EPISODE 2

Scene: Queen Mi Shil’s Chambers – That Same Night

Silken curtains rustled as the palace winds whispered through the windows. Queen Mi Shil sat before her mirror, her attendants long dismissed. A single candle burned beside her, casting a flickering glow over her composed face.

But her reflection betrayed her.

Queen Mi Shil (coldly to herself):

“After all I’ve given… after all my father secured... he still brings her into my palace.”

She rose, the weight of her royal robes dragging softly across the floor as she walked to the open window. Below, the distant torches of the quiet ceremony flickered in the courtyard where Seo Hwa was being brought in.

Her hand tightened around the embroidered edge of the curtain.

Queen Mi Shil (through clenched teeth):

“You may have his love, Seo Hwa...

But I have his throne.”

Behind her, Prime Minister Kim Dae So stepped into the room, unannounced.

Kim Dae So:

“He’s made his move. Bold... foolish.”

Queen Mi Shil (quietly):

“She won’t survive long. Not here.”

Kim Dae So:

“She’s not the one you should fear. It’s the child she might give him next.”

Queen Mi Shil’s jaw tightened. Then, her lips curved into a thin, knowing smile.

Queen Mi Shil:

“Then we make sure that child never sees the light of day.”

Scene: Seo Hwa’s New Quarters – That Same Night

Seo Hwa stood quietly by the window, her ceremonial robes replaced with a simpler hanbok. The room was richly adorned but unfamiliar—too clean, too still.

Her maid, Bo Kyung, gently folded away the ceremonial sash.

Bo Kyung (softly):

“My lady… are you alright?”

Seo Hwa (after a pause):

“I’ve stood on battlefields where men died screaming.

I’ve faced assassins and traitors with a sword in my hand.

But here… here I must fight without one.”

Bo Kyung stepped forward, her voice trembling.

Bo Kyung:

“Do you regret coming here?”

Seo Hwa turned to her, her expression soft but steady.

Seo Hwa:

“I regret nothing…

Except that I couldn’t be his queen.”

There was a silence between them. Then, Seo Hwa walked to the lacquered chest and gently pulled out a small carved box. Inside it was a worn wooden emblem—one Ho Seok had carved for her during their youth as warriors. She held it close.

Seo Hwa (whispering to herself):

“Whatever war this palace brings…

I will endure.”

Scene: Royal Garden – A Few Days After the Ceremony

It was mid-morning. The royal garden bloomed with peonies and plum blossoms. Court ladies lingered like petals in motion, their silks brushing along stone paths.

Lady Seo Hwa, now concubine, walked with Bo Kyung at her side, her expression calm, every step deliberate. As they turned near the central pavilion, a figure approached — Queen Mi Shil, flanked by her maid and a silent court lady.

Queen Mi Shil (smiling coldly):

“Ah, Lady Seo Hwa. Or should I say… the king’s flower from the battlefield.”

Seo Hwa (bowing respectfully):

“Your Majesty.”

Mi Shil stepped closer, circling her slowly, her voice low, meant for Seo Hwa’s ears alone.

Queen Mi Shil:

“It must be difficult, trading steel for silk. You wore blood better than silk, I imagine.”

Seo Hwa (evenly):

“I wear whatever my duty requires.”

Queen Mi Shil (smirking):

“Let us hope your duty doesn’t extend beyond your place. The palace is no battlefield, but women fight here too. Quietly… and with deadlier consequences.”

Seo Hwa (locking eyes briefly):

“I’m well acquainted with hidden blades, Your Majesty.”

The tension thickened like smoke, and nearby court ladies began to whisper behind fans. But Seo Hwa bowed again and moved on, leaving Mi Shil staring after her — lips tight, fists clenched.

Scene: That Evening – The King’s Private Study

Candlelight flickered across scrolls and maps. King Ho Seok sat at his desk, hands folded, but his eyes were distant — until the door slid open quietly.

Seo Hwa entered, dressed simply, the weight of politics absent from her face. She bowed deeply.

Seo Hwa:

“Your Majesty.”

King Ho Seok (softly):

“Seo Hwa…”

He stood, crossing the room toward her. She didn’t move, but when he reached her, his hand gently took hers.

King Ho Seok:

“I shouldn’t have waited a year.

Every day I looked at that throne… it meant less without you beside me.”

Seo Hwa (quietly):

“But not as Queen.”

There was no bitterness in her voice — only pain.