When Peony Blooms #AMBW

Chapter 28: "The Lotus Unfurls"

Autumn's breath stirred the air, a crisp whisper that danced among the golden leaves trembling on their branches. Seo-Jin proceeded along the palace gardens, caught up in his thoughts. A silent tempest of unease brewed. The confusion of Ji-Yun's actions resonated with a depth that struck a disquieting chord within him. This was fanned into a flame by So-ra's fragmented recollection of the night's events - a mosaic of memories that painted an unsettling disarray. So-ra confessed that she and the Crown Prince had chosen not to partake in the tea after receiving it suspecting Ji-yun. And yet, despite their vigilance, they had awoken disarrayed, their bodies naked and in the same bed. Only their lower undergarments kept on. Almost taunting their suspension that it was purely out of hurting the crown princess.

While in thought, Seo-Jin was sought by a handmaid, her eyes flickering anxiously. "Master Seo-Jin, I need to share something with you," she murmured, casting surreptitious glances to confirm they were alone.

Seo-Jin nodded, and he gestured for the handmaid to elaborate. "What troubles you?" he inquired, The way he spoke conveyed a feeling of anticipation.

With a steadying inhalation, the handmaid relayed her concerns, her voice hushed yet threaded with a sense of urgency. "The previous night, Consort Ji-Yun seemed...odd," she divulged, her eyes growing wide with anxiety. "She appeared to be skulking about the palace, venturing into restricted areas."

A furrow creased Seo-Jin's brow, a ripple of suspicion disturbing his composed visage. His heart drummed an insistent beat in his chest. "Are you positive about your observations?" he probed

"Yes, sir" the handmaid affirmed, her voice threaded with disquiet. "Consort Ji-Yun was near the kitchens, lurking by the tea preparation area where the Crown Prince's and So-Ra's drinks were prepared."

Seo-Jin's eyebrow arched in surprise, "But the drinks were tested... nothing was found amiss in the tea," he muttered, releasing a heavy sigh.

"The cups, sir," the handmaid clarified hurriedly. "This dawn, I noticed a servant discard them because they'd darkened ominously."

There was a pause as Seo-Jin looked at her with a smile.

"Your discretion is appreciated," Seo-Jin responded, his voice resolute. "For now, guard this information, please don't tell anyone else what you've told me. "

Meanwhile, the grand doors to the King's chambers were opened, revealing a dimly lit room filled with an air of trepidation. Ayodele stepped forward, The King, seated on his ornate throne-like chair, wore a wicked smile on his face, his eyes gleaming with malicious delight. His glare was seemingly drunk as the smell of soju surrounded the room.

"You summoned me, Your Majesty?" Ayodele spoke, her voice steady.

The King's chuckle sent a shiver down her spine, his amusement at her expense palpable. "Ah, my dear Ayodele," he sneered, his tone dripping with derision. "I must say, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the success of my works."

Ayodele's brows furrowed, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. " And what plan are you referring to, Your Majesty?" she asked, her voice tinged with caution.

The same wicked grin spread across the King's face, his face that of a drunken man, as he leaned forward, his voice laced with arrogance. "Oh, don't play coy with me, Ayodele. I know about your shortcomings, your inability to fulfill your duties as the Crown Princess," he taunted, relishing in his cruel words.

" If this is all I'm taking my leave," Ayodele said uncomfortable and becoming nauseated by the smell of alcohol off the king's breath.

Just as she attempted to take her leave, his grip tightened around her arm, compelling her to stay. "Isn't it royal duty to discuss any deficiencies in your role, as your king?"