Queen Dowager, the king's mother, sat seething in the opulent throne room, her silk robes a deep, fiery red that matched the blaze in her eyes. Her raven hair was coiled atop her head, adorned with jade pins that glinted like ice in the flickering candlelight. Before her, a delicate ceramic cup held a steaming brew, its aroma wafting up like a challenge.
To her right stood a palace maid, dressed in a crisp, white hanbok, her hair tied back in a neat knot. The maid's eyes cast downward her hands clasped together in a respectful pose.
Suddenly, a soft murmur echoed outside the room. ''Minister Lee is arriving, your Majesty''.
Queen Dowager's gaze narrowed. ''Let him in''.
The door slid open, and Royal Minister lee entered, his attire a stark contrast in subdued, dark hues. He bowed deeply his hands clasped together. ''Your Majesty''.
The palace maid stepped forward her movements graceful. She bowed, her hands clasping together in a crisp, sharp motion, before retreating to her original position.
Minister Lee approached the queen, his eyes cast downward. He bowed again, this time deeper, before taking a seat on the floor his back straight.
Queen Dowager's voice cut through the silence. ''So, Minister why is the first queen's fate not sealed as promised.
Minister Lee trembled his eyes darting to the cup, then back to the queen's face. ''I-I don't know, your Majesty. Perhaps the Shaman deceived us.
Queen Dowager laughter was acold, mirthless sound. ''Deceived us? And now my grandson first wife returns, a constant reminder of his weakness''.
'' I was also surprised we buried her and the son together I was there, she is confirmed dead'' he bowed.
Who is over there, Queen Dowager shouted. ''Get me the Lady Shaman Now!
Queen Lirien's chambers were a serene oasis, with soft, golden light filtering through the silk curtains. The room was adorned with intricate, hand-painted murals depicting scenes of nature. Three palace maids attended to her, their hanboks a soft, pale blue, as they helped her prepare for the day.
Queen Lirien's own dressing was a vision of elegance, her hanbok a rich, emerald green with golden embroidery that shimmered like a sun. Her hair was styled in an elaborate updo, adorned with jade pins and a delicate, gemstone- encrusted headpiece.
As she sat before her vanity, Queen Lirien's thoughts were a turmoil. She placed a hand on her cheek, her eyes cast downward, as she contemplated the return of her husband first wife. Fear and anxiety creased her brow, her mind racing with the implications.
Suddenly Queen Lirien Mother entered the room, she sat beside her daughter, embracing her warmly. ''My child, do not worry you are the rightful Queen, and no one can take it from you.
''Mum, I heard she was dead and buried why is she here is she a ghost who wants to claim her post!''
''don't worry I am here with you''.
Queen Lirien's tears slowly dried as she nodded, finding solace in her mother's words.
The three maids, who had been quietly observing the exchange, bowed their heads in agreement, their faces set with determination. They would stand by their queen, supporting her through the trials to come.
Sham Hwa-young entered the Queen Dowager's chamber with a serene grace, her long white hanbok billowing behind her. Her silver hair, elegantly tied back, revealed a face etched with wisdom and compassion. The subtle, shimming powder on her cheeks and forehead seemed to capture the light imbuing her with an ethereal glow. She bowed deeply her hands clasped together in respect. ''Your Majesty, I come at your summons''.
Queen Dowager's face twisted in fury, her eyes blazing with anger. ''You! You're the one responsible for this mess!
Minister Lee shifted uncomfortably his eyes fixed on Shaman Hwa-young.
Shaman Hwa-young rose from her bow, her expression calm and enigmatic. ''I am here to serve, your Majesty. Please, ask your questions''.
Queen Dowager's voice was low, menacing growl. ''The first wife, she's back. Alive. How is this possible? You assured me she was dead, buried, and gone!''.
Shaman Hwa-young's expression turned solemn. ''I performed the spiritual cleansing, Your Majesty. I confirmed her spirit was at peace. I do not know what went wrong''.
Queen Dowager's laughter was a cold, mirthless sound. ''What went wrong? You're the shaman not me! You're supposed to know!
