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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THERE WAS A PRINCESS AND A QUEEN EMBRACED IN A LOVING HUG INSIDE THE CASTLE. The halls outside the chambers were filled with warmth, a lively aura travelling amongst the people, all oblivious to the truth behind the closed doors. Jieun was curled into her mother's side, arms wrapped around her, head resting against her shoulder. Soft tears ran down her cheeks at the thought of her mother leaving her.
Her thoughts were in disarray. What was she supposed to do without her mother?
'Mother?' Jieun asked in a low voice.
'My sweet?' Mei Li replied, running a hand through her daughter's hair. In the darkness, the smile that tainted her lips was barely visible.
'I think I am lost. I would not know what to do without your guidance,' Jieun admitted, her hands making their way to her mother's dress, playing with the hem of the sleeves.
She sighed. 'The path before you is not determined, my love. You must choose it for yourself. And you will. Even from a distance, I can see the spirit you have to carve your own way. I am proud of you, sweet girl.'
'I'm not like you, mother.' She looked up at her mother, eyes glossed with a layer of tears. 'You are perfect, I am not.'
Mei Li brought Jieun closer to her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. 'And I'm proud of you for that. There would be no point in having two of me. Your own path to blaze, your own legacy to make. All without my guiding presence. You are braver than I ever was, more curious and more driven.'
'I am just a princess, mother. A second-born child. I only have my title and a name, nothing more,' Jieun mumbled. Everything went to Jiho, every duty and every responsibility. All she had was the ability to bear children, to become a pawn for the greater game.
'Your destiny is not set in stone. You have a title, yes, and there will be some who tell you that it puts limitations on your journey, but these are only words, and it is your choice to embrace them or not.' Mei Li's words dug deep into her heart, finding a place to rest.
Jieun looked unsure. 'Can I really? The ladies at court tell me I will be wed off to a lord and bear his children. . .'
'They will try to tell you your entire life, but you need not listen. You are a dragon, and dragons do not bend so easily as others might. The world may try and force you down a certain path, but you are free to fly in whatever direction you wish. You need only reach for the sky, and they will be powerless in front of you.'
