The morning sky hid the sun behind a veil of gray clouds. At the Gojin Palace, the stormy season's wind carried a deepening shadow. The expressions of the high officials were tense, as if they knew a storm was coming — and it was only a matter of time before it erupted.
In a secret room hidden behind the palace library, an old man in black robes stared at a scroll spread out before him. Lord Baek, an influential noble from the North, was rereading a plan long laid in secret.
"We need a small sacrifice for a greater goal," he said quietly. "And that sacrifice is Prince Wang Joon."
Standing before him was Do Kyung, a young guard who looked visibly anxious.
"You only need to testify that the Prince has been inciting the people. That's all. We'll take care of the rest."
"But… that's not true…"
"Truth is not your concern," Lord Baek cut in. "You want your sister to receive treatment, don't you? Then do as instructed."
Do Kyung clenched his fists tightly. He lowered his head, silently signaling his reluctant agreement.
In another corner of the palace, Areum sat in a small, hidden courtyard on the west wing. A gentle breeze brushed through her loose hair. Beside her, Lady-in-waiting Yu Jin was reading a small handwritten letter.
"This seal belongs to the Baek family," Yu Jin whispered. "We found this along with fragments of the documents last night."
Areum nodded. "Then we weren't wrong. Lord Baek is definitely one of the main conspirators."
"But this letter isn't enough evidence. It doesn't clearly state the plan."
Areum stared into the distance. "We need the original documents… or an insider witness. If we present this to the King or the Prince without solid proof, we could be accused of slander."
Yu Jin turned to her, worry in her voice. "Are you sure you want to continue with this?"
Areum nodded slowly. "I didn't come to this palace just to be an honored guest. I had a reason… and now I know that reason includes protecting Wang Joon."
In the palace's main hall, King Gojin was in session with his senior advisors. His expression remained calm, but his eyes were sharp, watching every movement of the nobles before him.
"The southern territory treaty must not be delayed any further," the King declared.
But Lord Hwan, a counselor known to side with Lord Baek, raised his voice.
"With all due respect, Your Majesty. The people are restless. Some say Prince Wang Joon is spreading talk of reform. It… stirs concern among the nobility."
King Gojin responded sharply, "My son only speaks of justice. If that frightens you, perhaps you should reassess your courage."
Lord Hwan fell silent, though his eyes gleamed with defiance. King Gojin knew — traitors were already moving from within.
Night returned once more. Areum and Yu Jin crept into the old storage near the palace kitchens, the place where they had previously found document fragments.
"The night guard rotates every two hours," Yu Jin whispered. "We have little time."
They moved swiftly to a large wooden chest at the far end of the storage room. Areum took a deep breath before opening it.
Inside — a scroll bearing the official seal of the Baek family. Clearly written:
> "Next step: use palace guards as witnesses to accuse Prince Wang Joon. Once the Prince is removed, pressure King Gojin to abdicate."
Areum stared at the writing. Her hands trembled — not from fear, but from the fury building within her.
The next morning, Wang Joon stood on the balcony of his chamber, gazing out toward the palace garden. He knew something was unfolding, but no one was speaking of it.
"Everyone's hiding something," he muttered.
A knock came at the door. A palace guard entered. "Your Highness… an envoy from the North wishes to meet you."
Wang Joon frowned. "The North? Who?"
"Lord Baek."
Wang Joon turned, his face tensing.
In their secret chamber, Areum handed the stolen document to Yu Jin.
"We have the proof. Now… we need the right moment to present it."
Yu Jin asked, "Are you sure we still have time?"
Areum looked out the window. "As long as Wang Joon hasn't been brought down… we still have time. But we have to act before they do."
Elsewhere, Lord Baek made his way toward the main palace. In his hand — a forged letter falsely claiming that Prince Wang Joon had conspired with rebels.
The shadow of dark clouds had truly entered the palace.
To Be Continued...