When Words Become Blades
Winter arrived early in Cheng Dynasty.
Snow dusted the palace roofs, but the imperial court burned with unrest.
For months, whispers had grown louder — first among scholars, then ministers, then soldiers. What began as careful disagreement had hardened into accusation.
At the center of it all stood the Prime Minister, a man revered for his intellect and feared for his patience.
And now, he had learned the truth.
The Prophecy Revealed
"The deaths of the princes are not coincidence," the Prime Minister said calmly during court assembly.
His voice echoed through the hall.
Officials shifted uneasily.
"What do you imply?" Emperor Xu Chai Bai asked, his tone guarded.
The Prime Minister bowed.
"I imply Heaven has spoken — and that we have defied it."
Murmurs erupted.
"The prophecy of twin blood," the Prime Minister continued, "was buried, not erased. And yet its curse has unfolded exactly as foretold."
The Emperor's grip tightened on the armrest.
"You tread dangerous ground."
"I tread necessary ground," the Prime Minister replied. "If the prophecy is true — then the throne itself is in danger."
Eyes turned, slowly, inevitably, toward Prince Xae Rin.
The High Priestess Nae Yi watched silently.
Her lips curved — just slightly.
A Court Divided
Debate consumed the court for weeks.
Words became weapons.
Scholars questioned Heaven's will.
Generals questioned loyalty.
Ministers questioned succession.
No swords were drawn — yet.
Behind closed doors, alliances formed.
The Prime Minister approached the Magistrate Commander, a man with control over the city guard.
"Do you believe Heaven favors the boy?" the Prime Minister asked.
The Magistrate hesitated.
"I believe Heaven favors order."
"So do I," the Prime Minister said. "And order demands sacrifice."
Li Dynasty — A Quiet Truth
Far to the west, under lantern light, Giyeok sat sharpening her blades.
Xiao Xing watched her silently.
"You're different tonight," he said.
She paused.
"…I don't like politics," she replied. "They smell like blood that hasn't been spilled yet."
He smiled faintly.
"You speak from experience."
She exhaled.
"I was born in a nation that no longer exists," she said at last.
"My parents died in the war between Li Dynasty and my homeland. Years of fighting. Years of fire."
Xiao Xing said nothing.
"When the treaty was signed, there were no victors," she continued. "Only orphans."
He turned to her.
"And Nae Yi?"
"She found me," Giyeok said. "Fed me. Trained me. Gave me purpose."
Xiao Xing's expression darkened.
"She owns you."
"No," Giyeok said quietly. "She forged me."
Their eyes met.
For the first time, neither looked away.
The Beginning of Us
That night, rain fell softly over Haemun.
Xiao Xing stood beside Giyeok on the rooftop.
"If you were given a choice," he asked, "would you still walk this path?"
She hesitated.
"…I don't know any other."
He reached out — slowly — and covered her hand.
"Then let me show you one."
Her breath caught.
She did not pull away.
Below them, thunder rolled.
Heaven listened.
The Coup
It happened at dawn.
The Magistrate Commander sealed the palace gates.
Soldiers loyal to the Prime Minister flooded the inner court.
Steel finally replaced words.
The Empress stood before Xae Rin, arms spread.
"Run," she begged.
Before he could answer —
An arrow struck her chest.
Time stopped.
Xae Rin screamed.
The Emperor collapsed beside her, broken.
Something ancient awakened in the prince's eyes.
The Prince Who Would Not Fall
Xae Rin took command.
He rallied loyal troops, scholars, even servants.
The rebellion lasted months.
City streets ran red.
The Prime Minister declared Heaven's mandate void.
Xae Rin declared Heaven's will alive.
In the final battle, the Magistrate fell.
The Prime Minister was captured.
Xae Rin stood before the court — bloodied, unbowed.
"The throne is not Heaven's toy," he said. "Nor yours."
The rebellion ended.
Crown of Ashes
The Empress was buried beneath white silk.
The Emperor aged ten years in one night.
Xae Rin was proclaimed Crown Prince.
The people bowed.
But Heaven remained silent.
A Final Resort
Nae Yi stood alone before the altar.
"All paths close," she whispered.
Incense burned black.
She turned.
"Summon Giyeok."
The order echoed like a death sentence.
Far away, Giyeok felt a chill.
Xiao Xing reached for her.
"Something's wrong," she said.
Fate had chosen.
And it would demand blood.