The Four Kings & Me

Chapter 3

Ryang Empire 1854

Jung-ki POV...

Throughout the past eight years, Nyota has resided under our roof, and not once have I heard her utter a complaint about her confinement. Witnessing her restricted within the palace walls has made me appreciate the limited freedom I possess. She has diligently adapted to our way of life, inspiring me to strive for greater academic achievements and become a more dutiful son to Appa and Umma.

Umma has ensured Nyota's well-being, treating her as an integral part of our family. Appa and Sung-jun have imparted essential survival skills upon her, simultaneously teaching Haneul and me.

Today marks Nyota's eighteenth birthday, and I yearned to orchestrate something extraordinary for her. After weeks of relentless pleading, Appa and Umma have finally consented to allow her to join Haneul and me at the annual lantern festival. Tonight, I desired her to revel in the joyous occasion, particularly since it would be her inaugural venture beyond the palace walls since her arrival in our lives.

"Min-sook, is Nyota ready yet?" I called out impatiently from outside Nyota's room.

"Just give us a little more time, Jung-ki," Min-sook responded, her voice laced with amusement.

"I've been waiting long enough. We're going to be late for the lantern festival," I grumbled, feeling my nerves grow as the minutes ticked by.

"Don't worry, Jung-ki," Haneul reassured me, giving my shoulder a comforting pat. I mustered a weak smile, desperately hoping he was right.

"We're finished," Min-sook announced, finally opening the door.

"Wow, Nyota, you look stunning," Haneul and I exclaimed simultaneously as she emerged from her room, adorned in a breathtaking pinkish-purple hanbok. Her usually cascading jet-black curls were elegantly pinned up with a sseugaechima, a traditional Korean headpiece.

"Thank you," she replied, her face beaming with a wide smile.

"Min-sook, what's the point of applying makeup to her when her face will be hidden beneath her covering?" I questioned, assisting Nyota as she donned her purple and pink hooded cloak, complete with a delicate veil obscuring her features.

"Because every woman desires to look her best, even if no one will catch a glimpse. And aren't you and Haneul looking your finest tonight?" Min-sook scolded, her voice filled with reproach.

"Remember, Nyota, you mustn't remove your veil in public without reason. The king and I have granted you permission to venture beyond the palace walls because we understand the significance of tonight for you. We want you to experience something beyond these confines and Jung-ki's room. Additionally, Jung-ki and Haneul have pledged to protect you from any harm, which is another reason why we've allowed this outing," Umma explained, gently cradling Nyota's face in her hands.

"Yes, Queen Mother," Nyota responded cheerfully.