CONFRONTATION: PART TWO

The Fourth Prince of Jocheon was only a title; one that was useless especially if your mother was a maid elevated to a low-rank concubine. Ever since he became aware of the world around him, he had been made to understand_ not quite, but drilled into his head that he was useless if he had no use to anyone. His mother and the old man Kang had used him. The former clinging to his existence to save her head while the latter shaped him into a pawn for his schemes. His life unfortunately was never his and now, it was too late to take it back. Somehow the Queen had found out.

He remembered those whispered words from that night,slicing through the darkness, echoing in his ears.

"You've always been such a good boy haven't you, dear?, the voice laced with venom as it continued.

"Even that night… when your hands did something so unforgivable . But don't worry, I was there ,wasn't I? To make it all go away."

The voice paused.

"After all, what are friends for".

The Queen's demands brought back those buried memories, he had so indulged in cheonnyeonghwa addiction to forget_At the detriment of his health. He couldn't push down the feeling of guilt towards her and their son. Her eyes shone with anger and disappointment toward him.

It sucked.

....

The questions asked were left hanging in the air as the king's mouth remained shut as if processing her statement.

Her voice gently probed.

"Please…tell me anything.." she begged, her red eyes watering. Searching the king's face for a hint, landing on his mouth which began to speak.

"Some things are best left untold Seol Na.." the king mouthed, back to his calm demeanor.

"I would like to remind you, if you have forgotten that if you keep this up, Seon Tae Ho, you won't survive much longer."she stated as her heart raced with urgency she couldn't voice aloud.

"You've been taking this drug for long enough to be dead by now considering how much poison you've ingested" her voice rising with urgency.

"Why would you want to die, it makes no sense unless someone is behind this . The old Seon Tae Ho _the fourth prince could never have afforded such a rare drug."she probed.

Hearing no response from the king, her frustration grew into anger.

"Stay tight lipped all you want, I will uncover the truth, and the person behind this….

Disrupting her came the harsh words.

"Why do you always seek control in everything Seol Na? he said in a flat tone.

"I am not obligated to tell you anything,he voiced those words slowly his tone authoritative, hinting that he wasn't going to say another word to her."

Clenching her fists on her silk skirt, she stood up.

"Why do I always seek control?" she blurted, a bitter laugh escaped her lips.

"You are doing this again Seon Tae Ho, pushing me away, running away from your problems like you always do." Her tone was abrasive.

"A king who cannot take care of himself will never be able to take care of his kingdom or his family. "

"See you at the royal court." She said finally, her words deadpan as she walked out of the hall.