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 LIBRARY OF FIREGARDEN WAS VAST. The library dated back centuries ago, books stapled on top of each other on red wood shelves that stretched as tall as the ceiling. The smell of paper, leather-bound volumes, old wood from the shelves was always a comforting invitation for Jieun. Around her, candles were lit, a yellow with a strong scent of citrus ━ warm citrus, if anything. The library was the grandest in the city, although the library in the Old Citadel could knock it off its pedestal. The Old Citadel was a city of education, it was only fitting that their library was the largest in the realm.
Jieun sat in the corner ━ her corner. That special loveseat had belonged to her as long as she remembered. She had always sat in that spot, finding comfort in the silence. It was not often she got silence. Usually maids and servants were running around the place, preparing. As grateful as she was for the maids and servants, they could be exhausting at times, constantly surrounding her.
'How's my favourite little bookworm doing?'
Jieun looked up from her book, seeing Jungwon leaning against one of the bookcases. She huffed, turning her attention back to her book, How to rule a nation by Master Ling.
'Have you come to apologise for trying to take my place in the Council?' she retorted, flipping a page.
She heard him sigh. 'Well, I know it should've been you. I know you would've been better. I was just. . . greedy. I just wanted it so badly.'
A small hum left Jieun's lips. 'And yet you never went to the meetings, not until you lost it. Father said the place is mine again, on the account that I do not torment you.'
Jungwon chuckled softly. 'Yes, I am terribly annoying, am I not?' He stopped his sentence with another sigh. 'Still, I am glad to see you back at your place, my lady.'
Jieun, wishing to be annoyed and frustrated at him, could not stop the smile that tugged on the corners of her lips.
'We should. . . spend more time together. We're family, after all. We should. . . well, try to love each other a bit more. At least, before what may come.' At the sight of her smile, he smirked. 'Before I ruin the realm, that is.'
