Over the years, Seo Yeon had kept her distance from Hyun Yeol, avoiding any interaction with him. This only heightened the King's unease. Seo Yeon, the closest person to Hae-ju, had become an unspoken barrier to his restless thoughts, and her coldness weighed heavily on him. Meanwhile, Do-hyun had solidified his position as Left Prime Minister, his growing respect among both politicians and the King stemming from his father’s redemption. But four years later, rumors began to circulate through Joseon, foreshadowing yet another tragedy. Courtiers trembled at the King’s volatile temper, and when the whispers reached the palace, Concubine Yoo Ha saw an opportunity to plot against Seo Yeon and further secure her own power.

  “Your Majesty, King...” Eunuch Lee’s voice cut through the silence, drawing Hyun Yeol’s attention. His eyes snapped up, and Eunuch Lee moved closer, his whisper urgent.

  Hyun Yeol’s gaze hardened. “Go find out the truth about this rumor immediately!” His command was sharp, betraying his anxiety. Eunuch Lee bowed quickly.

  “Yes, Your Majesty!” he replied, rushing off.

  As Eunuch Lee hurried out, Seo Yeon crossed his path. She noticed the urgency in his departure and stopped, calling after him.

  "Commander Yul Nim..." she said, her voice calm but firm. Yul Nim paused and bowed respectfully.

  "Your Majesty, Queen..." he greeted.

  “Why is the King's bodyguard leaving the palace in such haste, instead of staying by his side?” Seo Yeon asked, suspicion in her eyes. Yul Nim swallowed nervously.

  “I… Your Majesty… it’s…” he stammered, caught off guard.

  "Spit it out!" Soon-i snapped from behind, impatience clear in her voice. Yul Nim closed his eyes, resigned, before speaking.

  “Your Majesty, the King has heard rumors of someone resembling the missing Crown Princess, Hae-ju, seen near the Ming borders…” Yul Nim’s voice faltered, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

  Seo Yeon froze, shock flickering across her face. She hurried to Yul Nim, grabbing his wrist in a tight grip, anxiety barely contained.

  “Hae-ju’s child?” she whispered, her breath quickening with worry.

  “My Queen…” Hyun Yeol’s voice pierced the tension. He stepped out from the shadows, his eyes falling on Seo Yeon’s hand clutching Yul Nim’s wrist. Yul Nim, uncomfortable, stepped back and bowed.

  “Your Majesty, King…” he stammered.

  “Is it true? Someone spotted a child who looks like Hae-ju?” Seo Yeon’s voice was urgent, demanding answers. Hyun Yeol’s expression darkened, his voice edged with irritation.

  “I’m not sure yet. That’s why I’ve sent Yul Nim to investigate. If it’s tied to Hae-ju, you’ll only speak to me,” he snapped. Seo Yeon, though shaken, kept her composure.

  “I… I came to bring you these dates,” she said, her voice strained. “My brother received them from his travels and wanted to share them with me, so I thought it polite to offer them to you.”

  Hyun Yeol’s gaze softened slightly as he took in her words.

  “Come and rest in the King’s Quarters,” he suggested, his voice gentler now. Seo Yeon hesitated before nodding, following him inside.

  Once inside the King’s Quarters, Seo Yeon sat as Soon-i placed the box of dates on the table. Hyun Yeol picked up a date, savoring the sweetness as he ate it slowly.

  “These are good,” he commented, studying her.

  “These were from the Ming Crown Prince. My brother received them during his trip to the borders and shared them with me,” Seo Yeon explained, her tone flat. Hyun Yeol nodded, taking another date.

  “Did Hae-ju ever eat these?” he asked, his gaze lingering on Seo Yeon.

  She remained calm, unfazed. “Yes, Your Majesty. Hae-ju’s father would often bring them for us to share when he was alive,” she murmured, memories of Hae-ju surfacing.

  Hyun Yeol sighed deeply, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You may stay here tonight, My Queen,” he offered quietly.

  Seo Yeon didn’t answer immediately. After a long pause, she stood and bowed. “I’m returning to my quarters. Lee San has been begging me to share some with him,” she excused herself, her tone brisk.

  “Take some more and share them with Lee Hae as well,” Hyun Yeol added, his voice softer as she turned to leave. Seo Yeon nodded curtly and made her way back to the Queen’s quarters.

  Upon her arrival, she exhaled sharply in frustration. Hyun Yeol’s presence, his probing questions, and his subtle attempts to get closer—it was all too much.

  Soon after, Eunuch Lee entered with a grim expression.

  “Your Majesty, Concubine Yoo Ha requests your presence,” he said. Hyun Yeol nodded without hesitation.

  “Allow her to enter,” he commanded. Eunuch Lee stepped out, and a moment later, Concubine Yoo Ha glided into the room, a sly smile playing on her lips.

  Just then, a lady-in-waiting entered, announcing the arrival of Seo Yeon’s children.

  “Your Majesty, Princess Lee Hae and Prince Lee San request your presence,” she said respectfully. Seo Yeon sighed deeply, sitting up straighter.

