I) My Love and…

(End of Ep IV. Lee Gon brings Tae Eul to the Kingdom of Corea.)

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Yeong POV:

Yeong has to focus. He mustn't, and won't, panic.

/

Everybody has the right to holidays - so says the law; yet the Kingdom at large doesn't seem to be willing to realize that The King might ever need some too. It's just unfair. Well, Yeong understands, and always accepts his Majesty's absences as nothing but necessary.

That being said: Yeong hates it, whenever His Majesty secludes himself from the world.

Not because the level of stress and anxiety it always provokes just can't be right for Yeong's health - as 1001 horrible scenarios keep playing in his head, each time, until His Majesty's safe return. His own discomfort is only his own after all; and if that's the price to pay for His Majesty getting some well-deserved rest and peace, well, Yeong will always gladly pay it...

But because Yeong actually *aches*, whenever confronted anew with just how taxing His Majesty's duties must feel, for him to need some necessary time *off*: not only off radar; but more importantly, off being the King of the Kingdom of Corea - off that constant scrutiny and judgement from others (constant analysis of his every word and action, constant high expectations about being nothing less than a model of perfection from his supporters, constant waiting for him to fail at meeting said expectations from his adversaries lurking in shadows biding their time until they'd strike, if he just gave them a chance); and, even more, off constant scrutiny and judgement from himself (constant inner pressure to do the right thing and take the right decision - His Majesty being his own first and harshest critic).

Heavy is the head that wears the crown, indeed. So yes, it pains Yeong; any time His Majesty's shoulders just can't help but momentarily cave in under the weight of his responsibilities and of his own perfectionism.

This time, though, it feels different; and Yeong's usual worries have grown exponentially.

/

His Majesty has gone only God knows where. Again.

Worse: His Majesty left without a warning. Again.

Worse, still: His Majesty has played him; showing him that strange bruise on the back of his shoulder only to get him to leave his side - in order to make his escape unnoticed under the cover of night and storm, while Yeong ran for the Court Physician. And honestly? It stings.

Worst, though: His Majesty *is* hurt; which makes finding him as soon as possible of the utmost importance. The flashes of pain Yeong has witnessed three hours ago on His Majesty's features had been genuine; and the contusion - well, Yeong has never seen such a contusion; but it just doesn't look healthy, for sure.

/

Yeong knows His Majesty's latest disappearance (before tonight) had been unplanned.

His Majesty normally lets a 'Thank you' note (which feels more both as a 'Sorry' and a 'Please'; but those are words that just cannot belong to a King's vocabulary, neither in speech nor in script) to him and Lady Noh whenever he disappears, and usually comes back within 48 hours. In case it might go on longer than that, he would add a few casual words under the usual 'Thank you', and would text them a word a day, in the same order as in the note, to let them know that he was fine; trusting about him contacting them being enough for them to be leaving him in peace still a while longer.

But two weeks, without any notice? That had never happened. Yeong still cannot believe he had been able to actually keep functioning, worried as he had been - yet knows that his worries are exactly what had dragged him though it, what had made it possible for him not to collapse. He would have been useless, if he had collapsed; and that had been the only reason why he had kept eating and sleeping some (drugging himself), as he had digged and turned litteral and figurative soil over and over, searching for any crumble of hint about His Majesty's whereabouts, feeling at the same time reassured (no news was good news after all, when possible news could include ranson, death threats, or some cadaver found on shore - the fact that Yeong had slept hadn't meant that he had slept without waking up to nightmares) yet more and more worried as there had been still no clue to be found.

And Yeong does not doubt His Majesty had genuinely felt sorry about having them worrying for so long - even though no word had been uttered, of course. One didn't spend that many years in someone's company without learning how to read them; and Yeong had always been particularly keen on learning to start with. Yeong though still isn't sure about what he must think of the incongruous explanation given for that absence.

Actually, Yeong had believed - until three hours ago - that His Majesty was downright refusing to share any information under the pretense of fooling around, on the few occasions they had been alone together since his Majesty's return (that long an absence meant a lot to catch up, for sure) and the subject had come up (the first time at Yeong's request; the following times at His Majesty's initiative). And yes, it had stinged - even if Yeong hadn't been able to decide what had felt worse: that His Majesty so obviously didn't want to tell him; or that he didn't even seem to even want to even try to give him a plausible explanation. And yet: at least, that way, Yeong had known His Majesty wasn't actually downright lying to him - and it had mattered. But you bet Yeong had cut any conversation right then and there, whenever His Majesty had been starting talking about some parallel universe nonsense.

But now, after having seen that strange mark on his Majesty's shoulder in the study... Well, Yeong has started somehow to reconsider - even if he still doesn't know what he should be considering exactly... But what if His Majesty's disappearance tonight might in fact have been unplanned too after all. What if he's been snatched away, somehow - just as last time? A grown man and a horse evaporating into thin air, while security camera's had covered the area... What if His Majesty hadn't been joking (could His Majesty truly *believe* it to be real, no matter how impossible?), about that Republic of Korea he had multiple times proclaimed he had stumbled into?

/

A new wave of concern hits, and Yeong does his best to temper it down. He has to keep a clear mind; and that's not en easy task, while running circles through the forest, simply because it is where His Majesty had reappeared out of nowhere last time, saddled up on Lady Maximus as if he'd just gone for a short ride, and so maybe - maybe - that's where he might reappear too this time, as Lady Maximus is also missing right now... It isn't much to hold onto hope, but it is the only string Yeong has at his disposition right now, and he'd follow it through, sure thing...

