The long Royal Banquet Hall table was decorated in greens and reds. Flowers littered the stands lining the walls, their beautiful petals brag an aspect of life to the inanimate objects surrounding me. But what was alive in the spacious room was the colorfully dressed bodies conversing at the table. My ajussi sat to the left of me, along with my ajumni next to him. At one end of the slab of marble sat the Emperor, his broad shoulders held a straightened pose. To his right sat the queen, staring fiercely at me, and from time to time would give me a sweet smile. Siting right in front of her, it almost felt like I was staring into a mirror, only this mirror showed your opposite. It showed me someone cunning, intelligent, respected, rich, and powerful. The only thing that I could possibly call similar is the fact on how breakable we are. There is someone always going to be controlling us, telling us what to do. Though we could break, which one will first is the real question.
"Hye-Rin dear, I have quite amazing news to tell you," My ajussi announces, "I have acquired a job as an official for the Emperor." His excitement radiates off of him. I spot the Emperor straighten, even more ridged.
"Though that does not mean he will be able to contact you as often as you would like, Lady Mo Hye-Rin." Emperor Min gains my attention, "That is why I arranged this meeting and so I can formally meet you, Mo Hee-Joon and Mo Jang-Mi." He now turns his eyes to my older uncle and aunt.
Ajumni's face is brimming with happiness. How lucky she is to be having dinner with the Emperor himself she must be thinking. Her gaze turned to meet mine and her expression changed quickly back to neutral. I withheld rolling my eyes for the sake for being in to Emperor's presences and I would surely be scolded if caught. I shifted in my seat as I heard the door to the kitchen opened for the maids to bring out tonight's dinner. How bizarre is it that a month and a half ago I was a simple girl and now I was a concubine, the bearer to children from the Emperor himself. I can't help but smile, I've been through a lot and it hasn't been pretty but recently feelings of excitement have stirred within me. Finally I have felt like I have a purpose to accomplish, I timidly stroke my stomach under the cover of a pillow. It's crazy to think I'm already pregnant but the priests have convinced me that if the fates decide it, then it shall be. A strong stare follows my stomach and I catch Emperor Min shockingly look at my hand on my stomach at an angle only he can see. His forehead scrunches and sorrow softens his harsh glare. And like I was being shocked I withdraw my hand, my head feeling extremely heavy all of a sudden. He simply looks away, my ridiculous thoughts were just illusions of a perfect worlds that didn't exist.
"Guests, it's time to eat. Bless this food with nutrient that will continue our health" the Queen speaks as she folds her hands in front of her, as the host, and signals to the maids to continue pouring glasses. She smiles at my aunt and uncle and proceeds to smile at me, a couple of seconds longer than usual. "No alcohol for Lady Hye-Rin, she may be in a delicate condition after all." The Emperor chokes on his glass of wine and gasps for air. Ajumni and ajussi beam pride fully down at me with hopeful expressions. My cheeks flush scarlet red and to hide them I bow my head. The Empress simply sits back down admiring the results of her remark with an icy grin that could cut through steel. "It's not time for that type of conversation, let's dine" Emperor Min croaks out after a few guards rushed to him with water. Nodding in agreement I spend the rest of the dinner numb and cold. Mindless chatter drifted throughout in a respectful dinner. I tried to focus and count all the different designs on the silk cloths but I kept drifting back to daydreams.
"Rin!" my aunt calls out with a fake sweet tone. "Dear I've been calling your name, are you feeling alright?" We were now all resting in a formal guest area of the palace, the King and Queen sitting in their thrones. Rain pounds down in heavy drum beats, wind howls against the shutters. It's the masterful song conducted by nature, rain its faithful instrument. Smiling in assurance I look at everyone, "I'm fine, thank you for your concern." The Emperor fails to subtle when he keeps looking in my direction.
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The Royal Concubine (please read edited version)
Fanfiction*Please read the edited version of this story by the same name* It was meant to be a privilege to become a Concubine of the Korean Emperor, Min Yoongi. His charming demeanor and well respected nature made him a favorite throughout Korea. But truthfu...