Shaman Hwa-young's eyes narrowed her gaze steady. ''I sense a darkness, your Majesty. A darkness that surrounds the first wife's return''.
Queen Dowager's anger boiled over, her face red with rage. ''I don't care about your darkness! I care about my son's future! Fix this, Shaman!
Shaman Hwa-young's expression remained calm, but her voice took on a hint of firmness. ''I will investigate, Your Majesty. But I must warn you, the spirits are not to be trifled with''.
Minster Lee intervened his voice cautious. ''Your Majesty, perhaps we should listen to shaman Hwa-young's counsel''.
But Queen Dowager cut him off, her fury unrelenting. ''no, I want results! Hwa-young you have one week to fix this. If the first wife is still alive after that, I'II make sure you regret ever crossing me!
Shaman Hwa-young bowed, her expression unreadable. ''I understand your Majesty she rose, her movements graceful, and glided out of the chamber.
In the opulent chamber of the king, the air was thick with tension. King Mattias sat on his throne-like chair, his expression stern. Beside him stood his trusted head warrior, General Gwon, and before him stood Eunuch Jeong, his most trusted Advisor.
''Jeong, I summon you for a grave matter'', The Queen Dowager and the Queen, are at odds. I need you to investigate the reason behind them.
Eunuch Jeong bowed deeply his hand clasped together. ''I will investigate, Your Majesty.
The first wife return. I was told she was dead, buried and gone. Yet, she returns, and Queen Dowager is furious I need to know the truth''.
General Gwon stepped forward, his face set in a determined expression. ''I will investigate, Your Majesty. And I will get to the bottom of this''.
"General Gwon summon shaman Hwa-young I want answers about the first wife return''.
He bowed. 'As you wish, your Majesty''.
General Gwon strode out the chamber, his armor gleaming in the sunlight. He made his way to the shaman's quarters, his mind focused on the task at hand.
Shaman Hwa-young greeted him with serene smile, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mystery. ''General Gwon, I sense you have come for me''.
General Gwon bowed, The king requests your presence.
She followed General Gwon to the palace, her expression serene. Upon her arriving at the king chamber, she bowed deeply before king Mattia.
King Mattias expression was stern, his eyes fixed on shaman Hwa-young.
''Tell me about her arrival, why has she come back? Was she truly dead!
Shaman Hwa-young was afraid the truth must not be told now she said to herself. '' I perform the cleansing on her when she was sick but she later gave up the ghost she was dead, and buried your Majesty''.
King Mattias's faces darkened, his brow furrowed. ''you assured me she was dead, buried and gone yet, she returns. What sorcery is this?''.
Shaman Hwa-young eyes remained cast downward "I was there when she gave up the ghost and she was buried by her family members, that all what I know your Majesty".
''you can leave I call you later'' the king said.
She bowed deeply her movements graceful she turned and glided out of the chamber.
Eunuch Jeong approached king his expression concerned. ''Your Majesty, do not be troubled by the first wife's return. The battle festival is about to begin. You must prepare yourself.
The palace grounds were abuzz with activity as the battle festival began. Drummers beat out a rhythmic cadence, their drums echoing through the air. Warriors clashed, their swords ringing out as they trained.
King Mattias sat on his throne, his expression stern. Queen Dowager sat beside him, her face a mask of disapproval. Queen Lirien sat on his other side, her eyes fixed on the training warriors, her expression worried. Theodora and Lucian sat beside Queen Lirien.
Eunuch Jeong stood beside the king, his eyes scanning the grounds. General Gwon stood at the front, his voice ringing out as he commanded the warriors.
The sitting arrangement was formal with the king and his family at the center. The royal advisers, ministers and title officials sat in rows before them, their faces serious.
Food and drinks were laid pout before them, delicate dishes and fine wines. But no one seemed to be eating, their attention focused on the training.
Warriors shouted and echoed through the grounds, their voices carrying on the wind. The sound of clashing steel and the thud of drums filled the air.