Suddenly, Yeong hears some noise - and sprints with all he has in that direction.

And then, Yeong is *relieved*, because, *yes*, here is His Majesty - and, thankfully, he doesn't look unwell anymore, judging from the way he holds himself on his horse. Does his shoulder only hurt when thunder strikes?

But then, Yeong is puzzled, because His Majesty is holding someone close against him?

/

His Majesty is in general touchy about being touched - no pun intended.

Touch that is *given* is limited to a very few persons:

Lady Noh and Prince Buyeong, of course; who always prove their attachment to His Majesty, both in actions and in words, and who His Majesty had known and trusted already long before that fateful night. Lady Noh by then had just *belonged* to the Palace since forever already; and it was no secret that late King Lee Ho had always been fond of his second half brother - and that fondness had definitely been passed along to his son. Prince Buyeong had also been very supportive of His Majesty's Father after the death of His Majesty's Mother; a fact His Majesty had mentioned in passing to Yeong once, in the dark, talking about His Father and crushing Yeong's heart in the process, as he'd confessed how grateful he was to have actually known His Father, at least, even if way too shortly: His Majesty had been so young when His Mother had passed away that he had no experienced memory of her, and it felt lacking; even though he could still honestly profess loving her anyway, simply because she must have been a truly nice person - to have been so loved and cherished, judging by the way His Father had always talked about her. (There had been one other person His Majesty must have used to trust too until that horrible night - and having that trust turning against him must have been painful indeed, and oh so awful, in ways beyond physical. Even though they had never discussed this, it is definitely part of Yeong's pure, unadulterated hatred of Traitor Lee Lim too. If that despicable excuse for a man hadn't been long dead already, Yeong would never have stopped chasing him down.)

His Majesty's Navy and rowing comrades. Two years of military training as a group is just bound to create sincere bonds between people, and those had even been enhanced still by their years of rowing training and competitions since their service had ended. Of course His Majesty's (and Yeong's) trust in their fellow Descendants of Admiral Yi Sun Sin is nothing but intrinsic.

And, well... Yeong himself. Yeong never steps out of line - needless to say. He's always careful, and only touches His Majesty when he *has* to (getting him to cover, checking for possible injuries and the likes), or when His Majesty knows it's coming anyway (at training etc). And that's not because Yeong shouldn't touch The King; not even because Yeong might actually be afraid his touch would be unwelcome, or worse, harmful (even though, yes, originally, as a child, that's exactly why Yeong had taught himself to refrain from touching His Majesty whenever it could be avoided); but simply out of a by now deeply ingrained habit of just *not* touching His Majesty if it isn't imperative. It's not even a conscious thought; it's as natural as breathing. Yeong doesn't have to refrain or abort any movements; there are simply no movement to start with - except if Yeong senses danger; then, the movements do come - and, weirdly maybe in comparison to his usual behavior, that reaction is instinctive too. But Yeong always feels moved beyond words - still; no matter the years passing by - whenever His Majesty's hand willingly makes contact with his body, no matter how briefly. It feels like a blessing, each time; not even mentioning an honor. Yet, it always feels natural too - His Majesty doing it mostly on a spur of the moment, and without even seeming to realize that he is doing it, sometimes. And the *trust* it implies; that His Majesty feels comfortable enough around him to just touch him - without reserve, without calculation, and without need for it? Well, let's just say nothing feels more fulfilling (except for the knowledge that His Majesty is still alive and well, whenever Yeong is able to see it with his own eyes and stop worrying, after any time there has been some kind of 'situation'.) His Majesty had playfully tickled his hand in the car when Yeong had asked for his phone on their way to Prince Buyeong about two weeks ago, and Yeong still feels a warm glow whenever he thinks back upon it...

There is however a lot of touch that is *received* - and allowed simply because it is expected and required: from training - with his teachers as a kid, and nowadays with The Guard (Yeong insists on regular sessions with Seok Ho Pil and Park In Young handling His Majesty to cover or to the ground etc, as one of them is the one near His Majesty whenever Yeong is unable to), to handshakes and such that just come with his duties as a state leader.

But for the most part, when touching isn't mandatory, His Majesty is just happy to avoid any contact. (And you can rest assured Yeong actively ensures no contact is made if necessary - blocking advancing hands having become second nature to him long ago).

Such a touch aversion is nothing but logical, after what His Majesty had had to endure as a child. And it is nothing but admirable indeed, how His Majesty has in fact mostly overcome his trauma, and is able to go about his life without it being much of a hassle. (It helps of course that the reverence due to his title generally keeps most people at bay. It is also convenient that it concerns in particular the front of His Majesty's neck, which isn't a spot people are often going for to start with anyway.)

But, to come back to the moment at hand: His Majesty holding strangers in his arms is just... not done?

/

And then Yeong's brain comes to halt as his eyes fall upon *her* face.

It's Lt. Jeong Tae Eul !? The woman that doesn't exist; the woman whose ID His Majesty has been holding on since... forever, to be honest. Yet, she *is* here !? And looks exactly the same as on a 25 years old picture !? It makes no sense !? But it just is, apparently...

His Majesty has finally found her? How? When? And why hadn't he told him? Or did he, actually, try to; and Yeong just hadn't been willing to hear any of it? So many questions rushing through Yeong's head at once. There is only one question though that truly matters: Is she to be trusted?

