𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿𝘀. . . nishimura riki ✔

𝟬𝟯𝟬; and you, as well

ON THE MORROW, rushed steps walked through court, Jieun was hurrying to her father to tell him of the news.As Jieun entered her father's chambers, she was met with an overwhelming sense of disarray. The usually well-organised room was in complete chaos, with papers strewn about and furniture overturned. The air was thick with the smell of sickness and decay, and the once-grand decor of the room was now faded and worn.

Despite her fear, Jieun approached her father and placed a hand on his forehead. His skin was burning hot, and she knew that he was gravely ill. Her heart beat loudly inside her chest, a sense of panic rising over her.

'Father?'

King Jaeho turned to face his daughter, his face drawn and pale. 'Jieun,' he said weakly. 'What brings you here?'

Jieun could not help but feel a twinge of concern at the sight of her father's state. She took a step forward, peering closely at him. 'Are you feeling alright, Father?' she asked, her voice laced with worry.

'I'm fine,' he said, his voice barely above a whisper. 'Just a little tired, that's all.' The King let out a weak cough, his hand pressed to his chest.

Jieun was not convinced. 'You do not look well,' she said, her concern deepening. 'Perhaps I should send for a healer?'

'No, no,' he said quickly. 'I'll be fine. I just need some rest.'

Inhaling a deep breath, she asked softly, 'Father, are you sure you're feeling okay? You seem very tired and weak.'

Her father opened his mouth to reassure her he was fine, but Jieun pressed on, 'Do you feel any pain or discomfort? Maybe a headache or a fever?'

There, she got him there, for he hesitated before answering. 'Actually, I do have a bit of a headache and I feel a bit feverish.'

Jieun's heart sank. These were the same symptoms her mother and brother had before they died. She tried to keep her composure, not wanting to alarm her father, but her mind raced with worry.

'Father,' Jieun said, 'I think we should call for the royal physician to check on you. It's better to be safe than sorry.'

The king nodded weakly, and Jieun quickly left the room to summon the physician. As she walked down the hallway, she couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had settled in her chest. She knew that if her father had the same illness as her mother and brother, his chances of survival were slim.

Silently, Jieun walked out of his room, glancing at Ser Park, uncle to the triplets. 'Call for Master Zhong, we need his assistance, and call for the Grand Physician Chen.'

Master Zhong, a master at potions and poison, in case it was not a simple joke by from the gods.

Ser Park gave a nod in acknowledgement, and turned to leave the room, his armour clanking softly as he moved. Jieun watched him go before turning to hurry down the hallway towards the stairs, her thoughts racing.

She needed to know what was happening to her father, and quickly. She knew that the Grand Physician Chen was the most skilled physician in the kingdom, and that Master Zhong's knowledge of potions and poisons was second to none. If anyone could help her father, it was them.

As she descended the stairs, Jieun's mind was racing. She had to keep her wits about her. Her father needed her now more than ever, and she had to be strong for him.

SHE PACED BACK AND FORTH INSIDE HIS CHAMBERS, her father sick, showing the same symptoms as her late mother and brother. Worry evaded her every sense, the kingdom would fall into squalor without its king and with Jungwon being half the fool he was, Jieun strongly debated if this was the end of House Yang. Surely the gods jested? They were playing cruel jokes on her for their own entertainment ━ that was what gods did, was it not?

'Jungwon is missing.'

'Missing?' she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

'Yes,' the king replied, his face etched with worry. 'He left without a word and no one knows where he is. I've already sent out search parties, but so far, there's been no word.'

'How long ago?'

'A few hours before I fell sick.'

Jieun nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. She knew her brother could be impulsive, but this was unlike him, to disappear like that? He would often shut himself inside his quarters when the world became too heavy for him to carry. However, Jieun did not know where else he would be if not his quarters. Perhaps the fool had got himself drunk again?

'And I have a meeting with the lords in two days.'

'I'll take care of your duties, Father,' she said, determination in her voice. 'You rest and focus on getting better.'

As Jieun was by her father's bedside, she could not help but remember all the times her father had dismissed her efforts and achievements in favour of her brother's. The times he had hit her and told her she was only responsible for Jungwon's success. It hurt her deeply, but she still loved him and wanted to do her best to help him. To see him, so weak, so defeated was something new. He always carried himself with pride and elegance.

'Thank you, Jieun,' her father said, looking up at her with a weak smile. 'I knew I could count on you. And don't worry about Jungwon, he's probably just off on one of his adventures.'

Jieun nodded, but she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease in her gut. She knew Jungwon had a tendency to be impulsive, but this was different. She decided to investigate and find out where he was, but first, she had to take care of her father's duties.

'I'll make sure everything runs smoothly, Father,' Jieun promised. 'You just focus on getting better.'

Her father nodded and closed his eyes, and Jieun took a deep breath, steeling herself for the task ahead.