The Royal Concubine (please read edited version)

Taewongun's secret

        The Queen scoffed at me and walked around my room in rage. "That man is going to pay," she says over and over. I watch her in silence, too nervous to speak. It was my fault. I couldn't keep my mouth shut like I had been told. Just half an hour ago the Queen entered my room unannounced.

"Good day, Lady Hye-Rin," Queen Min says. She quickly walks over to my child. "Has His Majesty gave him a name yet?"
"He has been busy, so no," I answer.
"hmm... maybe I'll put in my thoughts on the matter," she says. I do not comment even though I don't like the idea of her picking the name for my son. She turns to sit on a nearby chair, "How was your childhood like?"
The Queen has never asked about my past, so I was a bit shocked, "My parents and sisters died in a fire, so my aunt and uncle took care of raising me."
Her face grows sad, "My parents died as well," she begins, "I never thought I would be a queen until I was asked to be interviewed by the Taewongun."
How funny. Though he brought her here, he's now trying to kill her.
"He thought I would be a perfect queen since I did not have any political gain, considering I was an orphan." She looks up at the ceiling, "My clan was thrilled about me becoming the queen, I didn't have a say in the matter; just like you, I suppose. I also didn't think I could find love in a place like this."
I don't want to hear her love story with Yoongi, but I say nothing. I would probably never get another chance to hear her past again.
"When I met the King, he was so young. I was 16 years old while he was only 15 years old. But he never made me do anything I opposed of, unless it was required. He let me study and would often come to teach me what I couldn't learn from writings. After a year, the court strictly ordered us to try for an heir, but even with all the nights we spent together, I did not get pregnant." She says. I keep my face impassive but want to cringe. I already knew they slept together, but it was hard to hear it out loud.
"Once the court found out I was infertile, my life became a living hell. Taewongun kept Emperor Min away from me, he felt I was a danger to the royal authority. But I didn't stop telling the court my opinion in politics." She takes a deep breath and waits for my answer.
"So, I take you don't think highly of the Taewongun?" I ask.
The queen raises her eyebrow, "That man is despicable."
The only one in my room was the queen's cousin. I look over at the girl, concerned that my next words will be spoken again. I ignore the thought and proceed, "He tried to kill you at the festival."
"What?" The queen's eyes widen, and she stands up quickly from her seat.
After minutes of her raging around my room, she turns to me, "How do you know this information?"
I stay in silence. How am I supposed to respond?
"He wanted my help, but I didn't help him, I promise," I say quickly.
She stares at me, waiting for me to break under the intense pressure. But she releases her hold on me and nods at her cousin who in turn bows to her and leaves the room without another glance my way.

"Don't repeat what you heard." After minutes of silence, I turn my attention to Min Dae. Her head was turned torwards the ground as she stays by my baby's crib.

"Of course, Lady Hye-Rin, it would not be my place to utter what you said to the queen." She keeps her head down.

I smile at her, "I trust you. I advise you not to make any deals with the Taewongun if the chance arose. That man is not safe," I warn. I almost was killed because of him, it would break my heart if she was caught up in this mess. An idea comes to mind, "could you join me in the garden with the heir, I would love for him to see the flowers."

The girl nods quickly and fetches my son for me. Once he is in my hands, I lead Min Dae outside. It is the middle of April and the heat of the sun is returning to the palace, but the wind is still a bit chilly.

"Can you bring me my scarf, it's just beside the door," I ask Min Dae and she turns to leave. My red scarf was in her hands upon her return. I drapped it around my mouth and neck. "The garden isn't very exciting, let's go to the market instead."

Min Dae looks alarmed at me, "The village is not safe, Lady Hye-Rin!"

"That's why I'll bring Sergeant Major Kim along." I was told by Prince Namjoon yesterday that Taehyung was back at the palace to accompany him on his next royal duty.

I look around for a maid and spot a women carrying clothes, "Would you happen to know where Sergeant Major Kim is?"

The maid bows to me before speaking, "I'm sorry My Lady, I don't know where the Sergeant Major is." She looks around a bit. "But Scribe Hoseok may know."

I spot Hoseok across the yard coming from the official building. I hold up my hand and wave at him to get his attention. Hoseok rushes over when he sees me.

"Hello Lady Hye-Rin, is there something you need?" He smiles brightly at me.

"Yes, can you tell me where Kim Taehyung is?" I say.

"I just seen him walking around outside the throne room, he seemed quite bored," Hoseok laughs.

"Thank you." I bow slightly and head towards the direction he told me. Min Dae tries to catch up.

Sure enough, Taehyung is humming a simple tune as he looks up at a large tree with a woodpecker in it. He doesn't notice as we approach him from behind.

I smirk, "Sergeant Major Kim!" I yell is a stern voice. He is visually shocked by the loud noise and stands at attention, like he is trained to do.

Once he realizes it is me his shoulders slump and he sighs, "My Lady, you startled me."

I couldn't help but laugh, "You were too easy of a target." After I regain my composer I tell him my request, "Can you take us into the village, it would only be for a short while."

He pretends to think it over, "Well you would be in danger with me around..."

"You're absolutely right!" I start to get excited.

"If you insist." He most likely is happy that I rescued him from boredom.