"Do we need to alter the measurements?" I ask as I watch the seamstress pace the room, looking at different fabrics.
"No, your stomach will not grow that much from this time to the festival, it should be fine." Her hands trace over a light red fabric, designed with golden flowers, "But what worries me is that her highness isn't present. We haven't decided on the skirt fabric yet. I need to start sewing the handoks tommorow if I want to make them as preferable to the royals as possible."
"Has a maid informed her of our meeting?" I turn to the older maid beside the door.
"Yes, but she had request to join another time," The maid reported. I nod, sadly stepping off the pedistool by the mirror.
"I don't believe there is anything more I can help you with today, if so, I'll be going," I say to the seamstress. She turned to look at me, her face showing how defeated she felt. The maid beside the door opens it for me as I make my way towards her.
"It's hard to be the cause of jealousy, isn't it?" The women's voice was dull. I stare at the open door, not saying a word. Feeling too embarrassed to scold her for her words, I quickly flee the room.
I scan the palace grounds for anyone I recognized and set my eyes on a blushing face. Price Jungkook hung close to Scribe Hoseok as he strolled with his future wife. Her smile was evil but dorky, yet their was innocence in the way she walked. Her feet moved into a bounce and she was short for her age, maybe around 5'1. I might have resembled princess Uisun when I was freshly introduce into the castle. I covered my mouth as I quietly chuckled to myself, imagining the eventful marriage they will have. Hoseok caught my gaze and gave me a pleading smile to rescue him from his predicament. I shook my head, smiling back. I did not want to get into the affairs of the royal. I look back towards the young couple. I wish I could walk around leisurely with Yoongi as much as I wanted. A strong ache in my heart starts to build up.
I scurried away to the library, hoping to release my mind from it's worries. Two royal officials greet me as I enter the large building. They were stationed at a nearby table, chatting about their daily lives.
The library felt more like home than anything else. I'm glad that I can access all of this without being questioned about my gender rights. Scrolls upon scrolls of writing made up this wonderful building. There are not many romance stories written here but the few that exist are always exciting for me.
I plopped as ladylike as I could on top of a stool and ran my finger over the spines of the lined books in the bookshelf in front of me. I read the titles on the side until I found a promising one named Moonlight and flipped the cover open. The book weaved a story about two young lovers who were forbidden to see each other and the gutwrenching plot drove me to tears. I didn't realize how late it was until a maid fetched me for my dinner.
After soaking in a lavender bath that evening, I was left alone for the rest of the night. The silence consumed me, making me feel uneasy. I walk from my bed over to the window above my desk, slowly opening it. The warm summer air feathered around the room. Cool breezes fanned the draperies around me. But the night was quiet, no crickets chipped or frogs croaked. Nothing could place me out of my dreary state.
I was shocked to hear a low knock at my door. I hadn't seen the emperor since the time in his office, I've been longing for him. When I opened the wooden door, my king wasn't there. No, another royal's deadly presence was here to greet me.
The queen walked into my room without a proper introduction. A headache already started to form just by her arrogant walk. No maid followed her inside, nor one standing outside the door. She was alone. It was strange for her to not be escorted everywhere she went, she must have forcefully ordered her maid to stay behind.
"What's the occasion? My queen coming to visit a person like me at this hour is truly unthinkable," I say sarcastically.
She wandered around the room for a bit before settling beside my desk, "Your comments will get you in trouble, girl." She glared at me.
I shut my bedroom door before taking a seat on the edge of my bed. "Anyhow, why are you here?"
"I hear you are going to bear a child. Is it the emperor's?" She asks with fake worry I'm her voice.
"Of course it is. He's the one I share a bed with," I shoot back, not wanting to lose this war.
"Remember, your not the only one he has. Though you will bear his heir, I am his queen, his wife."
"What is it to be his wife if you are not his love?" Rage starts to take control of my words.
"You dare say you are superior?" She scoffs.
"I say Emperor Min finds me more important than you will ever be!" My voice raises almost to a shout, but not loud enough for others to hear.
"I am the queen! I am the mother of this kingdom! I am the mother of that baby!" She points a deadly finger at my stomach, "You are nothing more than a peasant pretending she is living in a fairy tale, but reality is nothing like that! Wake up!"
The queen is breathly, her words drained the last energy. I was left in shock. I was afraid of her, afraid of me. My mouth was taken hostage by someone who lived in fear. That person would destroy what I once was if I let it. I could see the queen also recoil from her mindless speech. The look of her in agony would not leave me anytime soon.
Without another word, Queen Min paced across the room and let herself out.The door squeaked to a close, again, leaving me alone.
An- Thank you for reading. I know the story doesn't seem to have a plot, but trust me, everything will connect at the end. The story is about unfold before your eyes and I hope your ready for the emotions it will bring -Paige
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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...
