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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AS JIEUN MADE HER WAY BACK TO THE SANCTUARY OF HER CHAMBERS, a heavy sense of foreboding settled within her. However, before she could retreat into the solace of her own thoughts, Heeseung intercepted her with a grave demeanour. His voice was hushed, almost conspiratorial, as he addressed her with a sense of urgency.
'Your Grace, I regret to inform you of a delicate matter concerning Lady Hana, your loyal lady-in-waiting,' he whispered, his words barely audible above a breath. The worry etched across Jieun's features deepened as she inquired about Hana's whereabouts, fearing the worst.
Guided by Heeseung's gentle hand, Jieun retraced her steps, finding herself back in the confines of her chambers. The door swung open, revealing the solemn scene within, but Heeseung dutifully turned his gaze away, respecting the privacy of Sakura and Hana. As Jieun crossed the threshold, Heeseung closed the door behind her.
Addressing the distraught women before her, Jieun's voice carried a tremor of concern as she spoke their names. 'Hana, Sakura, my dear ladies,' she began, her eyes reflecting a mix of compassion and worry. Hana's fragile form crumpled in the centre of the room, tears cascading down her face like crystalline trails of sorrow. The sight tugged at Jieun's heart, and she yearned to understand the depth of Hana's anguish.
'What has transpired to bring such despair?' Jieun implored, her voice filled with empathy and genuine concern. She sensed the weight of Hana's unspoken words, the heaviness in the air indicating a violation that cut to the core.
Hana's voice quivered with emotion as she struggled to find the words to express her pain. 'I tried to stop him, Your Grace, I truly did. I promise you,' she managed to utter, her voice tinged with a mix of desperation and guilt.
Jieun's breath hitched in her throat, her realisation dawning upon her like a sombre revelation. She knew, deep within her soul, the truth that Hana hesitated to share. 'Who was it?' she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
'Lord Yamamoto,' Sakura's voice broke the heavy silence, her own words a delicate murmur barely heard. The air grew heavier still, the weight of Hana's violated innocence hanging in the room. Jieun's features contorted briefly, a mixture of grief, anger, and determination etching deep lines upon her face.
