Born From Kings - Minsung (Promise Sequel)

Chapter Twenty One

The palace that Minho was in was not like the two that he had already seen. The one that was in the gorge was in the small valley had been well hidden, surrounded by trees. The second had been on a windy plain, with an abundance of bright green grass and small rivers.

This one was completely cleared of any large trees. It was surrounded by sand, and the part of the palace that Minho had seen was at the waterside. Right next to a small lake. 

Minho didn't have much time to survey the surroundings though. The body he was in was moving quickly, running from one of the outer buildings towards one of the interior ones. A young woman was running at his side, her hair whipping across her face as the wind off the lake gushed past them. 

Another woman rushed to join them as they ran, but she was far older than the first young woman. While still one of the most beautiful woman that Minho had ever seen, she showed signs of greying and her face looked more aged.

"Sister," Minho's body leaned forward in a small bow as he greeted the older woman. "Where is my second brother?"

"They're both already with him," the older woman, his sister, picked up her pace. "Hurry, we must get to him before he passes."

Minho nodded and grabbed the young woman's hand. Who was she? Perhaps she was his wife, or daughter. 

The doors to a finely decorated hall were thrown open as Minho's sister order servants out of their way. Minho fell in behind her as she slowed down, coming to a stop behind another handsome man in front of them.

"Maknae Brother," he greeted Minho friendly, and bowed to their older sister. "Sister."

"And Jihoon?"

"He's inside already. With Lord Lee."

"Oh, his poor soul," Minho's sister slowly opened the doors to the room. Minho followed after her as his older brother reached out and gently held the young woman at Minho's side with him.

"Hyungnim," Minho's mouth uttered. He took in the sight in front of him.

An older man, perhaps a few years younger than Minho's sister, was laying within the silks of his bed, another man holding his hand. 

A loud cough erupted from his mouth. Minho flinched back. "Hyungnim..."

"Minho," a hand touched Minho's back to signal that he was there. The last brother, Jihoon, brushed past Minho and went to their eldest brother's side. 

"Your Majesty," Jihoon knelt down before the bed. "Please give us your orders."

"My final orders have b-been written," another cough cut off His Majesty's words. "Jihoon, you will be king after I am gone," he gasped for air after a fit of coughing. The man at his side tightened his grip on the king's hand.

"I accept your orders, Your Majesty. Please rest assured that I will take care of Lord Lee and all my siblings. I will not harm any of them."

"Good," the king raggedly sighed, suddenly looking to be in less pain. "My siblings, you have been what has gotten me through this cruel life time. I hope that after I am gone you will continue to love each other."

"Of course we will," Minho's sister assured the dying king. "Do not worry about us."

"U-uncle..." the soft tremble of the young woman's words reached Minho's ears. His body turned towards her and took her under his arm. "Shh..." he whispered. 

"Lord Lee... Joo-" the king's body was racked with coughs again, this time blood flowing out of his mouth. The young woman under Minho's arm covered her mouth with her hanbok sleeve to muffle her sobs.