What if she's somehow part of some grand scheme against The Crown long in the making? What if she's pretending to be from that supposed other Corea His Majesty had mentioned? And what about that Luna they had started tailing after the rowing competition? Are the two women related somehow? What if the whole thing is some very expertly crafted stratagem, involving hallucinogens or such (?), and chips of some kind (?) placed under His Majesty's skin (when? how?), in order to have His Majesty believe the unbelievable?

Yeong knows that His Majesty *trusts* Lt. Jeong Tae Eul, implicitly. But Yeong wants and will need more tangible proof than an old yet actual photo and a name that is on no record before ever lowering his guard, you bet.

.

Lee Gon POV:

Tae Eul is now in Corea! It just feels eerie, still; but oh so delightful!

Gon focuses though on their surroundings. The Guard is probably still actively searching for him around the Palace; he hasn't been away for long.

And indeed, here comes Yeong already; looking straight at him - assessing his condition.

Gon knows leaving as he did, right after Yeong had seen him in bad shape, is 'a bit not good', to say the least. But it had been fear that had driven him to just... bolt, indeed. Tonight, as thunder had struck and his shoulder had burnt, Gon had suddenly heard the flute. And so, of course Gon had rushed to Korea... Gratefully, it had simply been about Tae Eul's new (old) ID - and not about impending doom. And amazingly, it had given him the exhilarating opportunity to finally prove to her that everything he had always told her had always been nothing but the truth. And now here she is; in Corea!

Gon can't help but feel guilty though, as Yeong's eyes run their usual (after they'd been apart for any length of time) quick physical check on him.

/

Yeong.

Gon wouldn't be the same person he is today, without his Unbreakable Sword's constant presence in his life. And indeed, this is nothing but a general truth, which can be applied to anyone you ever meet - or don't. Yet, their bond is simply, and bone-deep, *defining* - even as it defies definition.

Best friend? At first glance, it seems correct enough; the whole Kingdom knows how inseparable they are, right. The concept though just feels inadequate on further analysis - no matter the undeniable mutual esteem, mutual trust, mutual affection, mutual banter, and mutual honesty between them; and even if Yeong is without a doubt (even if without competition) the person in Gon's life who might ever come the closest to be 'his best friend'. But the crux is: friendship infers equality - which in their situation is simply an impossibility, and twice over. First, of course, Gon is The King. And - even more important in that matter - Yeong knows that Gon is The King; and always acts accordingly, since he's got aware of the fact. And then, even doubling that already massive gap, Gon is Yeong's boss. And - even more important in that matter once more - Yeong is Gon's bodyguard. And not any guard, but the Captain of The Guard - his very best guardian; his last shield and his last weapon. Unbreakable Sword all right. And of course the job *is* Yeong's - has always been Yeong's, even long before it had been made official. The fact that Gon would never trust another guard more than Yeong is a given; and Yeong had always made it more than abundantly clear that he wanted that particular job - not for its title nor privileges, mind you, and not even for the supposed 'honor' (even though it *is* without a doubt the utmost honor, in Yeong's mind), but simply because protecting Gon in any and every way is simply Yeong's priority in life.

(Such particular *certainty* should feel downright blasphemous; at the least egomaniacal and narcissistic - if it wasn't just a deep-rooted truth that always leaves Gon stunned yet warmed-up and secure at the thought. It is honestly mind-boggling, still, how Yeong has truly defined himself around a pledge that had come attached to a plastic sword when he had been only 4 years old. And there are moments - few and quickly dismissed; Gon is The King after all - when Gon can't help but feel responsible for having maybe robbed Yeong of any chance of having not even another life but simply a life - a life of his own, instead of a life committed to someone else; committed to him. Yet, Gon can't help too then but feel ashamed and selfish, any time that particular awareness hits. Because, in the deepest secret place of his heart, where Gon never likes dwelling for long (a King has duties before having a heart; Gon had learned right away), Gon can admit that it may not feel right, at least in one way (because it feels right in so many other ways), but that it always feels good, and in so many ways, to know that he just always is Yeong's first concern - by choice, not obligation - and that Yeong never ceases to prove this fact in anything and everything he ever does or says. Because that's just undeniable: how much it means to Yeong, to be not only able but even *allowed* to take care of Gon; how it just seems to both shape yet give sense to his whole life; how it feels to be simultaneously what Yeong wants and what Yeong needs - and Gon would never deny any of those; even when it means theoretically placing Yeong in danger, then. Yeong would have taken it as an absolute betrayal, instead of as a sign of affection, if Gon had even tried to refuse to let him mold himself into his Unbreakable Sword. In the end though, Yeong's unending loyalty and bottomless devotion has always been nothing but humbling, and has always only pushed Gon to be and do *better*, in order to be actually worthy of it; so it is maybe a blessing, not only for The King, but also for The Kingdom - which includes Yeong, so... Win-win situation, right?)

Brother? - in anything but blood, at least, as they aren't family related. Gon had searched the Lee's and Jo's family trees as far as possible in his teens, and had never found proof of their paths mixing - a fact Gon still can't tell whether he's happy about (because their bond is only of their own making then) or disappointed (because how satisfying it would be, to know that they actually share some connection as indelible and elemental as part who they are, genetically). But indeed, they've lived under the same roof (no matter how large the roof) for about 25 years now (even though Yeong has a place of his own (which he only uses to sleep at), since their return from their military service); of course they know each other just as well as any siblings having grown up together and next to each other intrinsically do. Brother in arms too, definitely, both off and on record - as they've trained together since their youth, and had got enrolled under the same military squad. And yet, brotherhood still doesn't feel as if it covers it all; as if it is enough.

