Until Forever

Part I - Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

The sun was beginning to set, its golden-red rays casting an almost ethereal glow on the placid Lake. Dozens of pink lotuses and white lilies, their giant leaves spread like ruffled skirts, dotted the greenish water. The serene and tranquil scenery was in stark contrast with the troubled thoughts that plagued the Queen, who stood unmoving by the edge of the Lake, waiting.

Earlier, she had asked Al Cheon to discreetly tell Bidam not to attend the emergency court meeting and to bring him to her once it was over. She stood looking at the still waters, going over her plan for the hundredth time. She turned when she heard Bidam approach.

            "Your Majesty," he said, greeting her with a sombre smile. She smiled back.

            "I know you had nothing to do with what happened to Chun Chu and I also know that you did not instigate the Ashoka doctrine," the Queen said.

            "Your Majesty," Bidam said, surprised but thankful that the Queen still trusted him.

            "You have failed, though. You were unable to control your followers,"

            "Yes, I admit that it was my fault. Now there is nothing I can do for them. Please proceed with the investigation so that the truth will be uncovered and punishment will be meted out to all the guilty,"

            "If I do that you will still be hurt. They will drag you down with them and you will still be held responsible for their crimes."

            "Yes, I am aware of that. However, there is nothing else that I can do, so let me take full responsibility for their sins and punish me accordingly. I, your humble servant, am already prepared," Bidam said, the resignation in his voice apparent.

            "You may be, but I am not," the Queen replied.

            Bidam looked up, dumbfounded by Her Majesty's words.

            "Your Majesty!"

            The Queen just looked at him, her expression intense yet tender at the same time. She took out a ring, an exact replica of the one in her middle finger, and showed it to the Sangdaedung. She had it made the day she had decided to marry Bidam and had planned on giving it to him on their wedding day. Now that she would be sending him away, she wanted it to symbolize her promise and her devotion to him. She let it lay on her palm and offered it to Bidam.

            "You and I, we haven't shared anything yet," the Queen said.        

            "Your Majesty, what is this supposed to mean? Are you trying to say goodbye to me?" he said.

            "I am putting you in charge of our naval forces in Chuwah Gun. You must leave immediately. I will deal with this problem myself and will send for you as soon as everything is settled. People may talk for a while but public sentiment is brief and fleeting and they will get over this, too." the Queen explained. She placed the ring on Bidam's palm and held his hand closed. Let this be a symbol of my devotion to you, the Queen thought.

            "Your Majesty," Bidam whispered, overwhelmed by the Queen's gesture.

            "If you don't leave Seorabol you will be dragged through this mess by your followers. It will be best for you to be far away while I settle this myself."

            The Queen saw the troubled expression on Bidam's face. She knew that he was afraid that she was sending him away for good.