The Four Kings & Me

Chapter 1

Ryang Empire 1846

Umma (meaning mom)

Myeonbok (a formal ceremonial attire)

Appa (dad)

Halmoni (grandmother)

Jung-ki POV...

"Umma, can't I just skip this event and focus on honing my martial skills with Haneul?" I complained as the court ladies meticulously dressed me in my Myeonbok.

"Because tonight, your father and I want you to meet some very important individuals. Now, please, be patient and let Min-sook and the other court ladies finish their task, Jung-ki!"

I stood there, sulking, my arms hanging rigidly by my side. These tedious gatherings with my parents were the bane of my existence. In fact, I detested every aspect of palace life, the rigid existence I was born into. I was never granted the freedom to go wherever I pleased or pursue my own interests. Every action I took had to serve the greater good of the palace and the people of Ryang. Since the day I was born, I was never allowed a moment of solitude, not even for a breath. That's why I loathed attending these monotonous events with my parents, and above all, I despised being addressed as Your Majesty by my closest friend, Lee Haneul.

"Umma, who are these people I have to meet tonight?" I asked, feeling a sense of unease.

"You'll find out soon enough," she replied cryptically, leading me towards the grand dining chambers. Haneul, Min-sook, and the court ladies trailed behind us, adding to the air of mystery. As we entered the room, I noticed Appa and Halmoni already seated at the table.

"Jung-ki, I expect you to behave impeccably when our guests arrive," Appa instructed me sternly, his eyes filled with anticipation. Umma and I took our seats at the table, which was adorned with a lavish feast. Just as we settled in, a commotion erupted as palace guards burst into the room.

"Your Majesty, there has been an attack just outside the palace walls," one of the guards informed Appa urgently. At the same time, Sung-jun, Appa's trusted personal guard, entered the room with a grave expression on his face.

"Ensure that the palace remains impenetrable," Appa commanded the guards, his voice filled with authority, after Sung-jun whispered something into his ear. "Jung-ki, Haneul, Min-sook, come with me," he urgently instructed. Without hesitation, we all trailed behind Appa, making our way towards my living quarters. Umma's grip on my hand was so tight that I feared she might crush my bones.

Once we were safely inside my room, I couldn't help but ask, "Is everything alright, Appa?"

"Everything is under control, Jung-ki," he reassured me, just as the door to the concealed tunnel in my room swung open. As far as I knew, only Appa, Umma, Haneul, Min-sook, Sung-jun, and I were aware of this secret passage. "It's safe to proceed," Appa announced, his voice echoing through the empty doorway.

Haneul and I were taken aback as Sung-jun entered the room, his hand tightly gripping that of a frightened little girl with dark skin, who appeared to be around our age. I had seen people of different races before, but none as stunning as her. Her long, curly, jet-black hair cascaded down her back, and she wore an exquisite golden dress that gracefully covered her feet. Clutched in her right hand was a precious golden satchel.

As tears welled up in her beautiful eyes, she slowly sank to the floor, wrapping her arms around her legs. "We won't harm you, Nyota. You're safe now," Umma assured the little girl, making her way towards her with compassion.

"What happened to her parents, Jaffa and Lela, Sung-jun?" Umma inquired, concern evident in her voice.

"They didn't survive, Your Majesty," Sung-jun responded, causing the little girl to cry even harder. Umma sat beside her, embracing her tightly and gently rocking her back and forth until her sobs gradually transformed into soft whimpers.

"Nyota's presence must remain a secret within the palace. She cannot be exposed to anyone until I am certain it is safe for her to return home to Adrecan," Appa emphasized, addressing us all. He then instructed Sung-jun and Min-sook to escort her to the special room within the tunnel.

"Jung-ki and Haneul, I want you both to keep Nyota company tomorrow," Umma added, her voice filled with concern, before she and Appa exited my room.

"Do you have any idea who Nyota and her family are, Haneul?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

"I'm as clueless as you are, but I'm sure we'll uncover the truth tomorrow," he replied, bidding me goodnight. After changing into more comfortable attire, I settled into bed, my thoughts consumed by the image of the beautiful girl hidden away in the secret room, until sleep finally overtook me.

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