Yoongi watched as people scurried around him, frantically getting ready to start the festival. Everyone was exited to be part of something so amazing. Today was the day something will spark in this beloved country. The people will forget about the taxes, the japanese, their own worries. Just for now, everyone will see past the troubles of the kingdom and see their Emperor shinning as we bow down to our gods.
"Are we ready to leave soon?" The Queen asks as she steps out of the shadows were her and I stood.
Yoongi turns to look at her, "Yes, the guards are getting into position from the front and back."
I walk to the two of them, smiling brightly, "I'm so exited I can hardly wait!"
"I feel the same." The Queen sends a rare smile my way.
Emperor Min's eyes widen, watching us acting completely normal together. The Queen and I mirror each other's evil smirks. It seems we both find the King's clueless expression entertaining.
I look up at the blue sky, "It seems it will be a marvelous day to have a festival."
"Yes, I made sure it would be," Yoongi replies.
"We are ready to leave, Your Majesty."
"Very well, shall we proceed?" he asks the both of us.
I take his hand as a gesture of acceptance and smile warmly at him. The queen walks ahead as her own way of saying yes.
My own design was before me once again, this time stationed by the gates of the palace. 50 abled men stood aside, ready to carry the massive palanquin.
"Is it to your liking Lady Hye-Rin?" Yoongi asks smugly, proud of his staffs' work.
"Yes, of course! It's more beautiful than I imagined," I tell him, "Please send my regards to the builders, they have really outdone themselves."
"I agree, but don't be humble Hye-Rin, remember that they are simply the creators of your mind's ideas. Don't underestimate your contribution," Yoongi says.
He climbs in gracefully and beckons for the queen and I to follow. He pats gleefully for me to sit on his left side while the queen settles for his right. My heart pounds in unspeakable excitement that seems to radiate through the atmosphere. The queen appears genuinely cheerful, something that is out of character for her usually stoic one.
"Let us commence my good people, with this celebration of life!" shouts Yoongi. His powerful tone launches for everyone to scurry to actions, chorusing signs of agreement.
I grip slyly, under his robe sleeve, onto Yoongi's arm as I feel the carriage move up into the air. All the servants' faces echo a sense of joy as the royal procession marches through the palace gates and move into the busy streets of Seoul. It takes my breath away seeing all the cheering crowds waiting in in the sidelines. They scream louder as they see us coming through.
Little children are pulled out of harm's way by their parents. I can't help but long until the day I can shield my own child. Blushing I duck my head slightly and hover my hand over my womb. I feel the king stare at my hand before he returns his attention to his followers.
The crowd's emotions are expressed, obviously in shock from seeing two of the same.
" THERE ARE TWO QUEENS!"
"HOW COULD THIS BE?"
"IS THIS A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAVENS?"
Our faces revealed no answer to their confusion and kept on with the celebratory parade. We waved to the increasing crowd as some of the guards close in on the open sides of the palanquin for extra protection. Kim Taehyung, the Sergeant major caught up to my side with long strides with Park Jimin, the captain, behind him.
"Hello Your Majesties, it is our honor to serve you today" they exclaim in sync. Yoongi nods in approval in their direction.
"Anything interesting to report?" he asks them without taking his gaze from the impending crowd.
"Nothing we haven't taken care of. But there is still a lot of shock from the people about the identical appearances," Park Jimin informs.
Kim Taehyung winks at me subtly and I hold back a laugh. These guards have been with me for the majority of bad occurrences and I feel like they are a big part of the palace's story.
"Hye-Rin?" the queen calls for me. She continues on, "I want you to remember everything that happens today. Remember the faces of our faithful followers as they call out for their leaders to be well. Remember the feeling that rushes through your veins, the fiery passion that you feel for the people and how much you want them to know that you also root for the wellbeing of this country. Remember all of this because this is what it feels like to be at the top of the pyramid feels like."
I don't know in what way to process her words so I'm speechless for a minute. Yoongi himself is confused at the meaning behind her words and asks if everything is alright.
"I've never heard you speak like this to Lady Hye-Rin, is there something a matter?"
"No, I just wanted Hye-Rin to make amends with me and this is a good memory to always relive," she grabs my hand and squeezes it.
Barely missing a beat, I squeeze back. She smiles to me and as she retracts her hand she presses her palm to my stomach.
"I'll help you protect the future leader of this country," she whispers.
I'm set off by her behavior but I don't say anything. After an hour of travel we finally arrive at the temple. A line of servants lead us to the front of its red entrance and dazzling green rooftop. Time for the ceremony to begin.
YOU ARE READING
The Royal Concubine (please read edited version)
Hayran Kurgu*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...