Their relation feels unique, nothing but once in a lifetime; and should be nothing but once in each and any and every universe, come to think of it, knowing now that there are actually multiple universes... After all, having met Eun Sup, Gon knows, no matter how many of Yeong's doppelgängers he might ever get to meet, and even appreciate - both from the similitudes and the differences: there will always be but one Yeong, for him. And that's that one particular combination of that face and that voice and that look in those eyes standing in front of him right now.

The Yeong who can look Gon square in the eye and profess that Gon grew up well and doesn't need anyone's help now *and mean it*, yet still chooses anyway to stay at Gon's side in order to help him - always.

The Yeong who's been at Gon's side since Gon was 8 and Yeong was 4.

They'd been inseparable right away, doing about everything together. (The Jo's, along with two other very trusted households (but with no kids about Gon's age), had been selected by Lady Noh and Prince Buyeong to live at the Palace grounds after Lee Lim's treason. They all had moved out again a few years later, when Lee Lim's follower's threat had seemed less imminent; but Yeong had stayed: his parents were getting divorced by then, and they hadn't judged cutting him off his home and routines (and Gon) fair to him, as he'd rather stay at the Palace, and as Gon had told too he'd rather have too). Being not only an only child but also the only heir to the throne of a still grieving King, Gon had always been very protected and thoroughly prepared, from a young age, for his future duties; which meant there hadn't been much time nor many occasions for him to mingle with a lot of other children. And suddenly, there had been Yeong; constantly following him around and asking him questions about literally everything and demanding his attention just by being there and... And Gon had right away loved it all. Not because it had been something new, and fun - even though it had been, indeed. But because it had been Yeong: the gentle heart who had offered him a cookie and who had cried when he had cried; who had smiled as brightly at him as if he had just been handed the world in the form of a toy sword; and who always from that moment on had looked up to him with open admiration and trust and affection, even when pouting in defiance... And very soon, Gon had found himself doing things not only because he was supposed to and even expected to - because they were right and would honor His Father's legacy; because they would make Lady Noh and Prince Buyeong proud of him; which both always truly mattered to Gon, and felt good and satisfying, of course - but also, sometimes, simply because they would make Yeong happy - Yeong in particular; about matters that had nothing to do with the Kingdom at large - and that made Gon happy in return.

Their days had always been full-scheduled; and full of each other's company. Be it homeschooling (each at their own level of course, but they were always in the same room - the teachers giving an assignment to one while teaching the other, and reverse); eating (and Yeong had quickly taken it as his task to taste any dish or drink put in front of Gon - even though they knew it had already been tested at the kitchens); playing (which generally involved lots of running after each other outside (with or without 'weapon' or ball etc), or looking for hidden treasures in the gardens (whenever Lady Noh and Prince Buyeong were willing to indulge them - which was quite regularly), and then some card/dice/board games inside, or 'puzzle solving', as Gon often enjoyed creating mini mysteries / escape rooms for Yeong to solve); watching TV (Gon always chose the programs, all right - but regularly treated Yeong the ones he knew were favorites of his, as Yeong's face was for him an open book); gaming; horse riding lessons (and you bet Gon made sure to gift Yeong a horse of his own too when his first horse Hayan Nun (White Snow; if Internet is correct?) had become too old to be mounted still and he had acquired Lady Maximus (an odd name for a mare, many people seemed to think (yet never commented upon), but Gon had told Yeong once that Maximus would be his next horse's name while they were watching Gladiator for like the zillionth time, and Gon had never been one to go back on his word); archery practice (the King had to keep up tradition, right!), and later on sparring, fencing, and shooting practice too (it was expected for security reasons; but they both definitely enjoyed the trainings for what they were too); quiet times in the study - Yeong lying on the floor coloring or reading (picture books at first, quickly replaced by weaponry manuals and strategy memoirs the moment he'd been able to read, the only thing changing as time went by being that he started more and more often sitting up while doing so, back against a wall, instead of lying down - but still preferring the ground to any chair or couch) while Gon worked on math problems on his chalk boards; just hanging around, talking in the quiet of the gardens or the secrecy of Gon's room, or listening to music (Gon usually preferred classic, while Yeong was generally more into rock - but they had broad tastes and listened to about any kind of music); and on and on - whenever you saw one of them, then the other was never far behind.

Their favorite pastime though as kids had been working on mischievous plans to escape from their loving and beloved tutors' attention every once in a while. Yeong had first had doubts whether it would be wise to get out of the Palace grounds (what if it turned out to actually endanger Gon!), and had refused to play along; until Gon had pointed out that showing what wasn't secure enough any time they would succeed to escape would only make the Palace safer in the long run - and you can be sure that Yeong from then on had had no troubles anymore, not only about following Gon's ingeniously constructed plans, but even about coming up with fully mapped out and scheduled to the minute plans of his own.

