The Pheasant, that fell from the Sky || Hwarang

- 24 -

Yeseul followed Jinheung as part of his entourage on his way to the throne room on the day of his coronation. Lady Ok had told her in the morning to be part of the ceremony. Even though Yeseul had gone to the Palace as seamstress, they kept ordering her to do other tasks as well. Her days had grown more and more exhausting. Next to her seamstress work, she had to quickly get to the King's quarters to be a maid as well.

In the morning, she had gotten a letter from Yeowool. He wrote her that the Hwarang had to make the decision whether to support Seonu or Jinheung. They would make this decision together as one group. Yeseul got worried again. What if a fight or even a war would break out between the two candidates? Would Silla as they knew it up until now end? Would chaos emerge? Would it be safe in this kingdom? She was currently part of the Palace, part of Jinheung's people. And Yeowool belonged to the Hwarang. If they would take Seonu's side and start a war that meant that the two were on opposite sites. Would she be allowed to leave? Or would she have to run away? Would they accept her as a former palace servant? Or would they eliminate everyone from the palace? Was it Jinheung's plan to have her as a pressure medium to convince Yeowool to take his side? Yeseul shook her head. She thought too much.

Her eyes shortly shot to Jinheung in front of her. He was wearing the coronation gown she and the other seamstresses had finished yesterday in the late night. He must be worried as well whether or not the Hwarang would support him or not. He had lived and trained with them for weeks, it surely would hurt if they would turn their back on him. Yeseul didn't know how the Hwarang felt towards Jinheung but Yeowool had told her that most of them had already settled with the thought of Seonu being the king when the rumours first appeared. Furthermore, Yeowool had told her that some Hwarang had mocked Jinheung for his appearance at the Hwarang House the other day.

The King and his entourage entered the palace. Most of the entourage didn't enter the throne room. Only two men, one with the king's crown and the other with a red and golden chest on cushions, as well as Yeseul, as it had been told to her, followed Jinheung down the path between the officials to the throne. She spotted Suho at the entrance of the throne room. The Queen sat on a small throne next to the stairs that lead to the throne. On the other side of the stairs was an older man. Yeseul assumed he was Seonu's father. The two men with the cushions and Yeseul took their place next to the stairs as well, closer to the throne than Seonu's father, while Jinheung sat down on the throne. The Queen nodded to one of the ministers, who Yeseul believed to be Suho's father.

»We have gathered here today to crown-«

»Halt!«, Minister Park Youngshil interrupted him, took a few steps forward and looked up to the throne, »Do you really think that throne belongs to you?« Gasping, startled looks and whispers went around the room. Yeseul couldn't believe her senses. Was he really just trying to question Jinheung as king so openly? Neither Jinheung nor the Queen answered the official's question.

»We, the officials, think differently«, he then said.

»How dare you«, the Queen took the word.

»I, the highest official of Silla, choose to crown another Sacred Bone as the King«, he continued, »Prince Hwikyung's son, Seonu.« He turned around as the doors of the throne room opened and went back to his place. The Hwarang entered the room in their red warrior robes and swords in their hands as well as serious faces. They appeared in rows of three with Seonu leading them alone at the front. Yeseul's heart beat faster. She spotted Yeowool in the first row on the left. Banryu was in the middle of the first row, Dansae on the right. Yeseul didn't know Dansae had become a Hwarang. Maybe in place of Hanseong, she thought. Whispers went around among the officials again. The Hwarang arrived in front of the throne. Yeseul looked over to the Queen who seemed shocked by the appearance of the warriors she had once recruited. Yeseul's eyes met Yeowool's. She looked at him unsure of what would be happening now. He slowly closed and opened his eyes assuring. She didn't exactly know what he was assuring her, but it calmed her down a bit.

Suho went from the back of the throne room to the front between Seonu and the first row of Hwarang. »The Hwarang«, he announced loudly, »have chosen the King for the future of Silla.« Everyone in the room held their breath. »We, Hwarang, swear our allegiance to His Majesty who will empower Silla and who will serve the needs of the people!« Suho fell on his knee, put his right arm up and bowed showing his respect. In a wave the Hwarang behind him followed suit. Jinheung didn't say a word.

»Hwarang represents Silla's new conviction! Devote yourselves to Silla and to the King of Silla!«, Seonu said loudly and drew his sword. The room stayed silent once again. Yeseul's heart beat faster again as she waited for the Hwarang's decision. »Hail King Jinheung!«

»Hail King Jinheung!«, the Hwarang shouted together and raised they swords, »Hail King Jinheung! Hail King Jinheung! Hail King Jinheung!«

Relieved Yeseul took a deep breath and a slight smile formed on her face. No war. No choosing sides. No unsafe kingdom. Her eyes found Yeowool but he didn't look up as he cheered King Jinheung. After the shouting ebbed up Seonu suddenly turned around and held his sword to Minister Park Youngshil's neck. Everyone's looks went to that situation.

»Traitor Park Youngshil«, the Hwarang addressed the official, »You have attempted to kill the King and planned treason! Receive your punishment.«

»Master Park!«, some of the other officials said concerned.

»Furthermore, if anyone stands with him, step forward now«, Seonu continued, »The swords of the Hwarang shall not forgive you!« All officials in the room hastily bowed towards the throne. Banryu, who had looked at his adoptive father, looked to the front as well. Yeseul saw how Park Youngshil slowly realised the consequences of his actions.

Seonu stepped back to his position in front of the throne and looked up to Jinheung. The King stood up from his throne meeting eyes with his former fellow Hwarang as well.

Yeseul's eyes went to Yeowool again. This time he looked at her as well and gifted her a proud smile.

After the coronation-ceremony King Jinheung went outside towards the throne on top of two sets of stairs. The Hwarang and officials were lined along the red carpet. The Queen and Princess Sookmyung sat on a separate throne to the left of the King's throne. Yeseul stood, together with five other maids, on the stairs as King Jinheung got up the stairs followed by the man who had told him about Aro. The Hwarang closed the alley they had built forming rows of three again. This time Seonu stood in the first row with Banryu to his left and Yeowool to his right. Their eyes were on Jinheung as he arrived at the top. He took the sword from next to the throne and drew it.

»I, King Jinheung of Silla, along with Hwarang, will put the people first and will lead a powerful and prosperous Silla«, he announced. The Hwarang started cheering loudly for him. Now everyone believed him to be a good king, that would lead the Kingdom of Silla wisely.