in Seorabeol. Alone. No action. Not even a sparring partner! Argh! I have no use for you!"
"Wouldn't it be better that way?"
He stopped and turned around to where the voice came from. To his delight, his eyes set on probably the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.
She wore a magnificent green hwarot laced with elaborate golden patterns, designed only for royalty. Braided hair adorned her head, with jade-crusted ornaments. Blood crept up his cheeks and his mouth agaped. There were countless of fine ladies in the palace but no one had that much charm and presence. He couldn't help but say it, "Wow"
"You insolent fool!"
Seung-gi jumped and regained his bearings. He noticed another man, donning black clothes, beside her. He glared at him as if he was about to shoot daggers from his eyes. If looks could kill, he would've died on the spot. And died the second time.
"Sir, forgive me for my insolence. Please forgive me," he said as he bowed the lowest his body allowed.
"You disrespectful son of a –"
"Stop." the woman finally spoke.
The poor guard shifted a little bit to peek at the captivating dame. He gasped in horror. As if by reflex, he kneeled on the floor and rested his head on the concrete.
"Your majesty, your humble servant has acted inappropriately in your presence. Your loyal servant asks for forgiveness. Please forgive me you majesty. Please –"
Silence.
'I'm screwed. Fired on my first day. Just great.' He tried to apologized again, "I was stupid. I didn't mean to... I am very sorry for not acknowledging your presence."
"How dare you –", the official clad in black robes shouted at him.
"I said stop, Bidam," the queen commanded. This time the minister finally stayed quiet.
'Bidam? The Lord Bidam?! Oh shi- I'm not fired. I'm dead.'
"I really am sorry. It's true. It really is," he uttered. - desperation seeping at every syllable. "The foolish me was quite enthralled by your majesty's beauty. I am very sorry. I really didn't mean to. I am willing to accept any punishment. But please spare my life. Please!"
"Your majesty, please spare your humble servant." he kept on repeating the words as if his life clung to it. Well... it did.
"You are forgiven. The palace is unyielding regarding such behavior." And with a less sober tone, she added, "Don't get yourself caught next time."
"Yes! Yes, your majesty. I promise I won't. Thank you for your grace. Thank you very much." How the poor guard wanted to jump for joy. But he remained bowed on the ground. He couldn't see what's happening but based on her tone, she wasn't incensed the least. Unlike, the other noble...
"B-but your highness, why?" Bidam protested.
"Bidam," the queen smiled at her minister. She lifted her hand and tapped his right cheek gently. "You're one to talk."
Seung-gi heard light footsteps from where he was crouching down. He saw the hem of verdant dress moving away from him. Unfortunately, the black robe stayed. He waited patiently, bracing himself for the upcoming reprimand. But it didn't come. He tilted his head up to check the fearsome minister.
Curiously, the man was touching his cheek. Mouth parted a little. Blushing like mad. Looking longingly at the retreating figure. Then, it clicked.
He bowed down again and smiled to himself. 'Yes, Lord Bidam. You're one to talk.'