EPISODE 4

[Scene: Royal Garden – Late Afternoon]

The gentle rustle of leaves and the soft bubbling of the stream filled the garden as King Kang Ho Seok strolled with slow, measured steps. His hands were behind his back, his brow lined with thoughts. It had been a long day of council meetings, and his mind still lingered on the troubling silence of High Priestess Bi Ryul.

Just then, a voice called gently from behind.

Seo Hwa: Your Majesty…

He turned. Lady Seo Hwa approached, her steps graceful, though the child beside her seemed nervous but obedient. Dressed simply in a robe of soft grey, Choi Tae Hyun bowed deeply as he had been taught.

King Ho Seok (softly smiling): Seo Hwa… and who might this be?

Seo Hwa (with quiet pride): His name is Choi Tae Hyun. He is eight years old. His family was slaughtered near the border… My father rescued him. I asked that he be allowed to stay with me.

The king looked down at the boy—so small, yet his eyes held a depth beyond his years. There was something quiet and determined about him.

King Ho Seok (kneeling slightly): Tae Hyun, do you know who I am?

Tae Hyun (softly): Yes… you are His Majesty, the King of Goryeo.

King Ho Seok (nodding): And are you not afraid to stand before a king?

Tae Hyun (after a pause): I was more afraid when my parents were killed. But Lady Seo Hwa… she is kind. I feel safe when she is near.

The king looked at Seo Hwa, something tender flickering in his gaze.

King Ho Seok: Then she has chosen well. He may stay.

Seo Hwa (bowing): Thank you, Your Majesty.

King Ho Seok (smiling at Tae Hyun): Be strong, young one. This palace holds shadows, but with her as your guide… you may grow to be a light.

[Montage – Weeks Passing]

Soft instrumental music would play if this were a drama...

Tae Hyun holding a wooden practice sword in the training yard as Seo Hwa guides his hands, teaching him basic stances.

Her voice patient, firm, but warm as he stumbles and tries again.

Nights of quiet reading, where she teaches him how to read scrolls by lantern light.

A target set up in the courtyard, and Seo Hwa showing him the art of early musketry, her aim precise—his shaky but determined.

He laughed once, just once, when he finally hit the mark.

[Scene: Inner Palace – Queen Mi Shil’s Quarters – Late Night]

The lanterns burned low, casting a quiet glow across the silk-draped walls. Queen Mi Shil sat with poised stillness, her fingers gently swirling the contents of her untouched wine cup. A low knock interrupted the silence.

Court Lady (softly): Your Majesty, Priestess Chi Soo is here.

Queen Mi Shil: Let her enter.

[Chi Soo steps in, bows deeply, and closes the door behind her.]

Queen Mi Shil (without looking up): Have you learned anything new?

Priestess Chi Soo: Nothing further on the High Priestess’s vision, Your Majesty. But… I’ve seen something else.

Queen Mi Shil (turning slowly): Go on.

Priestess Chi Soo (lowering her voice): The boy. The one Minister Park Ju Mong brought to Lady Seo Hwa. Tae Hyun.

Queen Mi Shil (curious): The orphan?

Priestess Chi Soo: Yes, Your Majesty. He’s barely eight, but… there’s something strange about him. I passed by the gardens earlier. He was practicing with her, watching her every move—like he had done it before in another life.

Queen Mi Shil: And that frightens you?

Priestess Chi Soo: Not fear… unease. I reached out with my spirit to sense him. There was a wall. A void. As though he were veiled by something ancient. Something neither born of man nor god.

Queen Mi Shil (thoughtfully): Another mystery surrounding her. First the High Priestess sees something and hides it from us. Now this boy—who just so happens to appear in her life now?

Priestess Chi Soo: Perhaps it is nothing. But… he doesn’t feel like a mere child, Your Majesty. He feels like… a key.

Queen Mi Shil (coldly): Then we shall watch him. Closely. I’ve survived too many storms to be undone by a boy with hollow eyes and quiet feet.

[They exchange a long, understanding look—one filled with warning.]

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