the heart's desire

Hyeon raised his hand, gently touching her face. His fingers were cold, but the gesture was comforting.

Hyeon: (firmly) Mi-Suk, you are much stronger than you think. This marriage wasn't our choice, but we can find solace in each other. We will face this together.

Mi-Suk lifted her gaze, meeting his. For a moment, she saw something different—beyond the enigma that unsettled her, there was a hint of vulnerability.

Mi-Suk: (with determination) I don't know what the future holds, Hyeon, but I will try. For us… and for my family.

Hyeon smiled—a small, almost imperceptible smile, but a sincere one. He took a step aside, looking back at the starry sky.

Hyeon: (thoughtfully) You know, Mi-Suk, sometimes people keep secrets not by choice, but out of necessity.

Mi-Suk remained silent for a moment before speaking, her voice carrying hesitation.

Mi-Suk: (gazing at the stars) And your heart, Hyeon? Is it bound to someone else?

The question seemed to catch him off guard. He stood still, as if deciding how to respond.

Hyeon: (looking at the horizon) There was someone, yes. Someone I cannot forget. But that story is complicated… and it involves secrets that must remain hidden, at least for now.

Mi-Suk felt a pang of something—perhaps jealousy, perhaps sorrow—but she did not let it show.

Mi-Suk: (understanding) Sometimes, fate leads us down paths we did not choose, but we must accept them.

Hyeon turned to her again, his expression softening.

Hyeon: (with a sad smile) You're more perceptive than you seem, Mi-Suk. There's so much I want to share… but all in due time.

Mi-Suk hesitated for a moment before reaching out, lightly touching his hand.

Mi-Suk: (in a soft tone) I promise I will wait, Hyeon. No matter what happens, we are in this together now.

Hyeon held her hand gently, as if afraid of breaking it. For a brief moment, they stood there, under the moonlight, sharing a rare moment of mutual acceptance.

(In the Office of the First Prince, Ying Chin)

Ying Chin's office was an imposing space. The walls were lined with dark wooden bookshelves, filled with ancient scrolls and books that carried the scent of aged paper. A grand mahogany desk dominated the center of the room, impeccably organized—except for a small golden vial carefully placed beside a stack of documents.

Ying sat in an ornate chair, his hands resting on the desk as his piercing gaze analyzed Fong, his long-time assistant.

Ying: (in a low tone) Fong, do you have the medicine?Fong: (smiling, pulling a small vial from his pocket) Yes, young master.

Ying raised an eyebrow, taking the vial delicately, as if it were a rare jewel. He observed the translucent liquid for a moment, his lips curving into a calculated smile.

Ying: (calmly) You know what to do, don't you?Fong: (nodding, with a servile look) Yes, Master Ying.Ying: (chuckling softly) I will be the emperor, Fong. Not my dear Third Brother.

His laughter echoed through the room, but Fong kept his head lowered, awaiting further instructions.

Fong: (curious) Young master, why do you only wish to stop the Third Prince?

Ying leaned back, crossing his hands over his chest. His eyes held a cold, calculating glint.

Ying: Because he is better than me. He always has been. As for the others… they are nothing but useless fools.Fong: (hesitant) Then… why not simply kill the Third Prince?

Ying rose slowly, walking over to the window. He looked out at the palace gardens, where servants moved like ants among the colorful flowers.

Ying: (calm yet menacing) If I kill my brother, the Emperor will suspect. My father has always had a soft spot for him. So, it's easier to do this…

He lifted the vial, letting the liquid catch the light streaming in from the window.

Ying: (with a dark smile) …than to let him marry.

Fong bowed slightly, impressed by Ying's cunning.

Fong: (with admiration) It's true, Master Ying. You are very intelligent.

Ying spun on his heels, fixing Fong with an icy stare.

Ying: (coldly) I know that very well, Fong. I don't need you to tell me something I already know.Fong: (recoiling) Forgive me, Master Ying.

Ying let out a short laugh, returning to his desk. He picked up a quill and began writing on a scroll, his expression growing contemplative.

Ying: (muttering to himself) My father chose a glorious name for me, Ying Chin… the brilliance of perfection. Ironic, isn't it, Fong?Fong: (cautiously) More ironic is that no one sees the darkness behind the brilliance, young master.Ying: (softly laughing) Exactly, Fong. They never see it.

The office door opened quietly, revealing Eun-Ji, Ying Chin's wife. She was a woman of stunning beauty, with sharp eyes that seemed to see beyond appearances. Wearing a delicate hanbok in shades of blue and silver, she entered gracefully, but her expression was serious.

Eun-Ji: (calmly) My love, the Emperor is looking for you.

Ying lifted his eyes, studying her for a moment before responding.

Ying: (calmly) Very well.

Eun-Ji crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly as she scrutinized him.

Eun-Ji: (suspicious) What are you plotting, Ying Chin?Ying: (averting his gaze) It's nothing, Eun-Ji.Eun-Ji: (raising an eyebrow) Don't lie to me, my husband. I know you better than anyone.

Ying sighed, rising from his chair. He walked up to her, gently touching her chin with his fingertips.

Ying: (with a seductive smile) I'll tell you later, Eun-Ji, about my plan.Eun-Ji: (smirking) Very well, my love. Or should I say… my Emperor?

Ying laughed, leaning in to kiss her forehead.

Ying: (softly) You are incredible, my future Empress.

Eun-Ji returned his smile, but her eyes were still full of doubt as she turned toward the door.

As she walked down the corridor, Eun-Ji pressed her hands against her body, her nails slightly digging into the silk of her hanbok.

Eun-Ji: (thinking) Ying Chin… you never change. There's always something hidden behind your smile.

She sighed, casting one last glance at the closed office door.

Eun-Ji: (thinking) I just hope your ambition doesn't destroy you… or us.