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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FUNERALS WERE ALWAYS HARD FOR JIEUN. The weight of loss pressed upon her heart, reminding her of the pain and sorrow she had endured throughout her life. As she stood amidst the sombre atmosphere of the grand cathedral in Greenfield, her gaze remained fixed on the ground, unable to face the scene before her.
The temple's high arches echoed with mournful hymns, the sound reverberating through the grand space, creating an ethereal ambiance. A multitude of candles flickered, casting a soft, warm glow upon the faces of the grieving attendees. Jieun's fingers instinctively tightened around Riki's hand, seeking solace in his presence.
To her side, Riki stood tall and steadfast, his presence a pillar of strength. He too felt the weight of the moment, the weight of loss and the shared memories they carried. His gaze remained fixed on Jieun, his eyes filled with unwavering support and understanding.
As the ceremony progressed, Jieun's attention shifted to the side, her gaze settling on Lady Yamamoto and her children. The sorrow etched upon their faces pierced Jieun's heart, awakening a flood of memories she had long kept buried.
She remembered herself as a small girl, standing in the same position, beside her father's lifeless body. The tears of Lady Yamamoto's children echoed the cries she herself had made, the cries of a child robbed of the comfort of a parent's presence. Jieun's throat tightened as she recalled the void that had filled her heart, the longing for her father's guiding hand and comforting words.
But it was not just her father's funeral that Jieun had been denied. Lady Kim, her dear friend and ally, had met a tragic fate at sea. Her body was lost, forever separating her from the proper farewell she deserved. Lady Kim's absence was a constant ache in Jieun's heart, a reminder of the cruelty and injustice that had befallen them all.
Jieun's gaze remained downward, unable to meet the sorrowful eyes of Lady Yamamoto. She could not bear to see her pain mirrored in another's face, fearing that it would only intensify her own.
Riki sensed Jieun's inner turmoil, his grip on her hand growing tighter as a gesture of reassurance. He leaned closer, his voice a gentle whisper that only she could hear. 'You are not alone, my love,' he said, his words carrying a quiet strength. 'We carry their memory within us, and we will honour them in our own way.'
