The Shadow King

1.

SHE LOOKED at the old clothing she had on, found from good will, they hung on her body making her look even smaller. She sighed and tried to straighten them out as much as she could to look presentable. "This is useless. When I become a famous artist, I will get myself some better looking clothes." She said to herself.

She walked out of her room and down the small and narrow hallway of her home. A sweet scent came from the kitchen that made her walk at a speedy pace. "You made pancakes?" she asked her mother, who was prepping breakfast.

"Yes, I did." the older woman turned around. "I thought we could do with a little fancy breakfast this morning since we're going to start selling at the King's market today."

Her dad was sitting at the table already, drinking his coffee which was so strong and potent it made the whole house smell like a coffee house.

"So Star, are you ready for today?" he asked his daughter, a smile spread across his wrinkled face.

Star was her parents' miracle baby. After being married for a long time, they hoped to have a baby but couldn't. It was devastating to them until they were blessed with Star. A beautiful baby girl and the apple of their eye. She was the all that they had prayed for and more.

They didn't have much, with Star's father being a craftsman and her mother getting odd jobs at the royal house once in a blue moon but they had enough to provide for themselves and live an easy life.

"Of course I am ready, dad. We get to sell the mini fountains at the King's market!" she said, excitedly.

The royal counsel came to each house in the town to ask if anyone was interested in selling at the King's market, where only the elite and rich spend their money. Star's father knew that it was the perfect opportunity to show people his wonder creations of mini fountains.

"Well, we'd better hurry up and eat before we lose our spot." Her mom said, plating up the pancakes.

They ate, chatted, laughed and relished in the few minutes of calm they had before the hustle and bustle of the market.

Star's parents loaded up the cart as she closed and locked the front door to their house and off they went, walking at a steady pace through the small town.

All the while, Star's mind started to wander. She couldn't help but think about her future. All that she wanted to do, all she wanted to accomplish and whether those dreams would become a reality. She grew up poor but didn't want to die that way and that is something she swore by every single day.

She was deep in her thoughts, so much so that she couldn't hear her father call her. "Star? My daydreaming star, always living in your head." He said.

"Sorry, dad." She said. "What were you saying?"

"I wanted to know if you wanted to get some new clothes?" he asked as he continued to push the cart. "I think we'll make some good money today and maybe you and your mother can get some new clothing. I know you hate your own ones."

Star could see the guilt in her father's eyes.

"No, dad. It's fine. We should use the money for something else." She couldn't be honest with him and tell him that she needed new clothing. Her parents work hard and she didn't want to put extra pressure on them for no reason.

Star's father only nodded, knowing that his daughter didn't want to seem too difficult.

They got to the market and it was already packed. They quickly set up next to their neighbour, Margret who was there to sell street food. Margret was an elderly woman who still had enough energy in her to run an entire food stall. She had hair as white as snow, a small face that was littered with fine lines and wrinkles and the warmest eyes. Kind and giving, she was known as the town's mother.

"Oh, there's my Star." She said, coming over to the stall and gave Star a bone crushing hug.

"Good morning, Grandma Maggie. Its smells really good over there." She peeked over the old woman's shoulder. "What have we got in?"

"Only the best and don't worry, I'll save a plate for you and your parents." She said.

"Thanks Grandma Maggie. I hope you make lots of money today." just as Star said that, a few people started to line up and Margret's stall to get a hearty helping of some stew. She sent a quick wave to Star's parents and went back to her stall.

It was still quite chilly so Star wrapped an old blanket around her body to keep the nippy morning air from freezing he bones.

Star's family stall was bustling with customers. A few women, who looked to be incredibly wealthy, came to buy some fountains. "I think I'll put this in my meditation room. The sounds of water trickling down are really calming." One of them spoke. She had long black hair that came up to her waist and eyes that were a striking green colour.

"I agree." The other one replied.

Star's mom was helping Star count and manage the stock, while Star's dad worked the counter and sold each fountain to each customer.

"Wow," Star was awed by their beauty. "They look like they bathe in milk."

Her mom chuckled. "If you work hard enough at your studies, you'll also be like them. Wealthy and glamorous." She said.

"I don't really care about being glamorous. I just want to be able to help you and dad out so you both won't live a poor life anymore."

"Star, we are not poor my darling. As long as we have each other, we have more wealth than everyone here combined." She told her daughter.

"Yes, I know and you always say that but money just makes life better." She said.

Her mom nodded, "Yes that may be but remember that all that glitters isn't gold."

Star sat there and stared to think about what her mother meant. Did she really want wealth just so it could bring her misery? Did every wealthy person live in misery?

Just then a loud commotion came from up the street. Royal horses started lining up and then the King's Counsel. From the misty horizon, a white horse appeared draped in a red velvet cloth. The rider was King Min Yoon Gi. The youngest of the Min dynasty.

At 27, he had the world at his feet and a bevy of beauties all vying for his attention. His horse rode closer, slowly and eventually came to a stop in front of the gates of the market. Silence overcame the once busy and loud area.

"I give you His Royal Highness, King Min Yoon Gi. The great and fearless leader of Geum Byeol. You may bow and bask in his glory." A member of the royal counsel bellowed.

Everyone bowed as the King walked in, surveying the entire area. "Rise, my people." He instructed.

Star could see some girl giggle and blush at the sight of the King and simply rolled her eyes as she stood next to her dad. Her arms were folded and an annoyed look spread across her face. Her attention quickly shifted from the King to his horse which was stood next to the royal counsel.

She was amazed by the beauty of the majestic creature.

While Star was looking at the horse, she caught the eyes on the King. He had never seen such grace and elegance in a young girl before but in a strange way, it was familiar to him. He was surprised when he realised that she was staring at his horse and not him, which never happened. Every woman wanted the King's attention but she was different.

He quickly turned his attention back to his duties.

"My loyal people, I thank you for coming to the King's market and for making an effort to sell whatever products you have. I hope you all find success and please, don't be alarmed when I come to your stall. I too am human and all I wish to do is support those who support me. Please, let's continue working and making Geum Byeol an even greater country." Yoongi said.

The crowd cheered and they all went back to work. Yoongi's eyes went back to Star but she was gone. His eyes searched everywhere until he found her again.

Through the crowds of people moving around, he stared at Star, hoping she'd make eye contact with him.

Could it be that his lost love was right in front of him?

He didn't believe in fate but this was surely his second chance at what was once lost and he'd be a fool to let it slip through his hands.