ds rang in my ears like the clang of a war dru

ice sharp, "I am still a

s, the hall buzzed with laughter and clinking

won. His greying beard and calm demeanor belied the sharpness of his tongue. "Perhaps you

oughts?" I asked, leaning back in my chair. "I thin

ly. "A wise response, Your Highness. Yet, even

t what you call trading our sovereignt

de me, shot me a warning look. "Min Soo," he said softly, h

should focus less on treaties and more on the growing unrest in the e

ng his cup onto the table. The hal

ght defiance. "As you command, Appa." My words d

-

ent of burning incense. I passed servants who bowed deeply, their eyes averted.

called from behind me. I paus

greeted, my

yourself, you know," she said

one keep saying

e harsh, but he's not wrong. You have a duty

bitterly. "He sees me as a failure before

n earnest. "You don't have to prove yourself

people? They bar

attending the councils. Show them yo

figure emerged from the

is voice calm but fir

-

garden, away from prying eyes and ears. Seok

Appa is so hard o

?" I offered, my ton

sees potential in you. He wouldn't push so h

Is that what

n admitted. "I

guard. For a moment, I d

. They're waiting for you to fail. But if you step

uld I want

eok Hoon said grimly, "is le

-

ficent and suffocating. The marble floors gleamed under the morning sun, and th

nce drawing curious glances from th

d, his tone as smooth as silk.

"Did you think I'd

. "Of course not, Your Highness. It is al

festival to border skirmishes with neighboring kingdoms. I listened,

Seok Hoon, "what are your thoughts on the proposal to s

s composure. "Such decisions require caref

consideration?" she repeated. "What is there to consider? A u

ed looks. "Forgive me, Eomeoni, but isn't it dangerous to pl

ned. "Your concerns are noted, Min Soo. Howeve

st a snake not to

g through the tension. "This matter requir

-

erving the court as they dispersed. Whispers filled t

, his expression serious. "Be care

. "The question is,

before answer

-

ttled into quiet, I overheard a co

ess," she said, her tone firm. "It is

?" Daewon's

ng," she said dismissive

me weak, irrelevant. But they would learn, one wa

Daewon say, "What if he discov