Seo Yeon’s gaze met Hyun Yeol’s, her voice ced with an icy authority.

  "Your Majesty, Joseon cannot endure a King bound by the weight of the past. The Soron Guksa awaits your attention."

  Frustration overtook Hyun Yeol in a violent surge, but beneath it, something more insidious festered—doubt. His grip tightened around the ceramic jar, the weight of it cold against his palm. With a sharp motion, he struck it against the table, the noise echoing like a thundercp. His voice trembled, not just with rage, but with something he refused to name.

  "Am I truly so insignificant?" he demanded, but even as the words left him, they felt hollow. "Is this why Hae-ju chose the path of death, rather than remain by my side?"

  Seo Yeon’s gaze held his, unwavering. "She is gone because of your choices, Your Majesty."

  Her words nded like a bde against old wounds, reopening something raw within him. His jaw tightened, his hands clenching at his sides. He took a step toward her, an unspoken threat in his posture. But something inside him wavered—an image of Hae-ju’s tear-streaked face fshed unbidden in his mind. The hesitation stalled his movements, a flicker of restraint he did not fully understand.

  Seo Yeon felt her pulse quicken as his looming presence towered over her.

  With no further warning, his sp nded—sharp, cruel. The sting of the blow was immediately eclipsed by the wrenching pain in her abdomen.

  For a moment, time itself seemed to still. She crumpled to the floor, her bloodied skirt clutching at her hands as her breath came in ragged gasps. The room spun around her, as though she was teetering on the edge of darkness.

  Hyun Yeol’s voice broke through the haze of panic. "Queen! Summon the physician—quickly!"

  Soon-i rushed in, her face pale with dread. "Hold strong, Your Majesty!"

  But Seo Yeon could feel the life she carried slipping away—darkness closing in around her like a suffocating shroud.

  That night, whispers slithered through the pace: The Queen had lost her unborn child.

  Seo Yeon y motionless upon the bed, her gaze fixed on an unseen point, distant and hollow. Hyun Yeol lingered near her, though his presence felt as weightless as a ghost. He had called for the physician. He had ensured she was given the best care. And yet, the emptiness between them remained, gaping and unbridgeable. He pced a tonic on the bedside table, his fingers hesitating on the rim of the porcein bottle. Words lingered on his tongue—words of remorse, of something deeper—but he swallowed them back. She did not even gnce his way. He turned, the rustling of his robes filling the oppressive silence. As he stepped away, he felt it settle over him—this unbearable certainty. She would never forgive him. And perhaps, he did not deserve it.

  Soon-i entered with quiet deliberation, her voice barely above a whisper. "Your Majesty…"

  Seo Yeon’s response was barely audible, a mere breath of sound. "Fetch me the sewing basket."

  She pressed a cold cloth to her chest, her hands shaking as she spoke, her voice low and thick with grief.

  "I was prepared for this child," she murmured, the burden of her loss settling heavily within her breast. "But the Heavens have turned cruel. Another life slips from me."

  Soon-i’s breath caught in her throat, her fists clenching in helpless anger. "Had you not gone to him, this might not have happened."

  Seo Yeon shook her head, the motion slow and weighted with sorrow. "No… It was already too te."

  A gentle knock sounded at the door. "Your Majesty, the Prince has arrived."

  Seo Yeon wiped her tear-streaked face, her breath catching as she composed herself. "Let him in."

  Lee San entered hesitantly, his small frame trembling with emotion. "Mother Queen… I’m sorry. I couldn’t protect you."

  Without thinking, Seo Yeon’s arms reached out to him, pulling him close. His sobs racked his body, and she held him tightly. "Come here, my son."

  "I should have spoken to Father…" Lee San’s voice was broken.

  Seo Yeon ran her fingers through his hair, grounding herself in the small comfort of his presence. "No, my son. You did your best."

  Outside, Hyun Yeol stood motionless in the hallway, hidden in the shadows. Eunuch Lee gnced at him, his face full of uncertainty, before returning his attention to the closed door.

  "Your Majesty..."

  Hyun Yeol raised a hand sharply, cutting him off. "She has finally allowed herself to grieve. Let her be."

  But as he turned to leave, his eyes darkened, his hollow gaze betraying a deeper intent. If a hidden hand was responsible for her suffering—if someone had stolen his child—he would find them. No matter the cost.

  A heavy silence weighed upon Do-hyun’s estate, the air thick with an unbearable sorrow. Kim Gyu returned, his face pale as death, his steps slow and burdened as he approached Do-hyun. Without uttering a word, he dropped to his knees before him.

  "What has happened, Kim—"

  "Lord..." Kim Gyu’s voice cracked, strained with the weight of his grief. "The Lord has colpsed. Upon hearing of the Queen’s misfortune… he..." His throat tightened, and he struggled to find the strength to continue.

