THE RISE OF PRINCESS SEUNGMAN

"Congratulations." Princess Deokman said.

"Thank you Your Highness." Seungman replied.

"It was such an ordurous journey you eventually made it this far." Princess Deokman remarked.

"I have you to thank Your Highness, without you perhaps I wouldn't have reached this far." Seungman replied.

"You had the will." Princess Deokman said.

"The will is not always enough Your Highness." Seungman said.

"But if it still stands then you can go as far as you want and you can stand and soar as high as you wish." Princess Deokman said.

"Yes." Seungman replied.

Princess Deokman looked at her.

"How are you?" She asked.

"I am fine." Seungman replied.

"Really?" Princess Deokman asked.

"Yes." Seungman replied.

"I know it's not easy." Princess Deokman said.

"Your Highness understands me very well." Seungman said.

"You are not the only one that gets to feel abandoned at some point and life really is unfair." Princess Deokman said.

"When I think about it I can't entirely blame my father for everything that happened in the first place." Seungman said.

"Who do you hold responsible?" Princess Deokman asked.

"Your enemy Your Highness has become mine, he has deprived me of my childhood, my identity, he has deprived me of the joy of a loving mother and even deprived me of my own name." Seungman said.

"It's always the same wherever we go, men like my uncle have never stopped to consider each and everyone of us women as pones in their political games." Princess Deokman said.

"Is it the prophecy?" Seungman asked.

"What else could have been the best excuse for Galmunwang Baekban to launch an attack on your Manor, he couldn't have been alone and he must have had the support of some allied people behind him." Princess Deokman said.

"When I think about it I can't help but become more furious." Seungman replied.

"I now think that you came to see me because of something." Princess Deokman said.

"Your Highness, I need help and you are the only one that is present that can give me what I want." Seungman replied.

"What do you want from me?" Princess Deokman asked.

"I want my name." Seungman replied.

"Your name?" Princess Deokman asked.

"Yes, I want to gain my position as a Princess of Shilla." Seungman replied.

"I can help you with that." Princess Deokman said.

"The reason that those men have undermined us is because we are women and contrary to their ideal character on what women should be I am a staunch warrior and your Highness is a politician." Seungman said.

"At first I thought that other than my skills there was not much that I could do for Shilla bit I wish to learn from you Your Highness and I wish to become just as powerful as yourself.

Powerful enough to help you, powerful enough to stand by you and powerful enough to support you so that we can show the world that together, the both of us can become the most invincible women in the History of Shilla that the whole of Samhan has ever seen." She added.

"I trust you Seungman but you do realize that once you become a Princess there are things that as a Hallowed bone you must forsake." Princess Deokman said.

"Yes." Seungman replied.

"That includes your feelings towards Alcheon Rang because if you wish to one day like me gain possession of this country then you shouldn't share your devotion towards it with anyone else." Princess Deokman said.

"Yes Your Highness." Seungman said.

"You must be wary of the people that are going to surround you from now on and on top of that people shall do whatever they can to turn me against you so you must be cautious in your decisions and very careful about what you choose to listen to." Princess Deokman said.

"Yes Your Highness." Seungman replied.

"I never thought that I could one day have to call you my own cousin but now that I think the time is here you are like a sister to me that I can not bear to lose." Princess Deokman said.

"How far have we come Your Highness, I believe that whatever the case is I treated you like a sister in the first place." Seungman said.

"Thank you Seungman." Princess Deokman said, "If I could nurture another powerful and ambitious woman like myself then I wouldn't have to be so lonely." She added.

"From this day forward Your Highness and me are sworn sisters, I am going to hold your hand and together I promise that we are going to accord this Shilla a most glorious age." Seungman said.

She walked out of the Princess' Chambers a while later and at the entrance she caught sight of Bidam who was standing there.

She walked past him slowly while he smiled at her as she vanished from his sight.

The doors of the Princess' Chambers were opened and at once Princess Deokman stepped out as she caught sight of Bidam

"Bidam Rang?" She called.

