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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rina warns !
this chapter is not edited and might be a bit rushed (had to finish my psychology essay ahem)
IN THEIR NOW SHARED CHAMBERS AFTER THE FEAST, the candlelight cast a soft glow upon the chamber, enveloping Jieun and Riki in its warm embrace. They sat together on a plush velvet settee, their conversation meandering through the depths of their ambitions and the complexities of their shared path.
'I will have the tailors make new dresses of the finest fabric for you on the morrow,' Riki offered, his voice tinged with a hint of weariness.
Jieun leaned back, her eyes meeting his, filled with a mixture of concern and determination. 'Your mother spoke of our heir, the people expect one soon,' she stated, her tone laced with a touch of apprehension. 'But bringing an heir into the world at the moment is a dangerous thing. We have enemies, Riki, and a child would be a target.'
A heavy sigh escaped Riki's lips as he nodded in agreement. 'I know,' he admitted. 'It will come when the time is right. We cannot risk the safety of our child.'
Jieun's gaze shifted to the flickering flames dancing in the hearth. 'Your people are accepting,' she remarked, her voice filled with a mix of surprise and contemplation. 'I expected them to protest when I was crowned.'
Riki's eyes softened as he reached out to gently grasp Jieun's hand. 'They are afraid,' he confessed. 'They have suffered under the rule of my father and his tyranny. Change is a slow process, but we will work together to show them a different path. We will not rule with an iron fist.'
A hint of a smile played at the corners of Jieun's lips. 'Are you happy with your title, Jieun?' Riki asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.
For a moment, silence hung in the air, pregnant with unspoken thoughts. 'I was meant to rule the East,' Jieun began, her voice laced with a trace of wistfulness. 'The West was not a part of my calculations. But I. . . I cannot complain. You have been far more lenient than any man I've ever met. From what I have seen, this nation is beautiful, but it is not mine to rule, Riki.'