  Do-hyun froze, his heart gripped by a fierce, painful ache. “Father… He…” The force of Kim Gyu’s words struck him as though they were physical blows. His knees buckled, and he colpsed onto the steps, gasping for breath, his hands trembling violently.

  Kim Gyu lowered his head, his sorrow pin in every trembling gesture. "Lord could not bear this agony. First, the loss of Hae-ju... and now, the Queen’s child..." His fists clenched, and tears traced silent paths down his cheeks.

  Do-hyun’s hands tightened into fists, and his breath hitched. His world spun out of control. He pushed himself to his feet, his voice strained with urgency. “Take me to Father. Now!”

  Without another word, Kim Gyu helped him onto a horse, and they rode through the night, racing against time to reach In-Myeong’s secluded location. The journey felt endless, the weight of his father’s condition pressing on him with every mile.

  When they arrived, Do-hyun bolted from the horse, his heart in his throat. He rushed to his father’s side, clutching the frail, cold hand.

  "Do-hyun..." In-Myeong’s voice was barely a whisper, yet it was filled with warmth, the kind that once steadied Do-hyun’s heart.

  Tears blurred Do-hyun’s vision. “Father… I’m here,” he choked out, his voice thick with emotion.

  A faint, tired smile tugged at In-Myeong’s lips. "I… I can no longer protect them. Do-hyun, you mustn’t carry this burden alone. It is not your fault…”

  Do-hyun shook his head, voice breaking. “Father, they are family. Even Seo Yeon would say the same. Their mother treated us with kindness. We did all we could to repay that kindness.”

  In-Myeong’s bored breath softened. “Then promise me, Do-hyun... Take care of Seo Yeon. She is strong, but even she... needs someone.”

  “Yes, Father,” Do-hyun whispered, his throat tight with grief. “I swear, I will take care of her.”

  A sense of relief washed over In-Myeong’s features, but it was fleeting. His eyes closed, his breathing slowing, and Do-hyun’s grip tightened, unwilling to let go.

  “Father…” His voice cracked as the stillness in the room grew deafening.

  The servants, who had gathered, lowered their heads in quiet mourning. Do-hyun’s heart shattered. A sob tore from him as he cradled his father’s lifeless hand, his tears falling freely.

  The funeral was quick yet dignified. Do-hyun personally washed his father’s body, preparing him for the final rites, and burning incense in his honor. Kim Gyu stood beside him, offering silent support, his own grief heavy but unspoken.

  “Lord…” Kim Gyu’s voice was barely a whisper, now acknowledging him as the head of the house after In-Myeong’s passing.

  Do-hyun exhaled shakily, wiping his face. "Send word to the pace immediately."

  Kim Gyu hesitated before accepting the sealed letters. As Do-hyun reached out to him, their eyes met. Kim Gyu paused. “Yes, my lord?”

  “I will deliver the news myself,” Do-hyun replied, his voice steel beneath the tremble. “My sister needs me.”

  Without further dey, they mounted their horses, racing toward the pace as the weight of the news pressed heavily on Do-hyun’s heart.

  Arriving at the Queen’s chambers, Do-hyun stormed through the doors, breath ragged from the ride. Seo Yeon looked up, her eyes hollow with exhaustion, her face pale.

  "Oreboni…" she whispered, her voice breaking.

  Do-hyun’s heart clenched in his chest. He dropped to his knees before her. “Your Majesty... Father has passed away.”

  The color drained from Seo Yeon’s face as her breath caught in her throat. Her body trembled, and her eyes gzed over in shock. "Fa... Father... He..."

  “He colpsed upon hearing of your loss," Do-hyun whispered, struggling to keep his composure. "His body was too weak to recover... He is gone.”

  A strangled sob tore from Seo Yeon’s chest. Her vision blurred with tears, and she crumbled to the floor in grief, her body wracked with deep, painful sobs. Her cries echoed through the chamber, a raw expression of the agony that consumed her.

  Do-hyun rushed to her, gathering her into his arms. "Why? Why is the world so cruel?" she cried, her sorrow overwhelming.

  Her grief overwhelmed her, her fragile body giving way under the weight of it. She could not face Hyun Yeol—could not confront the man who had brought her so much pain. She clung to Do-hyun, letting him deliver the news to the King.

  When Do-hyun finally stood before Hyun Yeol, his eyes burned with a quiet, simmering fury. "Your Majesty, I have a request."

  Hyun Yeol regarded him coolly, his eyes narrowing. “What is it?”

  Do-hyun’s jaw clenched, his voice filled with conviction. "Reinstate my father’s position as Left Prime Minister. Give him the honor he deserves."