"Your Highness." Bidam replied.

"Come with me." Princess Deokman said as she descended the stairs as well.

"Yes Your Highness." Bidam replied and rge two started walking about the Royal Courtyard while they were escorted by Princess Deokman's ladies in waiting and a few Royal guards.

"Have you made your decision?" Princess Deokman asked.

"I believe that I had enough time to think it through." Bidam replied.

"And I am sure you are wondering what is it that I loved about you." Princess Deokman said.

"Perhaps Your Highness, except for the noble blood that runs through my veins and perhaps my exquisite skills I can't seem to think of any other reason that could make Your Highness take an interest in me." Bidam replied.

"It's rather very easy for me to answer your question but I don't think that you can answer mine." Princess Deokman said.

"Why the Interest in me?" Bidam asked.

"Princess Deokman walks with all kinds of people and I am benevolent and kind, you are a child of Shilla and a son of Hyeokgyeose however to me still like every other citizen of this our Heavenly kingdom looks up to me perhaps I am bound to walk with you in this life." Princess Deokman replied.

"You think it is fate?" Bidam asked.

"I hold the most grandiose dreams and visions for this country, I have embraced each and every one of them.

However if I desire to rule Shilla one day, I won't rule the hills and mountains or the rivers, lakes and valleys.

I'll need the people to support me, the people to guide me, the people to protect me, the people to fight for me and the people to serve me." Princess Deokman replied.

"All in all Your Highness needs me because I can be one of those people?" Bidam asked.

"Yes." Princess Deokman replied, "Perhaps you would even be a lot more than that." She added.

"What more can I be to Your Highness?" Bidam asked.

"There will always be people that shall have to listen to what I have to say to them but there shall only be a few that shall be willing to allow to listen to them." Princess Deokman replied.

"When people give you care, what more could you ask for?" Bidam asked as they strolled past a couple of hedges.

"You hold your head up high but you don't crane it much higher than average people, you are very dignified but restrict yourself to remaining very humble." Princess Deokman replied, "There are a few people in the world like that and those people can value the true meaning of responsibility and power.

It's hard for them to misuse it and perhaps even better if you can keep your common touch even when you sit with Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses such a person like yourself is most loyal and one of the few that are trustworthy." She added.

"How can you tell someone by looking at them, don't you think that what you are saying to me sounds a bit vexatious?" Bidam asked.

"People can be lacking in very many things and most times we don't even know what it is that we want in this life.

Shilla is like a tree that survives on its roots but they alone are not enough to sustain it that it needs a sun to show it the direction and guide it to grow further and further

When King Jinheung ascended the throne Shilla was very small like a seedling which he chose to nurture by becoming it's son eventually she expanded and fed off the soil that had once been controlled by Gorguryeo and Paekche.

When I look to you Bidam, I see a whole lot of talents that could exceed anyone's widest dreams and I see great ambition that is controlled and not entirely corrupting.

Such composure that you leave the world with and assurance that you give makes you a very great person that I wish to nurture for this, our heavenly kingdom of Shilla." Princess Deokman replied.

"Your Highness has said so much, I feel you are over praising me." Bidam said.

"If I was as courageous to rule this country and fight hard enough to become it's first female King, why should I not be open to tell you the truth about what I really feel is the Aura that I see around you?" Princess Deokman asked.

"You are right Your Highness and perhaps to others you make me feel obligated to serve but to you you make me feel wanted." Bidam replied.

"Because I love Shilla Bidam and to me Shilla is the people." Princess Deokman said, "I can't deprive Shilla of your talents because in my own sight, each and every one of the talents that she possesses are far too valuable to be wasted." Princess Deokman replied.

"Then can I give you my answer Your Highness?" Bidam asked.

"I believe I already no your answer." Princess Deokman replied.

"What do you think is my answer Your Highness?" Bidam asked.

"Shilla." Princess Deokman replied, "that's your answer." She added as she smiled.

Bidam looked at her and smiled as well.

"Why Shilla?" He asked.

