EPISODE 3

Scene: A Palace of Silent Wars – Over Four Years

The first attempt came in the second month after Seo Hwa became a concubine.

A tray of poisoned tea.

It was served to her by a new court maid—one Mi Shil had recommended. But Seo Hwa, trained in war and wariness, noticed the scent. She poured the tea into the garden’s soil while pretending to sip. The maid vanished that night—found floating in the lotus pond.

The second attempt came months later.

A fall from the palace stairs.

One of the stone steps had been loosened. Seo Hwa stepped lightly, but Bo Kyung slipped first, crying out. Seo Hwa caught her just in time—both tumbling, bruised but alive. Queen Mi Shil had been watching from a distance, lips pressed in a perfect line.

The third came during a royal hunt.

An "accidental" misfire.

An arrow whistled inches from Seo Hwa’s shoulder. The archer blamed the wind. But that wind never returned again to the palace grounds, and no one dared to question the king’s silent rage that day.

Yet every time, Seo Hwa endured.

And Mi Shil? She smiled for the court, but each failure grew like rot in her pride.

Scene: Four Years Later – Palace Gardens, Spring

The cherry blossoms were late that year, hesitant in their bloom. But within the palace, two lives began to stir.

Seo Hwa and Queen Mi Shil were both with child.

Word spread through the court like fire among dry scrolls.

Court Lady 1:

“Both women… pregnant? At the same time?”

Court Lady 2 (whispering):

“Whose child will the stars favor?”

No one knew who would birth a boy, who would birth a girl. Not even the royal priestess could yet read the heavens clearly.

But in the Queen’s chamber, the whispers turned to worry.

Queen Mi Shil (to her father, Prime Minister Kim Dae So):

“That woman must not give birth. My child’s place must be secured.”

Kim Dae So (sternly):

“The nation will not accept a concubine’s child above the Queen’s, regardless of gender.”

Queen Mi Shil (gritting her teeth):

“Don’t be so sure. Ho Seok’s heart is still with her. He will fight the court for that child.”

Her hand moved to her belly. A flicker of fear, for the first time in years, crossed her face.

Meanwhile, in her quieter quarters, Seo Hwa sat with Bo Kyung, her hand resting over her stomach.

Seo Hwa:

“Strange, isn’t it? That we carry life at the same time.”

Bo Kyung:

“My lady, the Queen will not rest. You know this.”

Seo Hwa (calmly):

“Let her send blades and poison again.

I’ll survive. Not for me—

but for the child I carry.”

[Scene: Royal Palace – King’s Private Study, Night]

The room was dimly lit by oil lamps, casting soft golden shadows over the scrolls and maps spread across the large table. King Ho Seok sat alone, nursing a cup of ginseng tea, deep in thought.

Suddenly, the doors opened gently. High Priestess Won Bi Ryul, cloaked in white, entered silently.

King Ho Seok (without turning): You walk like the wind, Priestess. I should have known it was you.

Priestess Won Bi Ryul: Forgive the intrusion, Your Majesty. I came unannounced.

King Ho Seok (turning to her): When a woman of visions comes in the night, it is rarely a matter that can wait till dawn.

She stepped forward and bowed deeply.

Priestess Ryul: It is about Lady Seo Hwa… and something else.

The king stood, tension flickering across his face.

King Ho Seok: Is she in danger?

Priestess Ryul (pausing): Not yet. But the threads are weaving quickly. I saw something—unclear, but powerful. A shadow fell over both her and the Queen. Their children... they will be born under the same moon.

King Ho Seok (shocked): You saw the children?

Priestess Ryul: Not clearly. Only... a stir in the heavens. The Queen carries a girl. And so does Seo Hwa.

King Ho Seok: Both daughters?

Priestess Ryul: Yes. And one will rise so strongly that the other will be forced to kneel… or fall.

The king’s hand tightened around his cup.

King Ho Seok: Do you know which one will rise?

Priestess Ryul (shaking her head): The vision was veiled. But I felt a mighty spirit hovering around the one carried by Lady Seo Hwa. I dare not interpret it too soon.

