When Peony Blooms #AMBW

Chapter 26: "Dancing with Shadows"

Navigating the tangled depths of his own thoughts, the Crown Prince found himself caught in the world of burgeoning uncertainty. The possibility that Seo-jin might indeed be his kin, a half-brother no less, was a notion that threatened to tear at the seams of his self-perception. Each interaction he had with Seo-jin henceforth was imbued with a new significance, a layer of novelty and uncomfortability, as they meandered through the days.

However, the subsequent day brought with it a momentous occasion. The palace's grand halls throbbed with anticipation as the court gathered for a meeting of paramount importance. The air was dense with whispered exchanges and muted conversations. The King, with Consort Ji-Yun at his side was commanding the attention of every minister present.

Positioned beside So-Ra, the Crown Prince stood, confused as to the reason for his invitation, his face reflecting an amalgamation of worry and apprehension. As the King's speech unfurled, the gravity of his proclamation settled over the assembly like a shroud. "I bear news that might unsettle the harmony we have known. Our esteemed Crown Princess Ayodele, may find herself unable to fulfill her royal obligations." the king began —the announcement that set off tremors of disbelief throughout the court, its ramifications profound and far-reaching.

"The reasons are personal and shall remain as such. However, we must be prepared for any eventuality," the King continued, his voice calm yet firm amidst the rising tide of unrest.

Before the king could continue the crown prince interjected "I cannot stand by in silence, father," he began, his voice steady despite the quickening pulse in his veins. "The terms you speak of, I cannot accept them."

A ripple of stunned silence fell over the court. It was rare for the Crown Prince to openly challenge the King, rarer still in front of the entire court.

His eyes, a mirror of his determined spirit, met the King's surprised gaze. "I refuse to comply with a decision that infringes on Ayodele's personal matter. Her duty to the throne is not to be questioned based on speculations and whispers."

So-Ra's heart clenches as the realization settles within her. She finds herself caught between conflicting emotions - her unrequited love for the Crown Prince and the inevitable changes that overlooked his words.

Disregarding his son, the King's eyes transition to So-Ra, his voice adopting an undertone of irrevocable resolve. "Hence," he pronounces, his proclamation cleaving the strained quietude, "it is incumbent upon So-Ra to take on the role of a concubine, to safeguard the resilience and perpetuation of the royal bloodline."

"I said, I refuse. I do not consent to accepting Sora in the role of a concubine." The Crown Prince stated, his tone firm and resolute.

A sharp inhale seized So-Ra, her gaze ricocheting between the King and the Crown Prince. The enormity of the declaration threatened to crack her delicate heart, precariously close to crumbling. She held onto the tattered shreds of optimism, fervently wishing for an alternate ending, a possibility of remaining beside the man she cherished.

A fleeting moment of shared understanding passed between the Crown Prince and So-Ra as their eyes locked, unveiling a tempest of conflicting emotions.

As the assembly concluded and the courtiers began to scatter, So-Ra extended her hand towards the Crown Prince, a silent plea in her gesture. He looked at her for a moment before bowing to his father saying "Tomorrow's council will be brief, Father. My interest for the topic of concubines is clear," he remarked, the undertone of his voice carrying a wisp of rebellion.

The king chuckled, shaking his head. " All this for a woman... no way he's a son of mine." He thought to himself.

In the quiet seclusion of Ayodele's quarter pavilion, a moment of vulnerability unfolds between her and Seo-Jin. The air is heavy with unspoken words and lingering emotions, as Ayodele takes a deep breath, summoning the courage to share her innermost thoughts.