"You're not a servant of Galmunwang Baekban and neither are you a servant of Princess Deokman." She replied, "You are a servant of Shilla and that means to follow the one who is most capable of ruling it." Princess Deokman replied.

"In your opinion Your Highness, whom do you think is most capable of ruling Shilla?" Bidam asked.

"That is up to you Bidam and that is an answer that only your heart knows, it can neither be a bidding of my own or Galmunwang Baekban." Princess Deokman replied.

"Aren't you afraid?" he asked, "If I came here because of Galmunwang Baekban why would you trust me?" He added.

"That's what trust is, to know that regardless of the situation that is ahead of you, another is right beside you firm and faithful in knowing that you wouldn't turn your back on them." Princess Deokman replied.

"Bidam, I want to trust you with all my heart, fear is not for me an option, it is something that is non existent to begin with and I know that somewhere in your heart Shilla holds a very special place.

We can strive to be remembered but none of ys shall ever write our History and to think that there is a risk that I am taking then life itself is full of risks." She added.

"Before me there is a woman who is strong, smart and intelligent and perhaps I have dreams that Galmunwang Baekban doesn't put into consideration but unlike most people I attach reason to the things that I do, when you need me Your Highness, I Bidam I promise that I shall be here by your side." Bidam said.

"Thank you, Bidam." Princess Deokman said as the two continued to walk about the courtyard.

Lady Wolmyeong was seated in her husband's study with him when Damju walked in.

"Is she here?" Lady Wolmyeong asked.

"Yes Not yet Milady." Damju replied as he bowed his head.

Lady Wolmyeong sighed.

"Calm down dear." Gukban said to her while she looked at him.

"Calm down?" She said.

"Yes." Gukban replied.

"Why?" Lady Wolmyeong asked, "Could you calm down if you were me?" She added.

"I know that you must be uneasy but if we wish to be patient with Seungman she needs some space to adjust to this." Gukban said.

A while later there was a knock at the door.

"That must be her." Lady Wolmyeong said as she stood up while Damju walked over to it and he opened it.

Seungman stood at the entrance and he was rather forced to move to the side while she walked in while looking around the place she eventually halted and she looked at her parents.

Gukban bowed his head while Lady Wolmyeong approached her and she hugged her before they pulled apart.

She looked her in the eye.

"All this year's even without me Moo Mak managed to raise you into our most beautiful daughter." She said.

"Can I sit down?" Seungman asked.

"Yes." Lady Wolmyeong replied as she carefully led her to the chair that was in between and the both of them sat while facing Galmunwang Gukban.

"Seungman." He called.

"I came here to talk to you and also to ask you for a favor." Seungman replied.

"What is it dear, whatever it is we are listening and we promise that we are going to help you if we can." Lady Wolmyeong said.

"I want to be readmitted into my family and I wish to be recognized by the world as your one and only Daughter." Seungman replied.

"Good." Lady Wolmyeong said, "We can give it to you." She added.

"I wanted to make you my daughter legally but you must be aware that this is a crucial decision that could gain you both friends as well as enemies." Gukban said.

"I can't say that I have forgiven you for what you have done to me but at least you can make up for that father by protecting me.

You couldn't watch me grow up for all seventeen years if my life and in all that time I was only able to learn to be the strongest of people and rather not very weak.

Additionally it is also the essence of politics that only the fittest can survive it's ordurous cause and endure it so I can be boastful that I have what it takes and I am ready given that whether sooner or later, as long as I have learnt that I am your daughter then these are things that I can not escape." Seungman said.

"If I must with my life this time around and I am going to devote my all to protecting you because to lose you again is something that I can't bear to go through another time." Gukban said.

"I'll take your word for it and I trust that you won't let me down at all." Seungman said.

Lady Wolmyeong held her hand.

"Seungman, won't you move in to stay with us?" Lady Wolmyeong asked.

"The times are quite turbulent and I can't guarantee, if I must then I shall visit you occasionally but I hope that you understand that my place is with the Hwarang and it's on the battlefield." Seungman said.

