Harmony of the Heart: The Legacy of Jeosoen

Chapter 7: Queen's Gambit

The tension in the palace escalated as Queen Sunmi's resentment towards Hyejin grew stronger. Her attempts to undermine Hyejin's relationship with King Jungkook became bolder and more calculated.

One afternoon, as Hyejin was walking through the palace gardens, she was approached by one of Sunmi's loyal servants, Lady Jisoo.

"Han Hyejin," Lady Jisoo greeted with a polite smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Her Majesty requests your presence in her chambers."

Hyejin's heart sank, sensing trouble. Despite her apprehension, she followed Lady Jisoo to Queen Sunmi's private quarters.

When Hyejin entered the opulent chambers, Queen Sunmi was seated gracefully on a plush divan, her expression composed yet cold.

"Han Hyejin," Sunmi began, her voice smooth but laced with underlying hostility. "Please, have a seat."

Hyejin bowed respectfully before taking a seat across from the queen. "Your Majesty."

Sunmi's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied Hyejin. "I understand you have been spending a great deal of time with His Majesty lately."

Hyejin remained calm, despite the tension in the air. "As a dancer in the palace, I have had the honor of performing for His Majesty on several occasions."

Sunmi's smile was thin. "Performing, yes. But I am referring to your private meetings with him. It has not gone unnoticed."

Hyejin chose her words carefully. "His Majesty is gracious and values the arts. I am grateful for his appreciation of my talents."

Sunmi's tone turned sharper. "Do not mistake his kindness for something more, Hyejin. Kings are known for their capriciousness. You would do well to remember your place."

Hyejin felt a surge of anger, but she kept her composure. "I am aware of my station, Your Majesty. I have never presumed otherwise."

Sunmi's gaze bore into Hyejin's, filled with thinly veiled threat. "Good. Because I would hate for anything to tarnish the reputation of our royal family."

With that final barb, Sunmi dismissed Hyejin, leaving her to navigate the treacherous waters of palace intrigue alone.

As Hyejin left Sunmi's chambers, her mind raced with worry. She knew that Sunmi's words carried weight in the court, and she feared the repercussions of their confrontation. But more than that, she feared for her burgeoning relationship with Jungkook. Sunmi's relentless hostility threatened to tear them apart, and Hyejin wasn't sure how much longer she could withstand the pressure.