MY CROWN PRINCE | JEON JUNGKOOK

Episode 4: Departures and Revelations

In the quiet of the night, Queen Eun Mi sat with a blank expression on her face, her son's head resting on her lap. The gentle knocking on the door startled her from her thoughts.

"Your Highness, your sister wishes to see you," announced the eunuch.

"Let her in," the Queen replied, her voice heavy with sorrow.

The eunuch bowed and admitted Lady Yoo Min. Without hesitation, Yoo Min rushed forward and enveloped her sister in a tight hug. "Eonni, he'll be sent away tomorrow. I don't know what to do!" she cried.

"Yoo Min-ah, I feel so lost. I don't understand why he is doing this to me and Jungkook. He doesn't show him any fatherly affection," Queen Eun Mi lamented.

"Eonni, I understand. He is the King of Silla, and Jungkook is his only son. Perhaps that's why he's so strict," Yoo Min consoled.

"You know, Yoo Min, he doesn't love me. I am only the Queen because I'm his first wife and the mother of his son. But apart from Jungkook, I have nothing in this palace. He shows all his affection to his second wife," Eun Mi cried.

"Don't worry, Eonni. Everything will be fine. Jungkook is a bright boy and will grow to be a great king," Yoo Min reassured her sister.

"I just don't know how to live without my son. How will he survive in that harsh environment?" Eun Mi sobbed.

***

In the palace corridors, the King's second wife, Lady Soo Min, discussed her plans with her elder brother. "I'm thrilled today," she said with a sinister smile. "Our dear Queen isn't happy now that the Crown Prince is leaving."

Her brother, equally smug, replied, "Yes, it seems the Queen is not content. But Soo Min, what will you do about it?"

Soo Min's smile grew darker. "She's the Queen and the mother of the future king. How can I bear that? I'll destroy her and her son. Watch, one day I will be the Queen of Silla."

Her brother supported her with a smirk, "I'm with you, Soo Min. One day, you'll be the Queen."

***

Meanwhile, Min Ha sat by the lake, her friend Taehyung joining her. "Why are you here?" he asked.

Min Ha remained silent for a moment before nodding. "I was reading Mina's letter again."

"What did she say?" Taehyung asked.

Min Ha opened the letter and read aloud:

"Anneong Min Ha,

Park Mina imnida. A few days ago, I overheard a conversation that revealed I am not your sister but my uncle's daughter. I was hurt, but after a long talk with Eomma, I learned about our family connections. I am eager to meet you and understand how much I care for you. I hope you'll reply to my letter.

Your Eonni, Mina."

Taehyung commented, "She seems very intelligent."

Min Ha agreed, "Yes, she does."

Taehyung playfully teased, "She's different from you."

Min Ha laughed, "Wait, what do you mean I'm not intelligent? I'll get you for that!"

The two began playfully fighting, their laughter echoing around them.

"Did you reply to her letter?" Taehyung asked.

Min Ha nodded. "I sent Eunuch Hong to Bakjae to deliver it."

Taehyung stood up. "We need to practice."

Min Ha smiled and joined him.

***

The next day, at the palace, Jungkook stood before his father, bowing deeply. "Aboji, I'm going now."

The King, stern and unyielding, didn't look at him. "Jeon Jungkook, I expect you to become a great king. You must first prove yourself as a great Crown Prince."

"Yes, Aboji. Please take care of my mother. She is very sad," Jungkook requested.

"Hmm. Now go," the King replied dismissively.

Jungkook then went to his mother's room. "Eomma," he called.

Queen Eun Mi, staring out the window, struggled to control her emotions. Jungkook's bravery was evident despite his young age. "Eomma, I'm going now," he said softly.

She turned to him, and he approached. "Eomma, Jungkook will be fine. Don't worry. I need to be strong for the future of Silla. I'll come back, Eomma. Please wait for me," he reassured her.

His mother hugged him tightly, her tears flowing freely. "I'm sorry, Jungkook-ah. I'm not strong. I am so blessed to have a son like you."

Jungkook wiped his tears and said, "It will be a while, but I will return. Will you wait for me, Eomma?"

"Yes, son. I will wait for you," she promised.

"Thank you, Eomma. I must go now," Jungkook said.

Queen Eun Mi watched him leave, her heart heavy with the pain of separation.

***

In Busan, Mina was painting under a cherry blossom tree when Eunuch Hong arrived with a letter. "Mina-ssi, I have a letter from Silla."

Mina's eyes lit up. "Really? Is it from Min Ha?"

Eunuch Hong nodded. "Yes, it is."

Mina took the letter, which was in a wooden roll. "Thank you, Hong Ho Suk. Please rest," she said, handing him to her maid.

The maid bowed. "Yes, little miss."

Eunuch Hong remarked, "You're very different from your sister, but you look just like Min Ha."

Mina, excited, ran to her brother. "Oraboni, let's read Min Ha's letter together!"

Her brother agreed, "Alright, let's read it."

***

End of Episode 4