"I won't force you to do what is displeasing but at least I feel rather remorseful as your mother for having done nothing all those past seventeen years." Lady Wolmyeong said.

"Don't worry so much about me mother, you should know much better than anyone else that I can not blame you because just like I was ignorant about your existence you were ignorant about mine.

The past can not be changed but the future can." Seungman said.

"I get it if you are angry and mad at your father trust me I am also as mad because we'd sworn to keep nothing from one another but he broke that promise." Lady Wolmyeong said, "Regardless of what he did wrong to you he is still your father." She added.

"Mother." Seungman called.

"Yes dear." Lady Wolmyeong replied.

"My heart is not bitter but rather big enough to accept another father in my life but to think that he can come close to the man who raised me it is not a price that I can put on that man's love and there is no ranking I can give as a standard measure of his loyalty.

Even in death I shall remember him as my father and I hope that is something that you can both live with because it is what I have grown to own and to love all these years." Seungman said.

"I am grateful to Moo Mak for all the days of my life, had it not been for him then I really don't know if I would have ever seen you in my life again." Lady Wolmyeong said.

"Thank you mother." Seungman said as she turned and looked and at her father.

"I do owe Moo Mak an entire lifetime, I might have not seen you growing but this woman that you have become is all thanks to him that I can say you were in very good hands." Gukban said.

"Thank you father." Seungman said.

"No thank you." Gukban said.

"There is not much I have done for you." Seungman said.

"There isn't much that I have asked you to do for me except to be my daughter, despite this old man if yours being so loathsome and flawed you have accepted me so that alone is more than enough." Gukban said.

"I want you to make up for the time that you lost and I want to give this broken family a chance to stand again.

Just recognize me as your daughter and then I shall pass on the news to Princess Deokman who'll through the King help us and make him formally recognize me." Seungman said.

"Wait here." Gukban said as he stood up from where he was seated and walked over to a nearby cupboard, there he opened it and he pulled out a small cream envelope which he put on the table in front of Seungman.

"What is this?" Seungman asked.

"Look through it." Gukban said as his daughter took the envelope and opened it.

From inside she pulled out a small piece of paper which she opened to read.

"I already did it, I have recognized you as my daughter." Gukban said and Seungman looked at him with her eyes so teary.

"I haven't even proven anything yet and you are giving me everything that you own." Seungman said.

"There is no amount of absolution that these things can give to make up from my mistake but if as my daughter you are going up against the world to face it then as your father I want to be the first to help you out." Gukban said.

"Thank you." Seungman said, "But I can't keep these with me as it is." She added.

"I understand." Gukban said, "when the both of us can start to live together perhaps I'll give it to you." He added.

"Yes." Seungman replied.

Princess Deokman walked into her father's Chambers where she found him reading and bowed her head.

"Your Majesty." She said as she bowed her head.

"Deokman." King Jinpyeong said.

"Yes." Deokman replied as she sat down.

"What has brought you here so unexpectedly?" King Jinpyeong asked.

"You remember when I asked you about the sword that King Jinheung made for my Grandfather?" Princess Deokman asked.

"Yes." King Jinpyeong replied.

"I believe it finally found its heiress." Princess Deokman said.

"Heiress?" King Jinpyeong asked.

"Yes." Princess Deokman replied.

"What do you mean by that?" King Jinpyeong asked.

"Do you remember Galmunwang Gukban's daughter?" Princess Deokman asked.

"Yes." King Jinpyeong replied, "She died in a fire which consumed the Kim Manor seventeen years ago in Chopalhye Prefecture." He added.

"Why are you asking about her though right now?" King Jinpyeong Asked.

"Their daughter did not die." Princess Deokman said and King Jinpyeong was surprised.

"How is that possible?" King Jinpyeong asked.

"Galmunwang Gukban ordered his retainer Kim Moo Mak to take away the child from Seoraebeol hoping to protect her from those blood thirsty Courtiers however it must be fate because that child returned to Seoraebeol after seventeen years and we found out her identity." Princess Deokman replied.