  Hyun Yeol’s gaze darkened, his expression unreadable. “And if I refuse?”

  “If you cim to have loved Hae-ju,” Do-hyun spat, “then prove it. In-Myeong loved her as his own. If her death means anything to you, honor the man who protected her.”

  The tension in the air was palpable, the silence stretching long between them. At st, Hyun Yeol exhaled sharply, conceding. “Fine. In-Myeong shall be reinstated and honored in death.”

  Despite this, Seo Yeon never spoke to Hyun Yeol again. The rift between them, deepened by loss and betrayal, could not be mended.

  Over the years, Seo Yeon had kept her distance from Hyun Yeol, avoiding unnecessary interaction. This silent estrangement only deepened the King’s unease. She was the closest person to Hae-ju, a constant reminder of what was lost, and her cold indifference weighed on him. Meanwhile, Do-hyun had secured his position as Left Prime Minister, his respect among politicians—and even the King—growing due to his father’s redemption. But four years ter, rumors began to swirl through Joseon, their whispers carrying the scent of impending tragedy.

  Courtiers moved cautiously under the weight of the King’s votile moods. When word of the rumor finally reached the pace, Concubine Yoo Ha’s name was murmured in shadowed corners—a name linked with secret schemes and quiet maniputions. It was an opportunity she had been preparing for.

  “Your Majesty, King…” Eunuch Lee’s voice cut through the silence, measured yet urgent. Hyun Yeol’s gaze flickered upward, tension coiling in his expression as Eunuch Lee stepped closer, lowering his voice.

  Hyun Yeol’s eyes darkened. “Go find out the truth about this rumor. Immediately.” His command was sharp, betraying his underlying anxiety. Eunuch Lee bowed without hesitation.

  “Yes, Your Majesty.” He turned swiftly, his robes rustling as he departed.

  Seo Yeon was passing through the corridor when Eunuch Lee rushed by. Noticing his haste, she called out calmly, “Commander Yul Nim.”

  Yul Nim halted, turning to face her with a respectful bow. “Your Majesty, Queen.”

  “Why is the King’s bodyguard leaving the pace in such urgency, rather than staying at his side?” Her voice was steady, but her eyes were sharp with suspicion.

  Yul Nim hesitated, momentarily caught off guard. “I… Your Majesty… it’s—”

  “Spit it out,” Soon-i interjected from behind, her usual impatience cutting through his hesitation.

  Yul Nim’s words nded heavily. “The King has heard rumors—someone resembling the missing Crown Princess, Hae-ju, has been seen near the Ming borders.”

  Seo Yeon froze, her breath catching. “Hae-ju’s child?” she whispered, a tremor in her voice. The weight of the possibility crushed her chest.

  Her thoughts spun in disarray, but she forced herself to focus. Could it be true? The ache of Hae-ju’s death gnawed at her, and her fingers curled instinctively into a fist.

  “My Queen…”

  Hyun Yeol’s voice cut through the haze of her thoughts. She turned sharply to find him stepping from the shadows, his gaze flickering to her grip on Yul Nim’s wrist.

  Yul Nim bowed, stepping back. “Your Majesty, King.”

  Seo Yeon took a steadying breath. “Tell me the truth. Someone saw a child resembling Hae-ju?”

  Hyun Yeol’s expression was unreadable. “I don’t know yet. That’s why I sent Yul Nim to investigate.” His eyes darkened. “If this concerns Hae-ju, you’ll report directly to me.”

  Seo Yeon’s fists clenched, but she kept her voice even. “I brought dates. My brother received them from the Ming Crown Prince. I thought you should have some.”

  Hyun Yeol studied her before nodding. “Come to the King’s Quarters.”

  She paused, then nodded. “As you wish.”

  In the King’s Quarters, Soon-i pced a cquered box on the table. Hyun Yeol took a date, pressed it between his fingers, and slowly brought it to his lips.

  “These are good,” he said, watching her.

  “These were a gift from the Ming Crown Prince,” Seo Yeon replied, her tone neutral. “My brother received them near the border.”

  Hyun Yeol nodded, taking another. “Did Hae-ju ever eat these?”

  Seo Yeon didn’t flinch. “Yes, Your Majesty. Her father would bring them back for us when he returned from his travels.”

  A faint smile tugged at Hyun Yeol’s lips, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words.

  “You may stay here tonight, My Queen,” he said quietly.

  Seo Yeon hesitated, unease stirring within her. She had kept her distance for years. “I’m returning to my quarters. Lee San has been asking for me.”

  Hyun Yeol didn’t press her further. “Take some for Lee Hae as well.”

  Seo Yeon nodded curtly before leaving.