Whispers in the dark
The East Wing - Min Chae's Quarter
Min-chae sat by the open window, staring at the flickering lanterns illuminating the palace grounds. The night air was cool, laced with the scent of distant rain.
Hana stood nearby, hesitating.
Hana (Min- Chae Maid)
(softly): "My lady… you made quite the spectacle today."
Min-Chae
(calmly, sipping tea): "Did I?"
Hana (Min- Chae Maid)
(anxious): "You provoked Lady Konstantina in front of the court."
She had not provoked Konstantina. She had only reminded her that she was watching. That she was not some fragile creature to be trampled upon.
Min-Chae
(coolly): "She will retaliate."
Hana (Min- Chae Maid)
(nodding nervously): "She already has."
Min-chae’s grip on her cup tightened.
Hana (Min- Chae Maid)
(voice dropping to a whisper): "There are rumors spreading… that you have bewitched the king."
A slow, sharp laugh escaped Min-chae’s lips.
Min-Chae
(amused): "So soon? How predictable."
Hana (Min- Chae Maid)
(worried): "His Majesty has summoned you to court tomorrow."
The game was shifting. Faster than expected.
Lady Konstantina's Chambers - The West Wing
The golden glow of candlelight reflected in Konstantina’s dark eyes as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her face was unreadable, but Irene could sense the storm brewing beneath the surface.
Irena (Konstantina's Maid)
(whispering): "She made a fool of you today."
Konstantina
(smiling coldly, brushing her hair): "She is clever. I will give her that."
Irena (Konstantina's Maid)
(hesitant): "Should we… do something about her?"
Konstantina turned, her gaze sharp.
Konstantina
(softly, dangerously): "We already have."
Konstantina stood, her silken robe pooling around her feet.
Konstantina
(tilting her head): "You see, Irene… she thinks she understands the game."
She walked toward the window, gazing at the East Wing in the distance.
Konstantina
(darkly): "But she does not realize… I always make the first move."
The Grand Court - The Next Morning
The great hall buzzed with hushed whispers as Min-chae entered.
Eyes followed her every step.
She could hear them. The accusations. The doubts. The fear.
•
"A woman shrouded in darkness…"
•
"Does she have no respect?"
August
(watching her): "You took your time."
Min-Chae
(coolly): "I was admiring the view."
A flicker of amusement crossed his face, but it disappeared as soon as it came.
Konstantina sat gracefully at his right, dressed in soft lavender, a picture of regal perfection.
Konstantina
(gently): "Your Majesty, I fear the palace is… unsettled."
August
(leaning back, studying Min-chae): "So I’ve heard."
Konstantina
(soft sigh): "I do not wish to believe these rumors, but Lady Sophia’s illness began just after Lady Min-chae’s arrival. Perhaps… it is merely a coincidence?"
A dangerous silence filled the room.
Min-Chae
(smiling slightly): "A coincidence indeed, Lady Konstantina."
August
(slowly): "You deny the accusations?"
Min-chae turned her head, her gaze locking with Konstantina’s.
Min-Chae
(softly, but with an edge of steel): "Would you believe me if I did?"
Konstantina’s smile remained, but there was a flicker of something beneath it. Annoyance.
August
(after a long pause): "Then let us put this matter to rest."
He turned to the assembled nobles.
August
(firmly): "Unless you have evidence, there will be no more talk of curses or misfortune. Lady Min-chae is under my protection."
A murmur of agreement spread through the court, though uncertainty still lingered in the air.
Min-chae tilted her head.
King August was shielding her.
Konstantina
(smiling, but her nails dug into her armrest): "Of course, Your Majesty. Forgive my concern."
Min-chae did not miss the way her fingers clenched into the fabric of her gown.
but the battle was far from over.
That Night - The Shadows Stir
The palace has settled into an uneasy quiet.
Min-Chae stood on the balcony of the East Wing, watching the torches flicker in the distance.
She could feel it in the air, a shift in the tides.
And when it came, she would be ready.
A soft rustle behind her.
Min-Chae
(without turning): "Did you think I wouldn’t hear you?"
A shadow stepped into the light.
•
(smirking): "You’re as sharp as ever…
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