"Who is she?" King Jinpyeong asked.

"The woman that you elevated to the status of Wonhwa amongst the Hwarang, that girl who is the daughter of Galmunwang Gukban and Lady Wolmyeong is Kim Seungman and it has been proven without a doubt." Princess Deokman replied.

"Kim Seungman?" King Jinpyeong said very much surprised.

"It was quite surprising and she was initially surprised as well when she realised that all this time she was my cousin and she is your niece." Princess Deokman said.

"No wonder her likeness was very much similar to that of King Jinheung and no wonder she is warrior like in nature like her father was in his youth.

Upon such a background, this is the return of a lost Seonggol Princess." King Jinpyeong remarked.

"In deed father, I came here to seek your assistance therefore about that matter." Princess Deokman said.

"What should I do for you?" King Jinpyeong asked.

"I want all the Courtiers and the people in Shilla to recognize Seungman as a Princess of Shilla and I also believe that her identity right now shall be of the best use for me to achieve my dream." Princess Deokman replied.

"Of course." King Jinpyeong agreed.

"I know that Galmunwang Gukban is very powerful in the Royal court and perhaps a very friendly relationship with his daughter is good enough to propel me to have his unwavering support.

Should there be a chance for her to become just as powerful then I trust that together the both of us could counter Galmunwang Baekban's might." Princess Deokman said.

"But if she is just as powerful don't you think that she could one day restrain from being an ally into a foe?" King Jinpyeong asked.

"Seungman is a rather devouted daughter and she loves Shilla dearly father, when I think about everything that girl has gone through my heart is overwhelmed with so much pain I can't help myself but pity her." Princess Deokman said, "She could do anything but I assure you that to be someone that I can mistrust is impossible because I am going to turn her into my solid foundation and perhaps I could Foster her as my successor." She added.

"Your successor?" King Jinpyeong said.

"They are not many Seonggols that are left in the land and those that still survive from your generation are very old Your Majesty, Seungman on the other hand is a young and able talent and like me very smart and intelligent.

She could be a woman but she has the heart of a warrior King which is befitting of a ruler of our Heavenly kingdom of Shilla and perhaps if like Mishil she can cherish this Nation together we could rid it of all those greedy and selfish politicians." Princess Deokman said.

"You told me once that to unite the three Kingdoms of Samhan into one war is inevitable and she displayed a remarkable prowess which future generations could look up to and accord the women of the Generations to come a right to serve their country with devotion." Princess Deokman added.

"You have your own reasons and your envisage has always been quite rare since childhood but also entirely accurate.

Seungman has in deed been deprived of so much more throughout her entire life and not very many things can make up for it as she is a colossal talent of Shilla that was nearly destroyed." King Jinpyeong remarked.

"You have my support Deokman and I do believe that I can give Shilla in my final years another heroine that shall fight by your side as King and as Sovereign in the land." King Jinpyeong added.

"Thank you father." Princess Deokman said.

"Convey my sincerest news to Seungman and to her family that in three days time, she shall come to the Royal court dressed not as a Hwarang or a Wonhwa but as a Princess of Shilla." King Jinpyeong said.

"Yes Your Majesty." Princess Deokman replied as she bowed her head while a smile graced her face.

Seungman sat at her dressing table while there were a Group of palace maids that tended to her hair.

She was dressed in a red and black dress that was adorned with golden and silver threads.

There were floral patterns that were created on the fabric thay made it look so lively and beautiful as well as some silk and glitter which had been added.

In her hair the first bit of it was decorated with a golden hairpin that was encrusted with pearls.

While she looked at herself in the mirror before her hair had been done, there was a knock on the doorway.

"Go and check out who it is." Seungman ordered.

"Yes Your Highness ." Boyeong replied as she withdrew for a short while leaving the young woman to the care of the other ladies in waiting.

She returned a while later and bowed her head.

"Your Highness." She said.

"Who is it?" Seungman asked.

"Alcheon Rang requests to have an audience with you." Boyeong replied.

"All of you leave, let him in." Seungman said.

