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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JIEUN WALKED THROUGH THE HALLS OF THE FIREGARDEN, her heart heavy with grief and worry. Her father's illness weighed heavily on her mind, and she couldn't shake the feeling of impending loss. Despite their often tumultuous relationship, she loved her father dearly and the thought of losing him was unbearable.
As she walked, memories of happier times flooded her mind. She remembered her father's laughter, his wise counsel, and the way he had always been there for her, no matter what.
Her steps slowed as she reached the door to her father's chambers. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. She knew that her father's condition had worsened, and the thought of seeing him like this filled her with dread.
But she knew that she had to be strong for him, to show him that she was there for him no matter what. With a heavy heart, she pushed open the door and entered the room.
No matter how many times she stepped foot into her father's room, there was always an air of tension. Many memories had happened in that room, many of where her mother would comfort her in her last days. For those chambers had once belonged to both her parents.
'Father?' Jieun asked, 'how are you feeling?'
King Jaeho turned his head over to look at Jieun with a weak smile on his face. He was clearly in a great amount of pain, and he had grown thinner and weaker since last speaking with Jieun.
'Jieun, my dear.' King Jaeho spoke with an audible pain in his voice. 'You look as healthy and as beautiful as ever, daughter of mine. Come, rest here with me.' He put his arm out to invite Jieun to join him by his bed, and he patted the space next to him for her to sit.
Hesitantly, she walked over to the space beside him and sat down, she reached out to take hold of his hand, but stopped herself, afraid her touch would cause him any further pain. 'Are you in any pain, father?'
He nodded. 'Yes, Jieun, I am in a great amount of pain. The Dahlia tea only does so much. . .' he said, letting out a soft sigh. 'You may hold my hand if you'd like to. I know how you like to do that. . .' He closed his eyes for a minute, then opened them to look back at Jieun, he could almost burst into tears at the sight of her. His daughter. 'You do look beautiful today, my daughter. Just like your mother.'
