The Edge Of Forever

36| wrathful dawn

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36

w r a t h f u l  d a w n : 분노한 새벽

ON INSTINCT, THE DAYLIGHT REACHED out for the hands of the night sky. 

They grasped onto each other, expressing their gratitude in being united once again. Had they not been a constant eternal, I would have found it ungrateful that they met each other each day twice clinging on as they will not be reunited a mere twelve hours later; dusk and dawn.

The colours twisted, creating a complication between the warm and cold hues in the sky.

Just as the daylight dominated the area and let go of the night sky, allowing it to float away, the declaration was read aloud, in front of all the royal family members who were outside in the vast court yard, ready for the celebration that will take place after noon.

"The placenta of the newly born Princess has been buried, ensuring her a healthy and happy life! She has been gifted the handwritten book written by his Majesty that will aid her throughout her lifetime! Her residence has been surrounded by talismans to wear off the evil! May her Highness have a long and happy life!" The eunuch who had been reading aloud the decree knelt down, bowing to us.

Following his actions were the other Maids and eunuchs in the room, congratulating the King and I on the birth of our daughter. 

At that thought, my gaze drifted to my left so it lingered on the Concubine who had been forgotten by most around the nation, left in the background of all.

She caught my eyes, giving me a soft smile through her tired and worn eyes. 

I smiled back, encouraging her as much as I could within the moment before turning back around to face the front. My mind rung with a foreboding guilt but I had to push it aside, push it away with a force to ensure I never felt it again. 

Queen Dowager Wondeok stood up first, coming before the King and I. 

"Let me pour both of you a drink to celebrate this happy moment for you both." Her eyes flickered to the maids who immediately brought the tray of drinks and placed them before us on the table.

She poured out two drinks, a smile curved onto her fuchsia lips. She gestured for the King and I to take it, which we did.

"Queen Dowager Wondeok." I called out, before taking a sip of my drink. My eyes froze in contact with hers, calling her out for what she was doing. 

She challenged me quietly for only a few seconds before maintaining her own dignity and pouring another drink, gesturing reluctantly for the Royal Concubine to take it. Everyone knew what the silent exchange was about but no one questioned it, not even the Concubine herself. 

"Your bounties are endless, your Highness." She murmured instead, taking the drink poured for her.

I bowed my head to the Great Queen. "Thank you for the drink, Queen mother." 

She refused to acknowledge my words, and instead, addressed us all. "Be ready for the celebrations in a few hours, all the Ministers and Officials will be there." 

The King nodded for us all and she took her leave.

Great Queen Sapyeong followed, standing up and coming before the table. Ruby curled downwards on her face while her eyebrow arched, scanning us three with the eye of an eagle.