Besides the food tasting, Yeong had also quickly made it his job to verbally warn off the staff and even physically prevent or block any hand approaching Gon's neck, his small size not withstanding - after having noticed (when no one else had (Lady Noh hadn't been in the room, and Yeong had been there a bit earlier than usual)) Gon flinching while being dressed and having asked him about it later on when they'd been alone, and Gon having admitted, voice low, and probably only because it was Yeong who was asking, that 'It made him afraid, since...' - 'You should say something.' 'I'm the king, I cannot show weakness.' 'Then, let *me* say something? I'm your Unbreakable Sword!' - and as such supposed to act overprotective anyway; words Yeong didn't know by then, but their meaning already evident all over his face. 'Okay'. (And you bet some adults had hit their head against the wall when they had realized they had missed *that* when a 5-year-old (no matter how very bright) had been able to notice it... Lady Noh had hugged her beautiful sweet boys even tighter than usual.) Anyway, seeing as no one had ever mentioned it but as everyone had quickly adjusted to that new unofficial protocol, Gon had come to the conclusion that it wouldn't be too much of a problem then, if he ever had to stop a hand coming too close for his liking on his own; and had started doing it himself.

When he had turned 8, Yeong had started to train with The Guard. Not that Gon had known it right away - he had only learned about it weeks later, when he had asked Yeong if he felt sick because he seemed a bit tired lately, and the youngster had replied that he was waking up at 6.00 nowadays in order to join the guards for training before their schooling would begin. At Gon's insistence, Yeong had ended delighting Gon with a fully detailed retelling of that very morning session, and shown Gon a move or two he had been practicing since he had started training - 'even though he knew of course he wasn't yet neither strong nor quick enough' (Yeong was often too humble, honestly!), but he had been told that those would come both as he'd grow up and keep exercising, and that working on his technique and balance already would only pay off later on.

As time (and more training) had passed though - and as Gon had kept asking Yeong to show him some move; and had always abundantly praised him whenever he had - Yeong, to Gon's evident satisfaction, had definitely gained more assurance in his abilities and had become bolder (but in a good way) - replacing his usual Kamehameha's by Taekwondo moves while they fought imaginary evil in the gardens; and kind of running to Gon to tell him and show him, whenever he had been praised by a guard or mastered a new move.

At 11, Yeong had gained every guard's admiration (and adoration) from his never failing to show up and enthusiasm, and had started getting taught about other matters he had several times already indicated he wished to learn more about (both theory - from CCTV security camera's to weaponry to room and body routine security checks to indoors and outdoors events preparations to rules and guidelines for about each and every possible dangerous situation, etc; and practice - with rods, then firearms, then blades added to the hand-to-hand combat training as time went by).

Right from the start, Yeong had never failed at any test he regularly asked to be submitted to (be it about disassembling/cleaning/reassembling weapons within a time limit and such, or about anything theoretical). And his obvious pride when announcing yet another success had kept being nothing but genuine - and endearing.

By 14, Yeong could shoot 30 times straight in a row on fixed targets, and tackle a guard to the ground - on a good day. Not that Yeong would ever nor had ever bragged about defeating a guard; on the contrary - nothing then would make Yeong blush quicker than Gon mentioning having heard about one of those victories. (But you bet Gon had always kept himself very well-informed about Yeong's performances; CCTV videos included...) Yeong had always boasted though about his shooting; but they trained firing guns together too, and it was nothing more than friendly competition, as they both always were just as glad about any prowess, be it from themselves or from the other.

By 17, Yeong could shoot 30 times straight in a row on moving targets as well, and he had got each guard to the ground at least once - Captain included.

And he had just kept getting better. And better.

So, of course, after they had got back from their military service and Yeong had been (finally! - Yeong's word) old enough to officially join The Guard, Yeong had been integrated right away in Gon's Security Team - having passed each and every test with flying colors. And, of course, about 5 years later, as the former Captain had proposed Yeong as his successor as he had retired, no one had felt that it wouldn't be the right decision; no matter Yeong's age nor his closeness to Gon. And, to be honest, Gon hadn't been able to decide who had actually looked the proudest at Yeong's promotion ceremony - Yeong or himself...

And yet, notwithstanding how outstanding Yeong's kick-ass physical capacities and level-headed abilities truly are, it is for Yeong's *emotional* backup and support and care that Gon has always been the most grateful for. Gon just knows he can go to Yeong for *anything* - and especially for everything he doesn't want to bother Lady Noh nor Prince Buyeong with.

When he had been 11 and Yeong 7, Gon had asked Yeong to touch his neck. Gon had realized it was something he needed working on, and he had trusted Yeong the most to work with in order to overcome his trauma, naturally. He had been glad about the cocoon of respite 'the Jo Yeong protocol' (as dubbed by the Palace staff) had given him by then for about 3 years; but after the time for care had now come the time for healing, and Gon had decided he was ready. It had begun with a very brief (but not timid - Yeong, past the initial surprise at the request, understanding right away exactly why it was important and just doing what needed to be done the best he could, as always) simple flat touch with one full hand at Gon's scar; had evolved in longer and longer still sessions ('One minute more today, Yeong'), with less and less calming breathing exercises being needed to get though the ordeal; until the point when Gon had even asked Yeong to *squeeze*, first from the front, 'harder', and even from the back - so that he couldn't see it was actually Yeong doing the squeezing - 'with both hands', 'just a bit longer still'; until it became 'Let's practice how I should react to break free' (Gon was trained of course in fencing and shooting and sparring too for years by then (Yeong training along with him besides his training with the guards), but his teachers just kept away from his neck as much as possible, and Gon preferred to train about this with Yeong only anyway); to finally asking Yeong to just 'spook' him that way from time to time when they'd be alone and Gon wouldn't know nor seemed to expect it might come - which Yeong still did out of the blue to this day about twice or thrice a year, mind you...