  “Let them in,” she instructed.

  The door opened, and Lee Hae and Lee San entered. Lee Hae rushed forward, throwing her arms around Seo Yeon in a burst of enthusiasm.

  “Mother Queen!” she cried joyfully, and Seo Yeon smiled, returning the embrace.

  “My princess and prince, what brings you here?” Seo Yeon asked warmly.

  Lee San took a seat, his expression more serious.

  “Your Majesty Queen, have you heard the rumors going around?” Lee Hae asked, her curiosity piqued. Lee San, though, looked troubled.

  “Mother…” he trailed off, his concern evident.

  “Is it about the ‘missing Crown Princess’?” Seo Yeon asked, her voice tight with worry. Lee Hae nodded eagerly.

  “Yes! They’re saying that her child is alive!” she exclaimed. Lee San, however, seemed more cautious.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “Noona!” he interjected, brow furrowed in concern.

  Lee Hae pouted at him, but Seo Yeon’s expression darkened as she processed the words.

  “It’s not just any rumor… They’re claiming the child might be a royal descendant,” Lee Hae muttered, frustration creeping into her voice.

  Seo Yeon turned to Lee San, her eyes softening with maternal concern. “Lee San, what do you know about this?” she asked quietly.

  Lee San hesitated for a moment before speaking.

  “Mother, from what I’ve heard, she’s definitely not of royal blood. But whoever started this rumor has sinister intentions. They’re trying to cause chaos in the palace, and we need to uncover the truth.”

  Seo Yeon’s lips curved into a proud smile, her gaze full of affection. “You’ve grown so much, my son,” she said gently.

  Lee Hae, eager to move on, grabbed the dates from the table and handed them to Lee San.

  “Let’s eat, Mother,” she suggested, brightening again. Seo Yeon handed them both dates before they exited to return to their chambers.

  A week later, Hyun Yeol summoned Seo Yeon late at night. She entered the Main Hall alone, without Soon-i. The room was dim and oppressive, but she pressed forward, determined. When her eyes found him, Hyun Yeol stood by the throne, his back to her. Seo Yeon bowed.

  "Your Majesty, King..." she greeted. Hyun Yeol turned slowly, locking eyes with her. The silence between them was thick, almost suffocating. His gaze turned toward the door, and a guard entered with a figure cloaked in black, a hood concealing the person's face.

  "My Queen, do you recognize this person?" Hyun Yeol asked, his tone icy. Seo Yeon remained unmoved, her gaze steady as she turned to see who had been brought before her. The guard removed the hood, revealing the face of Ga-ho, Hae-ju’s brother.

  Ga-ho’s eyes flared with hatred, his face contorting with fury as he fixed his burning gaze on Hyun Yeol.

  "How dare you?!" Ga-ho snarled, his voice trembling with rage. Seo Yeon’s expression darkened, and she glared at Hyun Yeol, a flicker of anxiety tightening in her chest.

  "Your Majesty, what is the meaning of this?" Seo Yeon demanded. Hyun Yeol stepped closer, a smug smirk curling his lips.

  "What do you think the meaning is? Is this not your lover?" he asked, his words dripping with accusation. Seo Yeon raised an eyebrow, unshaken. She scoffed.

  "Lover? Who told you this? Was it Concubine Yoo Ha, who doesn't know her place?" she replied, her voice dripping with disdain.

  Hyun Yeol’s anger flared. He grabbed her cheeks roughly, pulling her face toward his.

  Ga-ho let out a desperate cry, crawling forward.

  "Let her go, monster!" Ga-ho shouted. His fury seemed to echo in the cold air. Seo Yeon glared defiantly at Hyun Yeol, unyielding.

  Hyun Yeol’s smile twisted into something cruel. "Is it true then? Was he the one? The one who got you pregnant, the one you lost with that miscarriage?" he asked, his voice seething with curiosity.

  Seo Yeon seized his hand and shoved it away, her resolve hardening.

  "If you seek answers, you should ask Hae-ju before you go killing her," Seo Yeon taunted coldly.

  Hyun Yeol’s rage was palpable. He stormed to the guard, seizing a sword from the rack. He pointed it at Seo Yeon with shaking hands. Ga-ho crawled forward, desperate to protect her.

  "You're a murderer! If only you had left her alone, she wouldn't have suffered! I promised her I would find her... Who would have known you would side with the Ming and kill her?!" Ga-ho screamed, his eyes wild with grief.

  Hyun Yeol’s gaze hardened. Seo Yeon remained silent, her face unreadable.

  "What is he—"

  "You're insane!" Ga-ho cried. "She was my only sister! I swore to my father that I would protect her! I gave everything to save her! Why can’t you let her go free?"

  Hyun Yeol’s face twisted with confusion, a flicker of realization crossing his features.

  "You’re… her brother?" he asked, his voice faltering.

  Seo Yeon’s heart wrenched, but she held herself together, refusing to show weakness.