"Yes Your Highness." They all replied as they walked out of the room.

A while later Alcheon Rang walked into the room.

"It took you long enough." Seungman said.

"Nevertheless I had to come because you asked me to." Alcheon Rang replied.

"Thank you." Seungman said.

"You're welcome." Alcheon Rang said as he picked up a comb from the table and he started combing her hair.

"What did you want to tell me?" Alcheon Rang asked.

"I am sorry but you understand that this path that I have chosen is laden with heavy resistance." Seungman replied.

"I understand." Alcheon Rang said.

"I am starting to regret why I never kissed you in my life before, why whenever I had the chance to express my love and compassion to you I always held myself back and ceased halfway.

I can neither come nearer to you nor can I push myself so far, yet when so reserved in my heart and in my eyes I can not get close enough for you to feel or touch.

For the path that has been laid ahead for me there is not but a way I dig underneath or fly above, even to turn behind is not an option for as I tread I abandon my own pleasure and take Shilla in my delight." Seungman said.

"I always felt easy around you, I always felt very many times a more capable man than I could have ever been, you gave me what was worth fighting for, a friend, a family and the only one woman that I could ever truly love with my all." Alcheon Rang said.

"Thank you for the worthwhile experience, I am so sorry that you must feel so used by now, it could never have been a choice for me in the first place but it is what fate has written down for me." Seungman said.

"I understand." Alcheon Rang replied, "No one ever wishes to be lonely throughout their life but as long as there is every moment that you have to feel happy and cherish it you must do with it." He added.

"This shall be the first and last time, you can only be a rock on which I can lean but never become a man with whom I can raise a home, one with whom I can command an army og thousands and ten thousands but never be the companion I can watch the stars and the moon at night with.

I can dress up in fancy clothes and robes but none of those out of love can you buy for me and I can cry as much as I want but you can no longer be a shoulder for me to lean." Seungman said.

"As long as I can stand by your side, as long as I can fight for you in your own name, as long as I can take the weight of all that power and bear it while everything to you is very simple and plain, even if I can get to comb your hair one final time and not do it again it is enough for me." Alcheon Rang replied as he placed the comb back onto the table with her hair laid straight while he looked into the mirror with her.

Seungman's face was illuminated like the sun.

"It is time." Alcheon Rang said.

"Yes." Seungman replied.

The Courtiers were gathered within the throne room and King Jinpyeong along with Princess Deokman and Queen Sungman were seated on both his sides.

"Greetings your Majesty." They all said in unison as they bowed their heads while King Jinpyeong nodded his head with a smile.

"I have summoned you all here because there is something very important that I must tell you." King Jinpyeong said.

"Seventeen years ago as most of you must be aware my brother was ill-fated when the Kim Manor in Chopalhye Prefecture was gutted by flames and it was widely made known that his daughter for those of you who were aware had passed away in the fire." The King added as the Courtiers all seemed to be rather surprised that the King had brought up the topic and Queen Sungman stared across her husband at the young Princess Deokman who looked intently at her.

"Bring her in." King Jinpyeong ordered and the doors to the Throne room were opened as everyone's eyes turned to face in its direction.

There from amidst the sunlight that penetrated through it's windows a familiar Silhouette was present in a beautiful black and scarlet attire with gold and silver magnificently dressed.

Galmunwang Baekban and Ichan Seulbu were much more surprised by the King's gesture as Seungman made her way through the aisle which divided the Courtiers on both sides of the room while she eventually stopped right at the foot of the stairs that were beneath the King's Throne.

King Jinpyeong stood up as Seungman slowly turned and faced them all with a regal look on her face that still portrayed her warrior determination.

"Allow me with the grace of heaven to present to all you people of Shilla the daughter of my dear brother Galmunwang Gukban and Lady Wolmyeong that I have henceforth on this day created the once lost but now found Princess Seungman of Shilla." King Jinpyeong announced.

That alone served efficient to leave everyone puzzled as it came like a very heavy blow towards his heart while he looked up at the beautiful young woman.