And so in time, thanks to Yeong, the original damaging mess had finally become a part of himself Gon had succeeded reigning in. He still prefers clothes with either a protective turtleneck or a very open V collar that runs far from his scar, but he feels comfortable enough in dress shirts and tshirts too, as long as the neck isn't too constricted. He still isn't keen on being touched at the neck by people he doesn't feel safe with enough, and he still *hates* wearing ties and such - not only because of how they actually make him feel, but even more because of how they remind him of just how he still can't stop to feel - and wears those as little as possible. He can though just endure it by now as long as needed whenever necessary; and even though it isn't pleasant, it isn't as if he actually has to worry about making a fool of himself in public - and that is the only thing that matters. No one has a clue (outside the Palace), judging by how dashing the press and tv always proudly rattle he is whenever he appears in a full suit...

Yeong is also the only one who knows about 'Lt. Jeong Tae Eul', besides him and Lady Noh - and the only one Gon actually chose to open up to about. They'd often wondered, in the quiet of his room or study, about the origin of the Seoul Metropolitan Police ID dated from 2019 Gon owned, and how his savior had had such an item in his pocket to start with, and what it might mean, etc... Yeong is also the only one who might have guessed about his personal quest and related life plan, and he had never openly judged it foolish; not even when Lady Noh had started placing talismans all over his room, as Gon wasn't appearing keen on searching for a queen on his own; and not even when Gon had asked Yeong to use his new position as Captain of The Guard to try and gain information from the police and such about his predestined future spouse.

Well, Gon *has* now found 'Lt Jeong Tae Eul'; and he can't wait to present her to Yeong. She is both not at all what he had expected and yet so much more; and his fascination is only growing whenever they are together - and he cannot wait to know what she will think about his world, now that she's here.

/

Speaking of Tae Eul, Gon feels her freeze even more against him (she must have noticed Yeong's resemblance with Eun Seob), and he brings her closer to him reassuringly, as Yeong's eyes now fall on Tae Eul.

Yeong's control, as always, is astounding. He doesn't even make a sound, and Gon is certain no one besides him realizes actually how *shaken* Yeong is at the moment. But Gon sees it: Yeong is petrified. He has for sure 1001 questions he wants to ask Gon right now; and even more, 1001 concerns and doubts.

The rest of The Guard stops right behind their Captain and salute their King respectfully. Yeong doesn't - and he doesn't even seem to register he hasn't. And that? Well, that, is definitely a first.

But Gon understands. As always, Yeong is worried about him. Which means, right now, concerned about Tae Eul's proximity to him, and the possible dangers coming from said proximity with someone Yeong doesn't know and thus cannot trust. Gon hasn't explained everything to him yet after all.

It's all right, Yeong; Gon wants to convey. I'm fine. And she's not a danger.

"I command the Royal Guards to take ten steps back."

They do as told right away - except for Yeong; even though Gon is sure he's heard him. Yet Gon understands that's exactly *why* Yeong doesn't obey, of course - in case, still; despite his affirmation that it is safe. On Yeong's defense, it is indeed a lot to take in. His other guards are not going through wondering and worrying about how it is even possible for Gon to have had in his possession for 25 years a photo of the exact woman in his arms right now, huh...

"Yoo too, Yeong", Gon commands, somehow gentler, knowing Yeong just won't refuse such a direct order. Gon can't help though but add too: "She seems too shocked" - both an apology and a thank you, while making it clear that it has nothing to do with Yeong, but that it's only about Tae Eul.

And Yeong finally steps back, head bowed - and Gon just waits for their eyes to meet again.

See? He wants to tell Yeong right along Tae Eul. "See? I was right, wasn't I!"

Gon is overjoyed, to tell the truth. Tae Eul is *here*. He's been waiting and searching for his Queen for about three quarters of his life, clutching to an item coming from the future, and finally found her, even though they hadn't even been in the same universe to begin with. If that wasn't Fate, well, what would ever be, huh... And now, here she is; right! His Destiny! So yes, Gon is happy, truly. And of course he will sort things out with Yeong once he has secured his own future, his line's future, and his Kingdom's future stability. Gon simply trusts Yeong will still be there when he finally gets to sort things out anyway. After all, Yeong knows exactly what Tae Eul means to Gon, and he sure understands that right now, Tae Eul is Gon's priority. And that joy and that trust is what makes Gon turn now his whole attention back on Tae Eul as she turns to him; and tell her his name, finally - now that she knows he always spoke the truth: his name, that everyone in his Kingdom knows, yet no one may ever call out loud.

.

AN:

Oups? I never thought I'd write that many words about a barely 90 seconds scene (By the way, thanks watch?v=cHm85p5s9KU ) ! But headcanons just kept coming (not that I'm complaining) and I just couldn't cut them out... I hope it doesn't feel too messy though? As always, I'm late to the party, but DAMN I am SO happy to have stumbled upon this perfect gem of a show that is The King: Eternal Monarch! I'm not only hooked. I'm literally obsessed. THE FEELS! THE FEELS! Yeong owns my soul and deserves the world. Lee Gon must be protected at all costs. Tae Eul just rocks. Lady Noh definitely kicks ass. Sin Jae needs a comfort blanket, a hot chocolate, the biggest half of his favourite icecream, and a real hug - in that order, and every single day. The soundtrack is otherwordly (and thus very fitting). I could go on and on... but just sticking to what just came out of my guts and onto your screen, here under are some more details; because I just can't help but turn the fan button ON. (Be warned?)

