The King’s Concubine
The scent of incense lingers in the air. The golden chandeliers glow softly, but there is no warmth in this place—only power, unyielding and cold.
[Naina stands in the center of the room, her back straight, her hands clasped tightly to hide the trembling.]
Royal Attendant 1
Stay still. Do not anger him. *whispered*
Royal Attendant 2
Breathe, but not too loud
The silk robes draped over Naina feel heavier than chains. She was bathed, perfumed, and adorned in the finest fabrics—but not to be cherished. She was here to be owned.
Naina
A concubine?? *she thought to herself*
The word tastes bitter. She had once been free. Once had dreams. But war stole them all. Now, she belonged to King Park Jaehyun.
The air shifts. A hush falls over the attendants as they bow low, foreheads nearly touching the floor.
[Naina lowers her gaze, but she feels him.]
King Park Jaehyun
Another offering. Another soul shackled to my name. *He thought to himself*
He steps forward, his polished boots clicking against the marble floor. He circles her like a predator studying its prey.
King Park Jaehyun
Raise your head
The voice is soft but sharp—dangerous
[Naina hesitates, then obeys.]
She expected cruelty in his gaze. Instead, she finds… nothing. No desire. No amusement. Not even anger. Just emptiness.
King Park Jaehyun
(tilting his head) You are the one they said was different.
The words are simple, yet they send a shiver down her spine.
Naina
Silence is safer. *thought to herself*
[Jaehyun’s lips curve—not a smile, but close to mockery. He reaches forward, fingers brushing her jaw. The touch is neither rough nor gentle. It is testing. Measuring.]
King Park Jaehyun
You do not tremble
A statement, not a question.
[Naina clenches her fists.]
Naina
I do not fear what I cannot control, Your Majesty
The room stills. The attendants stiffen, expecting punishment. A concubine speaking without permission? Unthinkable.
[But Jaehyun chuckles—low, humorless.]
King Park Jaehyun
interesting
He steps back, expression unreadable
King Park Jaehyun
You may leave
The attendants exchange startled glances. No concubine is ever dismissed on their first night. Yet no one questions the king. They usher Naina away, whispering warnings.
Royal Attendant 1
This is not mercy. *whispered*
Royal Attendant 2
this is a game
As Naina steps out of the chamber, she knows—this is only the beginning
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