All Chapters of The Return of the Emperor: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

The Guardian of Time!The name sent a shiver down Zane’s spine. He wasn’t a man who believed in fate or magic, but the weight of this being’s presence made his blood run cold.But before he could speak a word, the Guardian spoke again, "You loved her didn't you?""What I saw just now-" he yelled, his heart picking a pace, feeling a sudden horror."It was a glimpse of the past," replied the Guardian of Time. "Something that you entering 1025 would've changed. But you-""What?" He exclaimed, his tone clearly surprised and disbelieving."You're in a stage between death and afterlife," the voice replied, curtly, her words prompting his heart to sink even more, his senses numb. "To put it simply, your soul is temporarily confined.""I-I'm dead?" he exclaimed in a gruff voice."Well! In 2025, yes, " she replied, her tone calm but stern. "In 1025, no.""1025," he drew his brows together, puzzled as to what had happened.Then he remembers. Of course, I died. I fell from a 30-storeyed building.

Yeonho stood in the throne room with his head lowered, the crown prince at his side, mirroring his solemn posture. The vast chamber held its breath, a tense stillness humming beneath the gilded ceiling—until the king’s voice erupted, cutting through the air like a drawn blade, each word laced with venomous disdain.“As I had predicted, he has started assuming your place,” the king said, his cold gaze fixed on Yeonho, though his words were meant for the crown prince.Yeonho did not flinch. He had long learned that responding to such accusations was fruitless. The weight of the king’s contempt was a familiar burden, one he had carried since the day he stepped into the palace.Yeonho had no fond memories of the royal throne room. The king rarely summoned him here—only when duty demanded it, and never for reasons he would cherish. He was not a noble guest nor a valued advisor. He was merely a guard, granted the position out of necessity, tolerated only because the crown prince had taken a

Sneaking out of the royal palace in the middle of night was a terrible idea.And now—soaked to the skin, freezing with every breath—she was paying for her defiance. So was Yeonho. He had warned her. He was right.Not that she would admit it, of course.Instead, she had snapped at him, berated him for forgetting an umbrella, as if it had been his role to preempt her recklessness. As if she weren’t the one who had dragged him into the storm.As they reached the palace and eventually her chamber, the guards who should have been stationed at her doors were absent. Yeonho stiffened beside her, his body vibrating with anger, though whether it was from the cold or the dereliction of duty, she couldn't tell. His wet hair clung to his neck, glistening and dripping, and his uniform was plastered to his skin, outlining every line of him with humiliating precision.“Why aren’t there any guards at the entrance?” he wondered out loud, his voice sharp.“I presume they’ve been informed of my absence,

Sex was always Zane’s favorite way to shut the world out. To burn the tension off his skin.And lately, it happened to cling to him like smoke.He watched as Yena stood by the edge of the bed, her fingers moving slowly—too slowly—as she undid the delicate folds of her hanbok. Layer after layer fell away like petals, brushing her skin as they slipped to the floor.His jaw tightened with impatience. Damn these traditional clothes. Why did they have to be so elaborate? He had no patience for slow, delicate things tonight. He needed release. Now.With a low growl, he grabbed her wrist and yanked her toward him. She stumbled, light as a paper lantern, but he caught her easily.The next second, her back hit the bed, his hands braced on either side of her, shadowing her body with his.A grin played at his lips, sharp and hungry.But before he could lean in—she twisted. Like water. Slipping just out of his reach.He blinked, surprised, but not for long.His hand shot out, catching her waist w

With the sleeping princess nestled in his arms, Yeonho arrived at the threshold of her bedchamber. He hadn't even halted his steps when a sharp voice pierced the silence."Oh my!" gasped Court Lady Kim Yena, rushing toward him. Her eyes flicked between Yeonho and the unconscious princess before landing on him with a bewildered expression. “What happened to Her Highness?”“She’s unwell,” Yeonho replied quietly, glancing at the young woman in his arms. She who had kicked and protested being lifted off the palace yard now lay unmoving, her head resting against his chest, fast asleep. Earlier, he had ignored her resistance, pretending not to care. But now, watching her sleep so peacefully in his arms, something in his chest shifted.“But—but…” Lady Yena’s voice faltered. Something in her posture made Yeonho narrow his eyes. Her jaw was clenched, fists tight at her sides. He could tell she was uncomfortable about something. But what?“It’s time for the royal dinner,” she said, the protest l