Until Forever

Part 1 - Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

News of the Queen’s forthcoming marriage to Lord Bidam elicited different reactions from the power circles within the Palace. In Yushin’s camp, his parents, Lord Seo Hyeon and Lady Mangmyeong conveyed to Lord Yong Chun their apprehension about the effect that Her Majesty’s marriage would have on the line of succession to the throne. Lords Misaeng, Hajong, Jujin and Bojong at Bidam’s camp were also quite ambivalent about the Queen’s announcement. Lord Misaeng feared that, although Lord Bidam would have more political influence than Yushin after the wedding, he feared that the Queen had something up her sleeve; that she would somehow be gaining something more significant with her marriage to Bidam. He further went on to say that Her Majesty never gave out anything without getting something better in return. What she intended to gain with this union would therefore determine if Lord Bidam’s marriage to Her Majesty would be beneficial or detrimental to their camp.

            The one who was most affected by the Queen’s decision was her nephew, Lord Chun Chu. He still couldn’t believe the fact that the Queen had made such a monumental decision without even telling him. His personal assistant, Jukbang, immediately came to him after hearing the news.           

            “Lord Chun Chu! Is it true that the Queen announced to the court that she will be marrying Lord Bidam?” Jukbang asked, disbelief written on his lined face. Chun chu did not answer.

            “Lord Bidam? Aigoo! Why of all people did she choose Lord Bidam? Did she tell you about this?” Jukbang sighed and slumped on the nearest chair, still unable to believe the Queen’s decision.

            When Chun Chu remained silent in spite of his prodding, Jukbang concluded that Her Majesty’s announcement had also caught the young royal by surprise. He understood the apprehension that the young lord was feeling. The royal wedding would upset the natural line of succession and would make Lord Bidam Chun Chu’s prime rival to the throne.

            “Do not concern yourself, My Lord. I’m sure that the Queen has her reasons for doing it,” the older man tried to assure his young charge.

            “Yes, and it’s THAT reason that really concerns me,” Chun Chu finally said.

            “Why did you say that, my Lord? Actually, come to think of it, the Queen’s decision was quite brilliant. She had taken away the other lords’ private troops and placed them all under the Sovereign’s command plus she was able to placate Lord Bidam, thereby eliminating two birds with one stone! You must admit, that wasn’t an easy feat!”

            “If her marriage was only made for political reasons, then I would not be worried. However, I feel that there is something more to it than that. I think that Her Majesty and Lord Bidam really are in love.” Chun Chu answered, his brows knotted in deep thought.

            “Well, we can’t expect Her Majesty to devote her entire life to politics and the kingdom. She is still human, after all,” Jukbang replied.

            “But can a ruler really do that? Can a ruler really make decisions based on their feelings alone? Do you think the people around them will let them live happily ever after?” Chun Chu said, his dismay evident in his tone.

            Jukbang saw the truth in the young man’s words. Even if Lord Bidam and Her Majesty really did love each other, and were not doing this for political reasons, it would be hard for them to extricate themselves from the political consequences of their marriage. They each have their own spheres of influence, which unfortunately, are constantly pulling each other in opposite directions.