When Peony Blooms #AMBW

Chapter 53

Over the following days, a secretive stream of letters slipped from the palace's grip, each carrying with it a chilling undertow. Every minister found himself the recipient of a missive penned with an elegant hand, revealing the dark underbelly of their actions, and beckoning them to a hushed rendezvous. Bound with these daunting letters were irrefutable proofs of their misconduct, solid threats that rattled the nerves of even the most unflappable dignitaries.

Minister Jung, his reputation tarnished by shady deals with opulent merchants, felt his blood turn to ice as he surveyed the incriminating evidence attached to his letter. Minister Choi, notorious for twisting court records to his advantage, swallowed hard, his treacherous deeds glaring back at him from the parchment. Each minister grappled with the jarring realization of their deeds being laid bare, the summons in their hands leaving them with a bitter taste of dread.

A secluded pavilion, buried in the verdant labyrinth of the royal gardens, was the chosen venue. Bathed in the spectral glow of moonlight, the ministers trickled in, their faces shadowed by a mix of fear and curiosity. They took their places around an ornately decorated round table, the thick tension in the air barely disturbed by the occasional rustle of silk robes or an uneasy cough.

Recognition and shock sketched themselves on their faces as they clocked each other.

"Minister Park," Minister Jung croaked out, his surprise etched clear on his face. "You here... of all people?"

The corners of Park's mouth tightened, as he played along with their confusion. " It appears we're all in the same boat. I wonder what storm is about to hit us."

The tension within the pavilion ratcheted up, akin to a crossbow primed for release, as the Crown Prince stepped into the circle of light. His aura, far from being diminished by his rumored demise, seemed to radiate a formidable strength, amplified by the dire circumstances. As he unveiled himself, eyes darted wide in astonishment, gasps slicing through the weighty silence like a blade, his royal bearing undisputed and assertive.

Minister Nam, his face pale in the moonlight, managed to sputter, "Seja... Sejamama? But...you were said to be...dead!"

His eyes scanned the room, his gaze steady and piercing. His expression remained as unmoved as the still night air outside. "Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated," he replied, his voice cold yet clear, cutting through their murmurs.

"Gentlemen," he started, his tone firm and unwavering, "I believe you've received my invitations."

As he let his fester in their discomfort , their expressions morphed rapidly from shock to an understanding. The cold reality of their situation was beginning to set in.

"My intentions are not to bring fear, but to instigate a much-needed reformation. However, You can either align yourselves with me, or I will be forced to bring your transgressions to light. You must choose your path," he continued, each word dropping like a stone into the silent void.

A deafening silence cloaked the pavilion, pierced only by the distant chirping of nocturnal insects. The ministers were left dumbstruck, their minds wrestling with the astounding revelation. They traded uncertain glances, their eyes mirroring the storm of disbelief and fear within, as they struggled to fully absorb the gravitas of the Crown Prince's declaration.

As the days turned into weeks wore on, Ayodele could feel the weight of her pregnancy pressing upon her, her body growing weary from the strain. She had been experiencing mild contractions throughout the day, but now, as she moved about the palace, a sharp cramp coursed through her abdomen, stealing her breath away.

Fear and anticipation mingled within her as she felt a warm sensation trickle down her legs.

Afi, sensing Ayodele's discomfort, rushed to her side, her voice filled with concern. "Sejabinmama!" She exclaimed before looking to Lady song. " We must find a physician immediately."