  "I only protected those I loved," she said quietly, her voice steady. "If you seek to kill those I love, then—"

  "Why didn’t you tell me her brother was alive?!" Hyun Yeol shouted, his fury growing.

  Ga-ho stood, defiance radiating from him. "You don’t deserve her! She refused to be your wife! You are beneath her!" he spat.

  Hyun Yeol’s temper snapped. In one swift motion, he lunged at Ga-ho, driving the sword deep into his chest. Ga-ho’s breath caught, but he did not cry out. He locked eyes with Hyun Yeol, his gaze full of hatred.

  "Sufferings are what you bring to this world…" Ga-ho muttered, his body crumpling to the floor.

  Seo Yeon’s scream shattered the air as she fell to her knees beside him, her heart breaking. Hyun Yeol watched with a strange mixture of satisfaction and unease. He looked down at Ga-ho's lifeless body, then back to Seo Yeon, her face a mask of grief and fury.

  "I…" Hyun Yeol hesitated, but his words caught in his throat.

  Seo Yeon rose to her feet, shaking with emotion but standing tall. She looked him dead in the eye.

  "Your Majesty, I asked you to exile me to the temple," she said coldly. "I can no longer be loyal to you."

  Hyun Yeol froze, fear creeping into his expression.

  "My Queen..." he murmured, but his voice faltered.

  Seo Yeon held her arms up and bowed deeply, her words unwavering.

  "I attest that Lee Hae, Lee San, and our unborn child are your blood. But I no longer wish to be your queen," she declared. Her eyes lingered on Ga-ho’s lifeless form. "Those I once loved are no longer here."

  Hyun Yeol trembled at her words, taking a step back, but his silence spoke volumes.

  "Assist Queen Seo Yeon back to her quarters. She is exhausted," he ordered quietly, avoiding her gaze.

  The guards helped her to her feet and led her back to the Queen’s Quarters.

  Meanwhile, word of Seo Yeon’s situation spread throughout the palace. Other concubines, led by Concubine Yoo Ha, seized the opportunity to degrade Seo Yeon and her children. Lee Hae tried to argue, but was met with further scorn. Yoo Ha's influence grew, her son, the First Prince, solidifying her power.

  Lee San, unable to bear it any longer, approached Hyun Yeol in the Main Hall. He knelt before his father, his face drawn with concern.

  "Father King," Lee San began softly, "though I do not know the details of what transpired between you and Mother, I am certain of one thing: she has suffered greatly. She lost her best friend, a sister she loved dearly. She lost a child she longed for. She lost her father through these tragedies. I know she requested time to repent, but I believe what she needs now is time to heal." Lee San paused, searching Hyun Yeol's face for any sign of understanding.

  Hyun Yeol’s expression remained unreadable. "This is the first time I’ve heard you speak at length, Prince Lee San," he remarked with a heavy sigh.

  "Father, please reconsider. I know the politics, the power struggles," Lee San continued, "but above all, I know Mother needs time. Time to heal. I ask you to respect her wishes, as a son pleads for his mother’s peace."

  Hyun Yeol was silent, his eyes narrowing with uncertainty. After a long moment, he spoke, his voice cold.

  "You may return to your quarters," he said dismissively.

  Lee San bowed deeply, and without a word, exited the Main Hall.

  Outside, Lee San approached the Queen’s Quarters, where Soon-i awaited him.

  "How is Mother?" Lee San asked softly.

  Soon-i sighed deeply, her eyes heavy with concern. "Her Majesty is resting, waiting for a response from His Majesty," she said.

  Lee San nodded, his face a mixture of sorrow and resolve. "Let her know that she may hear from His Majesty soon."

  Soon-i looked up at him, tears glistening in her eyes. "Thank you, Prince Lee San."

  As Soon-i entered, Lee San turned away, his heart heavy. It could very well be the last time he saw his mother in the palace.

  A month later, Hyun Yeol issued his decree in the Main Hall. Eunuch Lee stood before the gathering of officials and read aloud.

  "Royal Decree of His Majesty, King Hyun Yeol. By the Will of Heaven, it is hereby declared that Her Majesty, the Queen, shall be sent to a sacred temple for a time of reflection and spiritual recovery. This decision, made after careful consideration, is to restore her well-being, and it is done with the utmost respect and honor. During this period, she shall be provided with all that is necessary for her comfort and health. May her time of solitude bring peace to her heart and strength to her spirit. Issued this day, 1448, in the Dragon of the Reign. King Hyun Yeol, Joseon."

  The politicians exchanged confused and anxious glances. Do-hyun, however, allowed the decree to pass, offering his thanks to Hyun Yeol for his decision.

  As Seo Yeon left the palace, the ladies-in-waiting wept for her, pleading for her to stay. Soon-i followed, tears of joy in her eyes, knowing that Seo Yeon would finally receive the peace she had long sought.

  Lee San watched from the distance, his heart heavy with sorrow.

  "Mother... I hope you find peace within yourself," he whispered as the palanquin carrying his mother disappeared from view.