In a kingdom torn by power struggles and political intrigue, Jieun, the rightful heir to the throne of the East, finds herself sidelined as her brother, Jungwon, takes control. Determined to reclaim her birthright, Jieun seeks alliances and forms a...
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THE SUMMER SUN SHONE BRIGHTLY ABOVE THE CASTLE FIREGARDEN, SEATED AT THE EDGE OF THE CAPITAL. A castle with a tower as high as the sky, red colour, a stark contrast to that of the rest of the city. Inside the guarded walls where guards with red cloaks stood was a woman. She sat by the blazing wood of a fireplace by the right side of the door on a loveseat in the colour red. Resting his head against her lower stomach was her eldest son, trying to listen for any signs of his baby siblings. Her fingers were running gentle touches throughout Prince Jiho's raven locks.
They were facing away from the king, who was seated not too far away on the bed. The woman, Good Queen Mei Li, turned around to look at her husband, seeing him too engrossed in his book.
'Come join us, husband,' Mei Li said, beckoning the king to join them by the fire.
'I would love to,' the King, Jaeho, replied, stepping over to them after shutting his book and placing it on the nightstand. He glanced down at Jiho, ruffling his hair. 'Hello there, little prince.' Jaeho moved over to his wife. Gently, he placed a hand on her stomach, feeling it shift, a small kick from one of the twins. He let out a quiet chuckle.
'Someone is excited to meet their father,' Mei Li said, amusement lacing her words.
Crown Prince Jiho could not help but groan in exasperation and annoyance at the kick. 'They never kick when I touch your stomach or talk to them! Only when father does it, so unfair.'
King Jaeho could not help but chuckle at the boy's complaint. 'I am sure they are just playing tricks on you, little prince.' He looked back to his wife. 'Have you thought of any names yet? For the twins?' He had a particular name on his mind, one he was particularly attached to, and was curious if his wife had the same sentiment.
'Do share your thoughts with me, husband.'
King Jaeho hesitated for a minute, taking the time to think over his words. 'I thought perhaps we could name one of the children, Jieun,' King Jaeho paused, letting the name hang in the air for a moment. 'I don't need to tell you why I chose that name,' The King of the realm continued.
'Would you want to honour her memory?' King Jaeho asked gently. It was the name he had in mind for one of the twins as soon as his wife had told them the news.
