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 NEXT DAY ARRIVED WITH LADY KIM'S UNEXPECTED VISIT, her face etched with stress and worry. Jieun's eyes lit up with a mixture of relief and longing as she embraced her, almost on the verge of tears.
'Lady Kim,' Jieun whispered, her voice trembling with a myriad of emotions. 'I'm so glad you're here.'
Lady Kim returned the embrace, her own eyes reflecting concern. 'Jieun, dear sister,' she murmured, her voice filled with a blend of affection and anxiety. 'There is much we need to discuss.'
A heavy feeling weighed on her heart when Jieun nodded. 'How did. . . he die?'
'They say it was a suicide, Jieun. But deep down, I know it was not. Your father would never take his own life. He was a strong and resilient man.'
Jieun's anger flared, her fists clenching at the injustice of it all. Yet, she fought to maintain her composure, her voice steady but laced with determination. Traitors, the lot of them.
In the midst of their intense conversation, Jieun pressed further, her voice tinged with urgency. 'Where will they crown Jungwon as king?'
Lady Kim's face grew solemn as she responded, 'It will be held in the grand hall of Firegarden, Jieun.'
Her heart sank with the realisation that her beloved Firegarden, the grand hall that held memories of joy and celebration, would now be the site of her brother's ascension to the throne. However, he would not be a true King if he got crowned in the great hall. All kings were crowned in the Temple of the Three Dragons. It had always been a temple, always under the eyes of the Faith.
Instinctively, she clasped her hands together, her nails digging into her palms, creating crescent moons in her skin.
Riki, who had been silently watching their interaction, noticed her clenched fists. With a gentle touch, he reached out and took hold of her hands, his touch firm yet tender. Sensing her distress, he softly pried open her palms and began rubbing her palms with his thumb, a comforting gesture of support and understanding.
Their eyes met, and in that moment, Riki could see the storm of emotions raging within Jieun's gaze. He knew that her pain and determination ran deep, intertwining in a complex dance. Without saying a word, he sought to convey his solidarity, to let her know that he was there for her, ready to stand by her side through the darkness that lay ahead.