First: Sorry, but imo even in his head Yeong doesn't call Gon 'Gon'. It's 'Pyeha'. Always 'Pyeha'. Even when he's crossed at him or whatever. MY HEART. Gon = Pyeha and Pyeha = Gon; yet the two are not interchangeable, so it's only 'Pyeha'. That's why 'His Majesty' is so all over the place in Yeong's POV: I just *can't* have Yeong say, nor even think, 'Gon'. (The closer Yeong might ever get to use Gon's name in his head would be the full 'Lee Gon, King of the Kingdom of Corea' line Gon presented himself to him when they had been kids; and let's be practical, 'Pyeha' is just shorter.) The initial 'Hyung' got dropped quite soon after finding out who Gon actually was, not even out of mirroring the protocolaire reverence he witnessed, but mostly from honest admiration as it had kicked in exactly how taxing it was to be The King; and it has always been only 'Pyeha' from then on.

Also: (even though quoting myself feels weird) "Everybody has the right to holidays - so says the law; yet the Kingdom at large doesn't seem to be willing to realize that The King might ever need some too. It's just unfair." - thinks Yeong, aka THE ONE WHO NEVER TAKES ANY HOLIDAYS AT ALL, right! It's fine. I'm fine - curling up in a ball and crying in a corner...

Then: How long exactly did Gon stay in Korea the first time? I initially thought about a month maybe (he told Tae Eul he was 'all the time' at her father's Taekwando school for example; and I don't believe the Kingdom would freak out just not hearing about their monarch for one week?), but then it just seems too long for dutiful Gon to stay that long out of Corea (especially as he doesn't even have any news about what's eventually going on!); and Gon leaves not that long after Tae Eul gets his ADN results - and that cannot have taken more than a few days I guess; and Yeong and Lady Noh are still somehow functioning and not 100% dead on their feet from worry... So. I'm confused. Feel free to enlighten me?! (Anyway, I went for 2 weeks, then?) About the diamond buttons: if it's 2weeks, I don't want to believe Gon might actually have used them all up in such a short time ( I MEAN ... RIGHT?) so the little change he ends with at Nari's is just what's left of what he had on him at the time, not the only money he actually has left (no matter how much I laughed from it the first time I saw it) - I guess he placed them in some safe somewhere, as he intends to come back at some point anyway. After all, Yeong sure could stay at the hotel for A LONG TIME throughout the series for someone without any kind of paychek too...

On another note: WARNING: feel free to skip this bit if you do not want any background information about THEIR MILITARY SERVICE; because OH MY, this really gets me going. I kept it neatly short in the fic itself because Yeong knows it all already (obviously), and he is definitely too stressed out to actually look back on all this right now (I authorized myself to digress some from the plot analysing Gon's touch aversion, as it is still somehow valid at that particular moment; but waxing poetic about memories of their military service just didn't feel right for the situation) - but I can't refrain from shouting it all out in the notes. Honestly, that's a fic in itself, sort of, but I just know I won't ever have the time to write it, but still feel like sharing, so here it is. Ready? Let's go! As time for His Majesty's military service drew closer, Prince Buyeong and Lady Noh selected young men from families they trusted and asked them if they'd agree to advance or delay their military service in order for them to serve at the same time as His Majesty would. (Of course, they all did.) It was planned that His Majesty would enter his military service at 22; because then Yeong would be 18 - and able to go along. There would be 2 or 3 guards also accompanying His Majesty, surveilling the area while training and keeping vigil at his door/tent at night, etc, but having Yeong there too, *right* at His Majesty's side at every moment, just felt the right thing to do - and he would also be able to always taste the food and drinks, as was his habit anyway. So, that's how the 88th class got a particular 10 men squad who call themselves 'Descendants of Admiral Yi Sun Sin', aging from 18 to 25 when their service started. (Also, I know one of Lee Gon's comrades in arms and rowing buddies looks like 'Yoyo boy' aka Manpasikjeok grown-up version; but let's just say the one we see in the rowing team in Corea (just as the one looking at Tae Eul in Korea) is NOT the adult flute - just someone looking like him (like, a far far far actual descendant of King Munmu (whose spirit is in the flute) who happens to look exactly the same as his ancestor, due to genetical chance). The flute is broken; and so only the boyish version is actually the flute at that time. I just don't see the point for Manpasikjeok to go and spend 2 years in the Army only to check on Gon or whatever. If it was necessary for him to be full time with Gon, why then only during his military service and not make himself Yeong version 2, or something...) Anyway, to come back to their military service: I believe it was important for Gon to actually fully undergo a 'normal' military service, as sign of his genuine attachment to his country, and of his actual will to protect it. That being said, it was just as equally important that Gon didn't shine too much nor appeared arrogant or too zealous or whatever (as The King making tight ties within The Army might turn some 'Anti'(-royalists) fearful of a coup etc); which is why Gon kept a very low profile during any grading training (even though his fellow Descendants knew the truth of course, and only found The King then even more admirable for lowering himself that way) - and so that's why, officially, Gon actually ended up listed as last of his class, as told in the show. (Let's be honest, the guy took on his own over 10 professional guards; that just ISN'T chance - of course he's a fantastic shot and a fantastic fighter.) Feel free though to imagine Gon and Yeong giving shooting and fighting advice and such to their fellow rookies, and them ending all up about the top of that year's list :) But Gon could excel at sport; and that's how their rowing team came to be, and part of why it became that successful (the fellow Descendants being extra motivated about doing their best and proving their King's worth that way, knowing he couldn't show it any other way). (By the way, Yeong is the team extra on paper if needed when one of them is sick or anything. Also, Yeong feels slightly less stressed during rowing competitions than during any other event - even though neither he nor any other guard are actually close to His Majesty then; because he DOES trust the guys to be looking out for His Majesty too.) An early milestone moment in the making of the 'Descendants of Admiral Yi Sun Sin' team spirit had been their first long march, with backpack and full gear and all. To mention it very quickly: Yeong (he was the youngest of them all indeed) was the first to miss a step - Gon catching him before he could trip over; which led to Gon noticing exactly how heavier Yeong's backpack was compared to his own (because Yeong had of course stuffed in it too things that should have belonged in Gon's backpack to begin with) - and Gon commenting upon it and then switching the bags - not even reequilibrating the bags but choosing then to be the one carrying the heavier one - had had all the others quickly realize just how cool a guy he truly was. Also, Yeoung had warned them multiple times about not touching His Majesty ever since walking in, you bet; so they all thought he was kind of a full of himself nuisance, really - until they noticed too during said march how Yeong never wavered from Gon's side, yet never touched him except when it was imperative, while always making sure to be available for Gon, no matter the more tired they became; and how His Majesty, if there were several options, always took Yeong's hand/shoulder/backpack/whatever instead of anyone else if needed etc etc) - and they sort of all ended up helping each other including particularly Yeong going on, while only Yeong kept Gon going on. Anyway, by the end of that first long march, The Brat Kid (as they had used to call him under their breaths) had become for them the ultimate model of devotion (which he is), and Gon was proven a just, kind, definitely not whiny nor aloof nor haughty, perseverant, and very cool to be around King (which he is). Also, at the end of their third march, Gon had called for a group high five, which they all understood was a solid proof of them now being people Gon trusted (which it was). ('Avoid his neck though', Yeong had told them afterwards - and they had, without further prompting being necessary this time.)

