She recognized them immediately. The captain of the Royal Guard was the first one and behind him was his second in command. Next to him stood Chul-yeo with the one who'd led the Hwarang when he was injured, in his wake.

What were they doing here? The ministers seemed just as perplexed.

Iseul was about to open her mouth, when Jae-sung walked up to where the four men stood. Their uniforms were freshly washed and pressed, their sword sheaths polished and the tassels on the sword handles and the helmets of the royal guards swung lightly when they bowed their heads.

Jae-sung remained standing and merely bowed his head. Iseul saw a confused look on his father's face, but there was also something else. Did he think his son had come to claim the throne? What if he had? What if Jae-sung also thought it was in the best interest of the kingdom to make her nothing more than a puppet queen? She fervently tried to suppress those hurtful thoughts and she squinted when he looked up at her.

But then he turned around to face the other ministers and with a calm voice he said: "Ministers of the Royal Court, I stand here today to tell you I understand your concerns. However ... I do not share them."

Soft murmurs erupted, but Jae-sung continued before anyone could interrupt. "From the moment she entered the selection, Her Majesty has given her all. Again and again she has proven that she is as capable and worthy to serve as queen as any other ruler has been. On her own merits has she come this far, not because of some plot or conspiracy."

He made sure to look his father in the eye when he said that. When Minister Go bowed his head in defeat he continued: "I stand here today to testify that I have faith in our queen." He turned back to face her and pressed his right hand in a fist against his chest. With a loud voice he called out: "I vow to serve my country and my queen!" And he dropped down on one knee.

Behind him the four soldiers followed his example and swore the same oath.

Iseul felt her chest expand as she inhaled deeply. Not only had Jae-sung made sure everybody knew he had no intention of ruling in her stead, but he also somehow arranged for the Hwarang as well as the Royal Guard to give her their allegiance.

With one blow he undermined every concern the ministers might have, by proving she held the power. She was so grateful she wanted to cry, but she knew she had to look confident. So she reached deep inside, gave the men a small nod and looked at the one face she dreaded the most.

Prime Minister Sohn was slowly shaking his head, while looking at the floor. She feared he would protest, but all of a sudden the shaking turned into nodding and she held her breath when he finally lifted his head to look at her. There was a small smile on his lips and the crease in his brow was gone. Joy spread though her when she realized her grandfather chose to support her. He took one step forward, so that he stood next to Jae-sung and with a deliberate move he bowed his head.

Again murmurs erupted, but this time one after another, beginning by the ministers in the back, with whom Jae-sung had spoken, the ministers stepped forward and bowed their heads, until in the end Iseul looked out over a council who was united in it's support for her, the queen of Silla. From now on, no one would dare question her right to the throne.

🌸

The evening was quiet, the temperature warm and a breeze rustled the flowers of the ancient cherry blossom trees that adorned the royal garden. Iseul walked over the dry soil and enjoyed the moonlit flowers that seemed to have forgotten the day was over.

Now that a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, she felt like she could breathe again. Like she had finally resurfaced after almost having drowned.

Nari walked a few steps behind her and the rest of her entourage was somewhere near the entrance of the enclosed space. There was nothing that could happen to her between the walls of the palace garden and she wanted to be as alone as possible for a while.

When suddenly a shadow jumped over the wall she was about to shriek, until a face with a crooked smile looked up at her from below. In his crouching position Jae-sung waited until she sent Nari—who luckily hadn't noticed the disturbance—away, then he rose and slowly walked over to her.

No sounds of running footsteps were heard, no guards came crashing in looking for the invader. Iseul held her breath, but when he was only a few feet away and still the only sound that was heard was the wind in the treetops, she exhaled.

"You scared me," she hissed, a little upset about how easy he made her heartbeat accelerate. Her lips remembered the kiss all to well and ashamed of the longing that engulfed her she looked away.

Jae-sung didn't come any closer. He didn't grab her hands or stroked her cheek. The mischievous expression had turned into a vulnerable one and looking up Iseul wondered why he was so shy all of a sudden. Full of tormenting doubts she could almost make herself believe he was here to take back the words that had been seared in her heart. Didn't he love her anymore?

She felt her lips starting to tremble and vicious tears threatened to fall. The only thing she could think of to hide her distress was to turn around and so she did.