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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HOURS LATER AFTER DINNER HAD BEEN SERVED, Jieun sat with her brother inside their father's chambers. The room had been cleaned of its mess, papers having been signed and written by Jieun's hand while Jungwon had cleaned the rest. It was the least he could do. Only a trace of light made its way past the red curtains, peeking through the small crevice where the two fabrics met, casting a subtle beam onto the wall. Each wall had been carved by the stonemason, creating art on the stonewalls, telling the legend of the Three. A tall dragon with three heads, stretching across the walls. It was said the Three had curled itself around the world, that was why it seemed so bumpy.
'I admit, Jungwon. It feels as if the kingdom is falling apart. With the possible attack. . . with father being ill━' Jieun cut herself off to sigh.
Jungwon nodded in agreement, casting a quick look towards their father. 'That, and the ever-present threat of rebellion from the Free Islands. I feel like the realm is going to crumble any day now, Jieun. I'm not sure what I should even do at this point. . .'
'If our father was poisoned, then it is not too hard to assume that both mother and Jiho were, as well. . . they are showing the same symptoms,' Jieun noted, a heavy feeling weighing her heart down.
He shuddered at the implication. Both his mother and older brother having been poisoned, as well? What a grim thought. 'Gods, Jieun. I never even considered. . . you are right. They were all poisoned, and by someone who wanted to weaken the realm. Who'd even do that? Who'd be insane enough to try and destroy our family?'
'Someone who has been close to our family for at least a decade, it was ten years ago mother and Jiho died. . .' Jieun mumbled absentmindedly in thought. 'We were nine, too young to understand and that may have been why they simply told us they were sick. Perhaps we should ask the Grand Physician Chen, he has served our family long before we were born.'
'You're right. . . the whole thing has been under our noses the whole time. Yes, we must speak to the Grand Physician.'
'Do you think the Grand Physician Chen could be. . ?'
'I think his position as Grand Physician is the perfect cover for such schemes. Even if he did not do it himself, he may know who did,' Jungwon said, reaching for his cloak and standing up from his seat on the couch. 'Shall we go.'