Queen Dowager expression grew darker, her eyes fixed on the King. King Mattias expression remained solemn his eyes fixed on the training. Queen Lirien eyes darted between them her expression worried.
Jinsoo, the leader of the warrior group, stood tall, his commanding presence radiating across the training grounds. His armor gleamed in the sunlight, adorned with the emblem of his title, ''Dragon fury''. His sword, ''stormbringer'', hung at his side, its blade etched with intricate designs.
Jinsoo voice boomed as he gave the order to begin training. ''Warriors, let us start! Show me your strength!''.
The Warriors, clad in their respective unit colors, formed lines, their eyes fixed on Jinsoo. Archers notched arrows in their bows, aiming at targets across the grounds. Swordsmen paired off, their blades clashing as they engaged in fierce combat.
Jinsoo strode among them, his eyes scanning the training. ''Faster! Stronger! Remember, a true warrior never yields!''
His second-in-command, Jawan stood beside him. Shouting orders. ''Archers focus on your targets! Swordsmen, use your footwork!''.
The warriors trained with intensity, their movements a blur as they honed their skills. Jinsoo and Jawan moved among them, offering guidance and encouragement.
Suddenly, a warrior cried out, clutching his arm. ''I'm hit!''.
Jawan rushed to his side. ''well, done, young one! You've earned your first wound badge you disqualified''.
The Training continued, the warriors pushing themselves to their limits. Jinsoo and Jawan watched with pride.
As the last drumbeat faded, the king eyes fixed on the training ground. His gaze landed on Tristan, who was sparring with another warrior.
He turned to Eunuch Jeong, ''summon Jinsoo''
Eunuch Jeong bowed and hastened to obey.
Jinsoo approached the king. ''Your Majesty?''
''I have seen the skill of that warrior at the back he should be at the front I want him to be part of the palace warrior''.
Eunuch stepped forward, his voice ringing out. ''Tristan, come forth!''
Tristan approached his expression wary.
Tristan you've caught my eye again. I'm offering you a place among the palace warriors.
Tristan eyes widened, then she bowed deeply. ''I'm honored, Your Majesty. I accept''.
Jinsoo smiled, a hint of approval on his face. '' Welcome you be part of the Dragons fury unit now.
Jawan stepped forward, a small chest in his hand. ''Tristan, as a symbol of your new status as a place warrior I present to you this cap''. He placed a sleek black cap on Tristan head, adorned with the emblem of the Dragon's fury unit.
Tristan eyes shone with pride as he accepted the cap.
Jawan continued, ''This cloth'' he handed him a fine silk cloth with intricate designs, represents your loyalty to the palace and your commitment to our unit''.
Tristan accepted the cloth, his hands trembling with excitement.
Finally, Jinsoo presented him with a magnificent sword. ''And this sword, forged in the palace's own armory, represents your power and strength as a warrior''.
Tristan took the sword, its weight feeling perfect in her hands. He bowed deeply his voice filled with gratitude. ''Thank you, your Majesty, I won't disappoint you''.
As Tristan accepted the sword, the crowd erupted into applause, their cheers and whistles filling the air.
King Mattia smiled.
Queen Dowager and Queen Lirien smiled, their faces approving. Theodora and Lucian clapped enthusiastically, their faces alight with excitement.
As the last drumbeat faded, Tristan joined the thongs of citizens streaming back to their homes. The moon cast a silver glow over the village, illuminating the thatched roofs and bustling street. Tristan's hand rested proudly on the hilt of the sword at his side, a symbol of his triumph in the battle festival.
As he walked, his gaze fell upon a young girl with unsetting appearance. Her seemed to gleam with an otherworldly intensity, like embers from a fire that burned too hot.
Her face was deathly pale, with high cheekbones and a small, button nose. A delicate silver chain encircled her neck, bearing a tiny pendant that seemed to absorb the moonlight.
Tristan curiosity got the better of him, but he pushed on, not wanting to draw attention. However, as he approached his home, his mind returned to the girl. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss and a strange sign on her neck a mark that seemed to whisper secrets in the darkness.