The Royal Concubine (please read edited version)

The King's Brothers Part 3

As Prince Namjoon, Prince Jungkook, and I stood in front of one of the Office buildings where Emperor Min performs executive meetings and discusses with his high officials, I look towards the closed doors. Within held the most powerful man in Korea, the one who has been on my mind for the past weeks. I lower my eyes to the stone walkway and start to, again, listen to the brothers before me argue. I smiled at how well it seemed they get along.

"-How can you become such a lazy bum while being a prince." Jungkook grabbed his head in a disappointed manner.

"Well the country has you and Hyung to be in charge. I'm not really needed, am I?" Sighing, Namjoon raises both arms and places them on Jungkook's shoulders, which are quickly brushed off.

Suddenly, the doors of the Office building fly open, revealing an angry looking man with others trailing close behind. I watched carefully as the men marched out, but were halted by the guards just outside. My eyes met princd Namjoon's, as we both held questioning looks. The angered man muttered curse words as the guards let them pass.

"Oh my..." Jungkook sighed heavily, turning back towards the Office building, "Seems to not have gone as planned."

I quickly swerved my head to look through the now open doors. Instead of meeting the dark brown eyes of the Emperor, my gaze narrowed at the sight of him rubbing his temples with stressed movements, tightly closing his eyes. Slight pity enveloped me, but as soon as it came, the feeling left. Just as his dominating orbs met mine, I looked down at my feet. A blush crept onto my face, his eyes never leaving me.

"Maybe it wasn't a good time to come for a visit," Namjoon said, trying to lighten the mood.

The two brothers left my side and rushed into the building without a glance back. My feet slid forwards slowly, knowing it was not best for me to follow. I looked up at the Emperor again, to see if I was granted permission, but as our eyes met yet again, two doors were slammed in my face. I fell back but caught my footing before landing on my bum. I sadly turn back to see Hoseok standing a few feet away, waiting for me.

"You didn't get to talk to the Emperor today either." He held a sad smile across his long face.

"At least I tried," I say back, shrugging.

Picking up my feet, I cross the space between us. "I know I shouldn't ask, but do you know who that man was just then?"

"Yes, He was the ambassador from Japan. The Emperor was trying to settle a treaty with them to stop the fighting happening around the Southern Island of Ganghwa," Hoseok answers truthfully.

"Did Japan not agree?" I ask worried.

"They did, the ambassador must be mad over another subject it seems," He jokingly laughs.

I smile at his attempt to cheer me up, which works, "Well if you put it that way, today wasn't so bad."

I think back to how stressed the Emperor looked just now. I'm glad I'm not in his shoes. But there has to be someone who takes on the burden; and he seemed to be doing a fine job at it. I shake my head side to side. Was I just complementing Emperor Min? Maybe I was growing too soft, I was becoming a women. The thought of leaving the past behind and moving forward in life haunts me. While I live, my sisters become a forgotten memory. Was I selfish to think I'm glad I survived?

"Lady Hye-Rin?" Hoseok's voice enters my thoughts.

"Yes?" I ask somewhat loudly.

"We're at your room now..." He grins, realizing I was daydreaming.

"Yes," I said, but didn't move any further. Hoseok looks down at me, seeing my actions.

"Is something the matter?" He asks smoothly.

I don't open my mouth to speak. I didn't know how to put my thoughts into words. Why did I feel like the room beyond this door was my cage; prison? Was the memory of that night the Emperor visited me still fluently in my m mind?

"It's nothing." I give my most sincerer smile up at Hoseok, then opened my room door, leaving him questioning.

Soon after giving my goodbyes to the man, I closed my door and flopped onto my bed. The late evening sun was starting to withdraw itself. The maids quickly changed me and brushed through my long brown hair before leaving me for the night. I stood up from my position on my bed and shuffled over to the large mirror in the room. Stopping in front of it, I gazed at myself. The women looking back at me was beautiful and vibrant. Her wavy locks settled down on her back and shoulders, waiting for fingers to be laced within. My pure, small body resembled that of a girl in a painting; skin light and soft. I close my eyes, listening to the rhythm of my breathing.

I spin around at a sudden knock at my door, "Lady Hye-Rin is wished to be seen by Emperor Min at this time." A maid pronounced loudly. A wide smile appeared on my face, but I quickly swept it off once my room door opened. The older maid's tight lips held the same grin as she outstretched her arm to welcome me. I rushed over to the door as polite as possible and was lead to the Emperor's royal quarters.

This was it.

I took in a unsteady breath as the doors opened to relive a empty room. No one was in sight, which was quite strange. Where was the Emperor? My eyes wandered around the room for a few more seconds before turning back to the maid.

"The Emperor will be with you shortly, rest in here for now," she warmly smiled, seeing my confusion.

"Yes..." I stride through the doors as they shut behind me. My gaze meets his large bed, and I feel a shiver of worry. Taking a spot on the bed, I slowly pull back my robe until my body was only covered by sheets. I grip the sheets tight, my knuckles turn white. I tried to subdue my racing heart by things other than the situation I was now in.

I look up almost at fear when the door to the Emperor's room slowly slides open. My eyes met his worn out ones. But once he realized that he summoned me, they hardened into a stern look. Un clenching my fists, I sat up straighter on the bed. He turned to close the open door, but didn't move towards me. His stare made my body tighten. But I was ready.

I am ready.

AN- I thought I was going to get this chapter done yesterday but ended up having to finish the end this morning right before school. Thank you for reading and I hope you have a lovely day! - Paige