flashback
"Maybe you'll see past the fire." Scribe Hoseok said. His daring words replay over and over in my head. I have not come to fully trust the endearing scribe as of yet, but I am not opposed to the idea.
It has not been more than a week from entering the palace when a knock comes at my door and the sound of a familir voice comes through the wood, "Would Lady Hye-Rin care for a walk accompnied by Scribe Hoseok?"
A smile forms on my lips not from my own accord. I gesture to a maid to let the man in. His posture was stiff but Scribe Hoseok's face glows a warm yellow shade.
"I'll be on my way then," I acknowledge the maids standing around my bedroom and walk out the door. Hoseok keeps in toe shortly behind.
I still am not used to the apparent difference of the palace compared to my home with Ajumni. One thing I do find similar though: it is my prison.
"At least we have good food and a protective place to stay provided by his Royal Majesty." Hoseok says.
I quickly glance at him. Did I just say that out loud? No, but I must have clearly shown it on my face.
"Of course, our king is kind enough to let people of our class reside in his home, I am thankful." It was a lie. Most of my words here are tanted with lies.
Hoseok seems to realize right away, "As I said before, His Majesty is caring for you in his own way, please just give him some time to see that."
I shake my head. I am done talking about how that man is such a good person. "I will never feel any happy emotion when thinking of our emperor, my heart will not allow me to. I am sorry if my words are out of line, but I must be honest with you."
Scribe Hoseok stares at the ground but no anger is on his face, instead, he looks at me and smiles, "I am sorry that I put you in such an awkward position, I do favor His Majesty. Even if you can not find comfort in the emperor, I hope you will find comfort in me. As a loyal subject and a acquaintance, it is my job to make sure you do not feel out of place here. I promise, I will come to you if you feel you have reached the depths of despair. When the emperor cannot, I will come as his replacement. So please, just call out to me from now on."
His kind words were a vital part of how I managed to survive those painful days in the palace; Hoseok was the sunshine in the darkest of times.
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Hoseok's knees hit the ground hard. The commander rips his sword out of his body and Hoseok's blood spills out of the deep gash on his chest. His dark clothing soaks up the red liquid just as quickly as it leaves the wound.
I shake uncontrollably as my eyes stay fixed onto the dying man in front of me. His warm glow is gone, it is replaced by a sickening pasty color. Salty tears start to stream from my eyes, making the scene hazy. But I can't avert my gaze. I will not let my dear friend suffer alone.
Hoseok's blazing emotions return to his hollow face as he fiercely looks at his enemy.
"AHHHHH!!!!" Hoseok shrieks as he lunges at the commander with the last bit of willpower. In that moment, he seems so full of life. My eyes widen, maybe... just maybe Hoseok could...
SPLICHHHHH!
I can not begin to describe what I have witnessed.
Hoseok's head rolls towards me and his lifeless body quickly falls to the ground.
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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...
