Moon's Whisper, Heart's Echo

39. The Gathering

"It isn't wise to claim..." Lord Cho concluded his report about Min-joon's parentage. The eastern lantern light caught the self-satisfaction in his smile, making him look more predator than nobleman.

He had chosen this moment deliberately - with both the King and Queen present, before the full court. Such matters were typically handled through private channels, yet here he stood, his ceremonial hat gleaming with fresh lacquer, every fold of his hanbok arranged to project authority.

The Crown Prince and Princess maintained perfect composure, though any who knew them well might have caught that particular stillness they assumed when hunting.

"So you see, Your Highnesses," Lord Cho finished with practiced humility, his sleeves arranged just so as he bowed, "it would be most inappropriate to allow such a child into the Park family registry."

"Fascinating." The Crown Prince barely glanced up from the game board before him, moving a piece. "And you're quite certain about these claims?"

"Absolutely." Lord Cho's certainty carried a hint of triumph. "I have proof—"

"Proof?" The Crown Princess's laugh rang softly. "My lord seems very... invested in this matter." She poured tea with as her eyes found the older man's face, noting how the candlelight caught every line of barely concealed disdain. Such a vile excuse of a person he was. "One might almost think you had personal knowledge of the situation."

Several ministers shifted uneasily in the shadows, their expensive silks rustling as they adjusted their positions.

They followed Lord Cho like well-trained hunting dogs, having called this meeting with such audacity.

"I merely wish to protect the sanctity of noble bloodlines," Lord Cho said smoothly, though his fingers worried at his jade rank badge. "Surely Your Highnesses understand the importance of maintaining proper order."

"Indeed?" The Crown Prince set down his game piece, the sound carrying in the suddenly still chamber. "Such dedication. Though I wonder..." He glanced at his wife. "What was that phrase you used earlier, my love?"

"About men who protest too loudly?" Her smile carried amusement. She could feel the hatred in their stares - how dare a woman speak among men, their expressions said. But what could they do? She was Crown Princess now. "Or about those who claim certainty while their hands shake with lies?"

Lord Cho's fingers tightened along his sleeves, the expensive silk creasing under his grip. "Your Highnesses, I assure you—" How dare a fortune-telling matchmaker be allowed to help such a brat become Crown Princess, was all he could think.

"You assure us of many things." The Crown Prince's voice carried that particular softness that made even veteran ministers step back. "In fact, you seem so very certain about the boy's parentage. Shall we put that conviction to the test?"

"Your Highness?"

"An ancestral ceremony." The Crown Princess suggested. "Tomorrow at sundown. Before all witnesses."

Voices erupted from the assembled ministers. The King and Queen watched from their elevated platform, their expressions carefully neutral though the young Queen's hand tightened on her chair's arm.

Several ministers exchanged horrified glances. One even dropped his ceremonial scroll, the wooden ends clattering against the polished floor like falling autumn leaves.

"Crown Prince," Lord Cho stepped forward, bowing deeply, "while your compassion is admirable, to name a mixed-blood child as..."

Whispers rippled through the shadowed chamber. Lord Cho's perfectly maintained composure cracked just slightly. "Surely such measures aren't necessary—"