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 BREAKFAST TABLE WAS SET ELEGANTLY, WITH FINE SILVERWARE AND DELICATE PORCELAIN PLATES ADORNED WITH GOLDEN EDGES. A bouquet of fresh flowers sat in the centre of the table, filling the room with a sweet fragrance. The table was long enough to seat at least eight people, but today only Jieun and Riki were present.
Jieun was sitting at the head of the table, with Riki seated across from her. The guards were positioned at various points around the room, ever-vigilant and ready to spring into action should the need arise.
'So princess,' Riki began, having grown beyond his desperation, realising that it made him look more than pathetic. 'I take it you want to ask me some questions.'
Jieun hummed in response, leg crossed over the other. 'You are correct. Pray tell, Prince Riki, how is it that after your arrival in Firegarden, my father suddenly fell ill? And how is it that the very poison that seeped through his lips comes from the flower native to the West and not. . . the East?'
A short pause before Riki answered. 'It is very simple, Princess,' he said. 'I did not poison your father. I absolutely have no reason to kill the King, and it is not in my nature to be a murderer.'
She tilted her head to the side. 'So it has not been in your interest to usurp the throne like you once did in the West?' Her tone was one of mock, if anything.
'Conquering the East is a dream of many men in the West,' Riki admitted. 'I would be no less than guilty to deny that I would love to have the East submit to me. I certainly have no love for your people. But killing the King of the East in his own palace, while I am a guest? It would be a foolish errand indeed. In fact, it would be suicidal. Why would I willingly put myself in that situation?'
Biting her tongue to stop herself from replying with some snarky comment, Jieun opted for a vague one instead. 'We all work for the greater good, no? What is a sacrifice of a life if it opens a window of attack?'
He smiled at that. 'The greater good? And what good would come from me murdering the ruler of the East?' His smile widened as he let a hint of condescension seep into his voice. 'You truly think I would be that stupid, princess, don't you? You truly think I'd be that much of a fool?'
