The doors of the assembly hall flung open, and Soo Hyuk strode in, his footsteps echoing sharply as he interrupted Lord Shikryeom mid-sentence.
"My apologies for arriving late, Your Majesty," he said, lowering himself into a respectful bow before the king and the gathered ministers.
The king studied the princes standing before him, both with their gazes fixed firmly on the marble floor.
"Which of you wishes to become the new Crown Prince?" the king asked calmly, not batting an eye.
"Pardon?" Soo Hyuk lifted his head in shock, staring at his brother. For a moment, he wondered if he had misheard his father.
The king's voice remained steady. "The villagers demand the Crown Prince be replaced. They believe he is unworthy of the position. As such, I am considering his deposition."
Soo Hyuk's fingers tightened around his robe.
Seo Woo, son of Noble Consort Yeonhwa and the Crown Prince's younger brother, stepped forward. He dropped to his knees, head bowed deeply.
"Please withdraw your words, Your Majesty."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Soo Hyuk said, stepping beside him. "Seo Woo and I both support our elder brother as Crown Prince."
The king let out a soft chuckle, his gaze shifting slowly toward the ministers.
---
Queen's Residence
The queen sat gracefully upon her cushioned daybed, her back straight and composed as silk curtains swayed gently with the afternoon breeze. An incense burner smoldered softly nearby, filling the chamber with a calming fragrance that contrasted sharply with the tension in the air. Court ladies stood in quiet order behind her, heads lowered, careful not to disturb her serenity.
"What?" the queen demanded, slamming her palm against the table.
"Yes, Your Royal Highness," the court lady replied nervously.
"So that sly fox has finally stirred after all these years," the queen muttered coldly. "Prepare my visit to the king."
"Yes, Your Highness," the head court lady answered, bowing quickly.
---
The minister spotted the queen approaching from a distance and hurried forward to pay his respects.
"Your Royal Highness," he said, bowing deeply.
The queen returned the gesture coolly. "It has been a long while."
"Yes, certainly, Your Royal Highness. My apologies for failing to pay my long-overdue respects," Lord Shikryeom replied.
The queen laughed lightly. "No, I understand you have been working tirelessly for the well-being of this nation," she said, the meaning behind her words clear as ice.
Lord Shikryeom inclined his head, fully grasping the weight beneath her calm tone. Queen Jiyeon had never been coy—she was always direct, always forward.
"Ah, thank you for such generous praise, Your Royal Majesty," he exclaimed, a sly glint flashing across his eyes. "I should not keep Your Highness standing for so long."
The queen smiled, her expression radiant beneath the sunlight filtering through the corridor. Her beauty was truly something to behold, yet beneath that smile lay countless unspoken thoughts—a woman of virtue, ever determined to protect the royal family at all costs.
"Then, please excuse me," she said, inclining her head gracefully before turning away.
Lord Shikryeom watched the queen's retreating figure, a smirk slowly forming as his brow lifted slightly.
So the old fox is still awake, as sharp as ever, he thought. What card is she playing this time? She never retreats when it matters.
×××
---
King's Chamber
The king's chamber was quiet and dim, heavy curtains drawn to shield the room from the harsh daylight. The scent of medicinal herbs lingered in the air, mixing with the faint smoke of burning incense. The atmosphere felt heavy, as though the walls themselves carried the burden of the king's worries.
The king's hand dangled loosely as the royal physician examined him in silence.
"How is His Majesty's health?" Eunuch Ho, the head eunuch, asked carefully.
The royal physician gently shook his head, biting down on his lower lip while keeping his gaze fixed on the floor.
Eunuch Ho nodded, a sigh slipping past his lips. "You are not to speak of the king's condition to anyone. Do you understand?"
The physician nodded at once and was escorted out by the royal guards.
The king groaned softly, massaging his temples as he rose from his resting position.
"Your Majesty," Eunuch Ho called gently. He knew well the weight the king bore in silence—the palace surrounded by wolves, all waiting for a chance to tear the royal family apart.
"My illness worsens with each passing day," the king said quietly. "After the annual spiritual ritual, I must abdicate the throne to the Crown Prince."
"Your Majesty… the Crown Prince's illness," Eunuch Ho reminded him softly.
He knew the truth. The Crown Prince had been terminally ill since birth. Only the late royal physician had known the full details, preparing medicine no one else could reproduce.
"Which is why I must hasten my decision," the king continued, his back stiff with tension. "If I place him on the throne now, I can still support him from behind the curtain."
"Joseon needs a king who will not be swayed by power," the king said, his eyes filled with quiet affection. "A king who rules for the people. The Crown Prince has never once fallen for the ministers' schemes."
"You are right, Your Majesty," Eunuch Ho replied. "I will continue searching in secret for a physician capable of recreating the medicine."
The king released a deep breath. "I need more people on his side—those who can protect him from the ministers' claws."
"Understood, Your Majesty," Eunuch Ho said, bowing.
"Your Majesty, Her Royal Highness the Queen is here," a guard announced.
Eunuch Ho glanced at the king, who gave a slow nod.
"Let her in."
The doors to the king's chamber opened, and the queen entered with calm, measured grace.
She lowered herself into a respectful curtsy.
Eunuch Ho bowed to both the king and queen, then quietly excused himself.
The king allowed a faint smile.
Word truly traveled fast within the palace walls.