The King’s Game
[Scene: Naina’s Chamber – Night]
Naina sits in the quiet of her chamber, staring at the flickering candlelight. The silk bedding beneath her feels suffocating in its richness. She had been spared for the night—but for how long?
Naina
A concubine’s fate is sealed the moment she enters the king’s chambers. Yet, he dismissed me. Not out of kindness—but curiosity. *thought to herself*
King Park Jaehyun was a man who took what he wanted. He did not waste time with trivialities like intrigue. And yet… he had hesitated.
A knock interrupts her thoughts
[The door swings open. A young woman stumbles inside, nearly dropping a tray of food.]
Anya
Lady Naina! I—I have brought your meal! *flustered*
Naina
Who are you? (raising an eyebrow)
[The girl straightens, flashing a foolishly bright grin.]
Anya
I’m Anya! His Majesty assigned me as your personal maid.
Naina
The king assigned me a maid? (suspicious)
[Anya sets the tray down with a loud thud—too loud. A goblet of wine topples over.]
Anya
Oh no! Don’t tell the head maid! She’ll have my head! (gasping)
[Naina sighs, watching the girl scramble to clean up with her sleeves.]
Naina
You’ll get yourself executed before I even have the chance to report you.
Anya
Lady Naina, that’s so mean! (dramatically clutching her chest)
[Before Naina can respond, another voice cuts through the air.]
？？？
You’re wasting food, idiot
Naina’s breath catches as she turns to the doorway.
[A sharp-eyed woman leans against the frame, arms crossed, expression unimpressed.]
[Naina stands abruptly, crossing the room in two strides.]
[Sia pulls her into a tight hug, whispering.]
Sia
I heard you were still alive. So I made sure to get assigned here *softly*
Naina feels tears prick her eyes, but she swallows them down.
Naina
You shouldn’t be here.
Sia
And let you deal with this snake pit alone? No chance (tilted her head)
[Anya clears her throat dramatically.]
Anya
Uh, hello? Am I invisible?
[Sia gives her a deadpan look.]
Sia
Unfortunately, no *jokingly*
Anya
That’s so rude! I am an important servant of Lady Naina! (gasping, offended)
Sia
You’re an important disaster (rolling her eyes)
Anya
I try my best… *pouting cutely*
[Despite everything, Naina finds herself smiling. For the first time since arriving at the palace, she does not feel completely alone.]
[But the moment of warmth is short-lived.]
[A guard enters the room, his expression blank.]
Guard
Lady Naina, His Majesty has summoned you.
The air thickens with tension.
[Sia stiffens. Anya—completely missing the atmosphere—gasps.]
Anya
Ooooh, the king wants you! That’s—ouch!
[Sia smacks the back of her head.]
[Naina, however, does not waver. She knew this moment would come.]
Naina squares her shoulders, nodding.
[And with that, she steps into the lion’s den once more.]
Comments