Then: Kid Jo Yeong is A MENACE and I just love him so much (Gon is still the biggest menace (and the biggest *ever* tease) of the two though, of course - but the thing is, you EXPECT Gon to be one, whereas you don't really see it coming from always on his best behaviour and quiet and serious and level headed Yeong; making it even more shocking when it DOES happen :))

Also: Anyone around here daydreaming with me about Gon and Yeong archery, fencing, and shooting practicing / competiting with each other since they were kids ? (They never truly trained fighting though - as kids they were too unmatched due to the age/size difference, and Yeong would never actually 'fight' Gon to begin with, only help him train about defense/disarm/attack techniques and such) Anyway, if you want to know it all: Gon is the best of the two at archery (and by far), Yeong at fencing (as told in the show (and as Gon doesn't refute it) - even though the guards practice with blades, but not often with swords - those are mostly traditional / ceremonial). For the rest, it goes without saying that Yeong is the best of the two at martial arts; but honestly the two of them are about just as good at shooting (as shown in the show). By the way, on a side-note: Yeong wears a (switch or not is not yet decided?) small knife sheathed somewhere, maybe around the back of his holster belt? Even though he's wayyyyyyy more comfortable with his gun (because let's be honest there's also a love story here between Yeong and his gun) and with his kicks/fists, a knife might still come on handy too - not only as possible last fighting tool (if guns are empty and your body is physically too hurt to fight), but also simply as tool - get someone or himself out of ropes, etc... I don't believe though Yeong would wear a knife at his ankle/shoes (even though ankle strap was my first idea?) - as he likes to kick those around so much, it just doesn't feel safe enough to me? (once more, I am no expert at all about any of this though, so feel free to correct me?)

Then: Just imagine 8 year old Yeong asking the by then Captain if he might be allowed to learn and practice with The Guard because he intended to join its ranks the moment he would be old enough, and the Captain replying with a soft smile (which Yeong hadn't noticed) that he would be most welcome - if only he could make it at 06.30. (probably expecting Yeong would never make it to start with - and being proved wrong right the next morning).

Also: Does my heart cry out when Lee Gon's hand trembles while taking the tie from Lady Noh? Does my heart shatter when he shakily gets it loose from his neck once back in the car after the funeral? (Let's just say those are rhetorical questions, and skip the tears flood. MY HEART.)

Then: HEAVY SIGH. Gon just can't help but internally gush about his precious Yeong (and I just couldn't shut him up); even while holding his ideal (and idealised and even idolised) Tae Eul in his arms. Well, if that doesn't just tell who the most important person in Gon's life is then I don't know what does (Honestly, those two are just *IT* - no matter how you might want to define what IT actually is...)

Finally: imo, the baby white horse from 1994 can't still be Lady Maximus in 2020? Not that Hayan Nun is necessarily dead already, but I think he's earned for years by now a royal retirement at the Palace, and Gon still pets him and tends to him with due love and respect, of course. Also, Lady Maximus is a way too european culturally charged name for the horse of a Corean king, so of course that name is related to the fantastic Gladiator movie - just bear with me? Which means that Yeong's horse is named Decimus Meridius, by the way - nerds will be nerds, and who needs bond matching tokens when you can have name combining horses, right. Anyway, just because iconic quote is iconic: 'My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the TRUE emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next!' Yep.

Oups, again. Even the end note got wayyyy longer than intended... Anyway, feel free to share your thoughts, it seems I'm in a chatty mood?!