King Ho Seok (murmuring): This will only fuel Mi Shil’s fears… and Dae So’s schemes.

Priestess Ryul: That is why I came. The Queen must not know what I’ve seen.

King Ho Seok (firmly): She already suspects something. Her own Priestess—Chi Soo—has been watching you. If she catches wind of this…

Priestess Ryul: She will act. Without hesitation.

A long silence followed.

King Ho Seok: What would you have me do?

Priestess Ryul (lowering her voice): Protect Seo Hwa. Keep her close. And keep her child closer. No matter what the court demands.

King Ho Seok (quietly): I would give my life for them. But the danger now… it is within these walls.

He looked away, toward the moonlit window.

King Ho Seok: The Queen may smile by day… but I know the storm in her eyes.

Priestess Ryul (softly): Then guard your heart, Majesty. And trust no one—not even the stars.

[Scene: Queen’s Private Chamber – Same Night]

A heavy stillness settled over the palace. The flicker of torchlight danced against the tall pillars as Queen Mi Shil, draped in a deep crimson robe, stared at the closed window of her chamber. Her hand caressed her growing belly with unease.

The door creaked open.

Royal Attendant (softly): Your Majesty, Priestess Chi Soo seeks audience.

Queen Mi Shil (without turning): Let her in.

Priestess Chi Soo entered briskly, her robes rustling as she bowed low, the scent of incense lingering around her.

Priestess Chi Soo: Forgive the intrusion, Your Majesty, but something most troubling has occurred.

Queen Mi Shil (turning): Speak.

Priestess Chi Soo: Just moments ago, the Royal High Priestess, Bi Ryul, collapsed into a sudden trance during prayer. I witnessed it myself—she trembled, muttered incoherent words, and then, without a word to the council or to me, she rushed to the King’s chamber.

Queen Mi Shil: To the King?

Priestess Chi Soo (nodding): Yes. The guards blocked all who approached. I fear she received a vision concerning Lady Seo Hwa’s child—something she does not wish us to know.

The Queen’s eyes narrowed, her face paling.

Queen Mi Shil: If she saw something and did not come to me… then it is grave indeed.

Priestess Chi Soo: I believe her child may become a threat to your own. We still do not know what either of you will bear—but should that woman’s child rise above yours…

Queen Mi Shil (coldly): Then make sure she never rises at all. Do whatever must be done. My child will not bow to hers. Not in this life.

Priestess Chi Soo (bowing): As you wish, Your Majesty.

[Scene: Minister Park Ju Mong’s Arrival at Lady Seo Hwa’s Residence – Next Morning]

Sunlight filtered through the mist over the palace gardens. Lady Seo Hwa, dressed in a dark navy robe, stood in her quiet residence, her long hair braided neatly down her back. The burden of her thoughts was hidden behind her calm gaze.

A guard announced a visitor.

Palace Guard: Minister Park Ju Mong requests entry, my lady.

Lady Seo Hwa (smiling softly): Let him in.

Her father entered, stern as always, but his face warmed at the sight of his daughter. Beside him stood a young boy—thin, with wide eyes and a quiet, respectful posture.

Seo Hwa: Father… and who is this child?

Park Ju Mong: This is Choi Tae Hyun. He is eight. I found him days ago near the border—his family was ambushed by assassins. He was the only one left alive, hiding in a hollow tree. Brave boy.

Seo Hwa’s expression softened as she knelt before the child.

Seo Hwa: What is your name, little one?

Tae Hyun (softly): Choi Tae Hyun, my lady.

Seo Hwa: How old are you?

Tae Hyun: Eight… my lady.

She gently touched his shoulder.

Seo Hwa: You are safe now, Tae Hyun.

She stood and turned to her father.

Seo Hwa: Let him stay with me.

Park Ju Mong (hesitating): Seo Hwa… he’s just a child. You already have enough responsibilities—especially now.

Seo Hwa: I know, Father. But something in my heart stirs for him. I want to teach him, protect him. Please.

Park Ju Mong (sighing): You always were stubborn. Very well. But take care—he has seen much darkness.