A HEART FOR AN EYE.

CHAPTER 2: A STORM AT THE PARADE.

Dinner began on a delightful note, with a harmonious buzz of conversation filling the air. The guests appeared to be thoroughly enjoying their meals, which were masterfully crafted by Ahnsoo and her team. The dishes were a symphony of flavors, each bite a testament to Ahnsoo's culinary expertise.

The soft melodies of the royal instrumentalists provided the perfect backdrop, adding an extra layer of elegance to the evening. Laughter echoed across the dining hall as the guests savored each course, sharing anecdotes and toasting to the queen's health and happiness.

The atmosphere was infused with warmth and camaraderie, a true reflection of the unity and joy that permeated the palace on this special occasion.

"Do you like the food, my queen?" the king asked tenderly, placing a hand on her gently swelling belly and smiling warmly.

"We absolutely love it, your majesty," the queen replied, her eyes sparkling with affection as she gazed fondly at her husband. The warmth of his touch on her belly, where their unborn child rested, filled her with a sense of peace and happiness.

Contrary to royal dining protocol, the expectant queen had craved bulgogi all day long, insisting it be served to her first. Once the royal taster had given their approval, she closed her eyes in bliss as she savored the rich flavors.

"I'm glad," the king murmured softly, his thumb gently caressing the gentle curve of her stomach. "I've heard that a mother's cravings are never to be ignored."

"Indeed, and this bulgogi is simply divine," the queen added with a contented sigh. "It's just as I imagined it."

Around them, the atmosphere was filled with a mixture of laughter, clinking glasses, and the hum of lively conversation. The royal family and their esteemed guests gathered in the opulent dining hall, shared in the joyous occasion. It was more than just a formal dinner; it was a celebration of love, family, and unity.

"You look radiant tonight, my love," the king whispered, leaning closer to her. "Pregnancy agrees with you."

The queen blushed at his compliment, feeling a surge of love and gratitude towards him. "Thank you, my dear. I feel blessed to have you by my side."

Their tender exchange did not go unnoticed by those seated around them. Smiles were exchanged, and a few discreet wipes of tears from the guests.

The warmth and genuine affection between the royal couple set a serene tone for the evening, reminding everyone of the bonds that held them together, both as individuals and as members of the royal court.

As the dinner progressed, more toasts were offered, not only to the queen's health and happiness but also to the prosperity of the kingdom and the enduring friendship among those present. Each dish that Ahnsoo and her team had prepared was met with enthusiastic praise, further enhancing the joyful atmosphere.

In the midst of it all, the queen placed a hand over her husband's, squeezing it gently. "Thank you for this wonderful evening, my love," she whispered, her eyes shining with emotion.

Park Ji Hyuk, the King of Neju, stood apart from any monarch in history. He was known as a compassionate ruler whose wise judgments and genuine concern for his subjects, irrespective of their status or class, endeared him not only to the people but also to the Grand Deity of Neju.

His wife, Queen Jin Ara, was the only child of Fated Prince Song Hi Moon, who governed the Eastern coast of Neju.

Unlike Grand Kings, who inherited royal blood, Fated Princes were ordinary individuals whose unwavering loyalty to the kingdom earned them the favor of the Grand Deity. In some extraordinary cases, they could even rise from the ranks of peasants or slaves who had suffered under the royal family.

Each of Neju's four regions had its own Fated Prince appointed by the Grand King to act on his behalf, accountable solely to him.

Although Fated Princes held no political authority and could not make decisions affecting the kingdom without the Grand King's endorsement, they lived in palatial splendor and commanded immense respect throughout Neju.

The marriage of Queen Jin Ara to Grand King Ji Hyuk was not born out of romantic love but out of duty, trust, and a steadfast commitment to the kingdom's welfare.

Like many unions of duty, theirs lacked fiery passion; instead, it was rooted in mutual understanding, respect, and a deep affection that sought to protect not only each other but also their unborn child nestled lovingly in the queen's womb.

Unlike previous royal heirs, their child's conception was not foretold by grand prophecies or announced by the Sky Goddess Mela, who traditionally named every Neju baby before they were born.

However, such mysterious conceptions were considered highly auspicious in Neju. Three of the kingdom's greatest Grand Kings had been born fateless, each going on to bring immense glory to Neju. Therefore, the Grand King and Queen held high hopes for their precious unborn child, trusting in the blessings of fate to guide their little one to greatness.

The king squeezed her hand in return, his heart swelling with pride and love for his queen. "Anything for you, my dear," he replied softly, his gaze never leaving hers.

And so, amidst laughter, music, and the aroma of delicious food, the royal dinner progressed to the main traditional birthday ritual.

It was finally time to serve the grand queen's birthday seaweed soup, a task Ahnsoo had mastered over the years. Yet, as she approached the table with the steaming bowl, her hands trembled ever so slightly. Not out of fear of reprimand-she knew the Grand King and his queen were too gracious to criticize openly-but out of a sincere desire for the queen to relish every bite on this special day. The table, crowded with guests boasting diverse palates, only added to her apprehension.

"Oh, thank you, my dear Ahn Soo, this looks absolutely delicious," the grand queen murmured, her gentle touch on Ahnsoo's hand momentarily calming her nerves as she placed the soup infront of her.

"You are most welcome, my grand queen," Ahnsoo replied with a warm smile, bowing respectfully before attending to the other diners.

With the soup served and anticipation filling the air, Yunhoo, the chief royal taster, unable to contain her excitement, moved forward to taste it as per royal protocol before the queen could drink it.

"It is , as expected, so delicious, your majesty," Yunhoo exclaimed, spooning a generous portion into her mouth. She closed her eyes, savoring the flavors for a brief moment before a sudden, violent coughing fit seized her.

Gasps filled the room as Yunhoo doubled over, blood streaming from her nose and mouth. In a matter of seconds, she collapsed lifelessly to the floor.

Pandemonium erupted. Servants rushed forward, guests recoiled in shock, and Ahnsoo's heart pounded in her chest. The serene ambiance of the grand dinner shattered into chaos, whispers of suspicion and concern spreading like wildfire among the stunned attendees.

The Grand King and queen, their faces etched with disbelief and horror, exchanged a glance filled with unspoken dread.

"This cannot be happening," the queen whispered, her voice trembling.

"We need to summon the royal physician immediately," the Grand King declared, his tone firm but masking his own rising fear.

As servants hurried to assist Yunhoo and call for medical aid, Ahnsoo stood frozen, her mind racing with questions and fear for the safety of everyone present.

The once-celebratory atmosphere now hung heavy with uncertainty, the joyful occasion marred by tragedy and the ominous shadow of what was obviously to come next.