The Unknown History

39

six months later.

Heejin kept her eyes fixed on the tools next to the royal physician as he search for her pulse. She heard him exhale tiredly as he fixed his posture. He released her hand, "Your Majesty, have you experienced any nausea or dizziness?"

She shook her head, "No. I've also been getting irregular periods."

"And you said, you have been trying for a baby with His Majesty?"

She nodded, waiting for him to continue. She watched as he avoided her gaze. "What's wrong?" She asked, feeling concerned.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. You can't get pregnant. You are infertile."

She could feel her heart drop and break into thousands of pieces. Her worst nightmare actually happened to her. "No, no, no. Are you serious?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," the physician looked at her apologetically.

She felt her tears threatening to fall. She sighed heavily before standing up and leaving the infirmary.

Heejin's hands trembled as she clenched her gown, standing in front of Sunoo's office doors. Mr Bae bowed at her before announcing, "Your Majesty, Her Majesty, the Queen Consort has come to visit you."

The male servant opened the doors, revealing a happy Sunoo scurrying towards her. His smile soon turned into a frown when he saw her red and swollen eyes.

"What happened? Did someone hurt you?" He held both of her shoulders. "We have to talk," was all she said before taking a seat across from his desk.

He followed after her and waited for her to speak. She took a deep breath and fiddled with her fingers, keeping her eyes fixed on them.

"How would you feel if we have a child running around the palace?"

He let out a soft chuckle as he imagined his son playing with the workers. "It would be lovely. He would scream and run around happily."

"Sunoo-yah," she whimpered as she let her tears fall again. "What's wrong, Heejin?" He instantly got up from his seat and squatted in front of her. He held her hands and caressed them gently.

"I..."

"Can't get pregnant. I'm infertile."

The news came as a complete shock. He slowly stood up before backing away from her. Panic started to engulf the Queen slowly. She closed her eyes and let the tears fall as she tried to suppress her sobs and whimpers.

"Will you leave me, Sunoo?"

"I can't say that I'm okay with the news. I'm too shocked. But I won't leave you, Heejin."

"But I–"

"I love you too much to leave you, Heejin. Whatever happens, we're in this together. I will always love you even if you can't get pregnant. And about the heir to the throne, don't worry too much about it. We can just adopt Jungwon's child or something. Your health is my top priority," he said before kissing her forehead.

🌷

Yeonseo panted tiredly as she walked around the outdoor area of the palace. Mr Bae was accompanying her as he followed her from behind. The sky was cloudy and grey, picturing someone's sadness and sorrow. There were white flags around the palace, signalling bad news to everyone who passed by.

"Why are the workers hanging the white flags?" She asked as she faced the male servant. Mr Bae sighed, "Her Majesty, the Queen Consort is infertile, Your Highness. The white flag signals that there will be no heir to the kingdom."

"How is she right now?" She asked, starting to feel concerned. "Her Majesty is with the king right now, Your Highness. His Majesty had brought her to the royal villa to cheer her up."

Yeonseo continued walking around until she bumped into Sunghoon who was heading out of the meeting room. The prince grinned and bowed, "Princess."

She felt sick as she heard the word coming out of his mouth. She used to feel her heart fluttering. But not anymore.

"I haven't seen you for a long time. Would you like to have lunch with me out of the palace? I'm sure you could use some fresh air away from the palace."

Mr Bae was glancing at her anxiously. He was also scared of the prince after knowing what he did to Baekhee. He knew the prince was a cunning man. And he knew Sunghoon wouldn't hesitate to plan something bad for the royal family.

"Fine. I could use some fresh air," she said before following after him. Me Bae gave her a worried look, receiving an assuring smile from her.