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 FAMILIAR STREETS OF THE CITY OPENED TO HER, a dark hood was covering her clothes, a sword sheathed by the side of her. Ser Heeseung and Ser Jake on each side of her, dressed in brown commoner rags to blend in. As famous as they were, the royal family, none really knew what Jungwon looked like. Granted, Jieun was by far more popular, for she took the time to travel into the city. However, Jungwon seldom showed his face to the commoners, if even seldom. Perhaps that was why he could so easily slip out of their grasp.
'Where may the Crown Prince be?' Ser Heeseung asked, eyes scanning the streets. There was a slight tension, a certain awkwardness, when Jieun looked at Heeseung. To think that he may have been the one to take her hand, instead, he was assigned knight. To watch and to protect, not only her, but her future husband ━ a man that was not him.
Ser Lee Heeseung was born into a family of knights, where honour, duty, and service were ingrained in him from a young age. He was the second son of Lord Lee, a respected lord of a small but prosperous fiefdom. From the moment he could walk, he was trained in the art of combat and knightly skills, preparing him for a life of service to his lord and kingdom. While his brother honed the skills of politics and wits, Heeseung became skilled with the sword.
As a young man, Heeseung distinguished himself on the battlefield, earning the admiration of his fellow knights and the respect of his enemies. He was a natural leader, with a quick mind and a strategic vision that set him apart from his peers. Jieun knew he would make a good protector for as long as his father wished. Unlike the triplets, Heeseung was not sworn in the same way they were. While he was ready to sacrifice his life for Jieun, he was not bound to serve her for life. Heeseung would wed and give children to his lady wife, a path the triplets had been robbed of.
'I do not know. . .' Jieun admitted, 'he rarely leaves his chambers. And when he does, he is far too drunk to comprehend where he is going.'
Her eyes roamed over the place. The buildings were made of stone or wood, some towering high with intricate carvings and stained glass windows, while others were small and humble with thatched roofs. The cobblestone streets were uneven and often muddy, making it difficult to walk.
