The night slowly crept in, though the sky had not yet turned completely dark. Stars began to scatter across the tranquil palace sky. In a quiet garden near a small pavilion, Wang Joon and Areum sat side by side. The breeze carried the scent of blooming peonies, and the lantern's glow cast their shadows upon the white stone floor.
Areum glanced at Wang Joon, who was quietly gazing up at the sky. His face, usually calm and composed, seemed slightly troubled tonight. Unlike his usual self, he hadn't spoken a word since they arrived.
"You look tired," Areum said softly. "Is something troubling you?"
Wang Joon let out a long sigh. "Areum… have you ever felt like the whole world is just waiting for a moment to stab you in the back?"
Areum didn't answer immediately. She knew this wasn't just a passing question. She turned to him, her eyes filled with concern.
"I've never told anyone this," Wang Joon said at last. "When I was eight, I almost died… I was poisoned."
Areum was shocked. "Poisoned?"
He nodded. "It happened after a small banquet at the old palace. Only those close to the royal family were in attendance. That night, I fell gravely ill. Fought for my life. The palace physicians nearly gave up."
"Who did it—?"
"I never found out. But my father… King Gojin… ever since that day, he became stricter. He knew someone inside wanted to erase the royal bloodline." Wang Joon clenched the hem of his robe. "But he never acted rashly. He taught me to be patient. To observe. And to wait for the right moment."
Areum remained silent, her eyes fixed on him. In that moment, she understood — everything Wang Joon had done wasn't out of arrogance. It was because of a wound that had never truly healed.
"I've never really trusted anyone in this palace," Wang Joon looked at her. "But for some reason… you're different."
Areum's heart skipped a beat. She didn't know what to say. But in silence, she realized — the trust Wang Joon placed in her was something precious.
"I don't know who you really are, Areum," Wang Joon said softly. "But I know you didn't come here just to be a maid."
Areum smiled faintly. "I don't know why I'm here either. But I know I want to be by your side… not because of the throne, but because of you."
Wang Joon looked at her for a long moment. A gentle smile formed on his lips — more sincere than ever before.
Meanwhile, in another wing of the palace, Lady Yu Jin walked slowly through a quiet corridor. Her heart was uneasy. Moments ago, she had overheard a suspicious conversation behind the door of the nobles' chamber.
"King Gojin has held power for far too long."
"Prince Wang Joon is too idealistic. We need someone more obedient to our desires."
"The time for change has come."
Yu Jin held her breath. Her steps halted. She knew this wasn't just political gossip. This was a plan to overthrow the throne.
She hurried back to Areum's chamber. After making sure she wasn't being followed, she knocked gently. Areum opened the door with a startled expression.
"Yu Jin?"
"We have a problem, Agassi," she whispered urgently, her eyes scanning around before stepping into the room.
Areum quickly shut the door. "What happened?"
Yu Jin took a few moments to catch her breath. "I overheard two nobles in the northern wing. They… they're plotting to bring down King Gojin."
Areum froze. "What do you mean, 'bring down'?"
"They want to overthrow him. They say the King has ruled too long, and Prince Wang Joon is too idealistic. They want someone they can 'control' on the throne."
Areum slowly sat down on a small bench, her eyes wide. "This is worse than we thought…"
Yu Jin nodded. "This isn't just dirty politics. This is treason. If they succeed, not just the King… but Wang Joon will—"
Areum stood up. Her face now filled with resolve. "They will not succeed."
"Areum?"
"I may not be of noble blood, but Wang Joon chose me to stand by his side. And for him… I will fight anyone who dares to betray the throne."
Yu Jin was taken aback by the courage in her mistress's eyes.
"We'll uncover the real mastermind, one by one. But we have to be smart," Areum said, now fully alert. "We don't know who's friend or foe. And most importantly… Wang Joon must not know any of this until we have proof."
Yu Jin nodded slowly. "I'll help. Always."
Areum grasped Yu Jin's hand. "Then we begin tonight."
Back in the now quiet pavilion, Wang Joon still sat alone after Areum had returned to her chamber. His fingers gently touched a small ring — a gift from his father, a symbol of royal legacy.
"I won't lose," he whispered into the night. "Not to them, not to fate… and not as long as Areum is by my side."
To Be Continued…