Finding her place in the palace (part 2)

The commander's voice was low and urgent "The King is falling in love with her. If we don't act soon, we'll risk loosing our chance" 

Su-Yang nodded, his eyes glinting with anticipation "I've been monitoring the queen's movements. We can strike any moment. 

Lady Han-Feng smiled, her eyes flashing with malice "I've begun spreading rumors and half-truths about the queen. Soon the court will be divided and the king's advisors will begin to question his judgement" 

Courtier Lee nodded, his expression thoughtful "I've been manipulating the trade agreements and I believe that's the reason for the ambassador's visit. We can create a crisis that will distract the king and weaken his position" 

Commander Li-Chen's eyes locked onto each of her cohorts, her gaze burning with intensity. "Remember that our focus is more on the queen than on the king so we must work together, act swiftly and silently. We will bring the queen down and if the King keeps refusing to acknowledge my love and make me his wife, then we shall claim the throne for ourselves and no matter if he marries me or not; I shall reward you all handsomely" 

The group nodded in unison, their faces set with determination. 

"I'll have to return to the throne room before my absence is noticed so let's disperse for now and make sure to keep me updated" 

They responded affirmatively and proceeded to leave the meeting room one person at a time with the commander leaving first. 

She got back just in time to hear the king telling the queen "Let us prepare to meet with the ambassador. It is important we are cautious and strategic in our negotiations" 

Queen Mei-Ling was determined to prove herself to the king and also assist with navigating the complexities of politics and diplomacy. 

As the ambassador was ushered in to meet them, Mei-Ling felt her heart palpitating. She knew the ambassador would be pushing for a favorable trade agreement and that the king would be under pressure to make concessions. 

The ambassador, a portly man, with a well-groomed beard bowed low before the king and queen "Your Majesties, I, Ambassador Sang-Woo, bring greetings from my king, King Arin as well as a proposal for a mutually beneficial trade agreement" 

King Ryujin nodded, his expression serious. "We are willing to listen. You may proceed" 

The ambassador launched into a detailed explanation of the proposed agreement outlining the terms and benefits for both kingdoms. Mei-Ling listened intently, her mind racing with questions and concerns. 

As the ambassador finished his proposal, King Ryujin leaned forward, his eyes narrowing "We will need to discuss this further. What concessions are you willing to make?" 

The ambassador hesitated, his smile faltering for a moment "We are willing to offer a reduction in tariffs on certain goods but we cannot compromise on the issue of trade routes" 

Mei-Ling's eyes locked onto the ambassador's, her mind racing with the implications. She knew that the trade routes were a crucial issue, one that could make or break the agreement. 

"I see" King Ryujin said, his voice neutral. "We will need to consider your proposal carefully. I shall summon my advisors and we will discuss the matter further. Our decision will be relayed soon" 

The ambassador bowed, his face expressionless "I understand, Your Majesty. I will await your response"

As the ambassador departed, Mei-Ling turned to King Ryujin, her eyes searching for his thoughts "What do you think, my lord?" She asked in a low tone. 

King Ryujin's eyes met her's, his expression serious "I think we have a difficult decision ahead of us but I also think that you, my queen, have a keen mind and a sharp insight. I would value your counsel in this matter" 

Mei-Ling's heart swelled with pride and gratitude as she gazed at him. She knew she had a lot to learn but she was determined to prove herself valuable. 

King Ryujin rose from his throne, his movements fluid and powerful "Let us discuss this further in private" He said, his eyes locked on Mei-Ling's. 

Mei-Ling nodded, her heart filled with anticipation. She followed the king into a small intimate chamber deep within the palace. The room was dimly lit, the only sound: the soft crackling of a fire. 

The king gestured for her to seat and she did so, her eyes fixed on his. He paced back and forth, his movements agitated. 

"What do you think of the ambassador's proposal?" He asked, his voice low and intense. 

Mei-Ling took a deep breath gathering her thoughts, "I think it's a cleverly worded proposal but one that ultimately benefits their kingdom more than ours" 

The king stopped pacing, his eyes narrowing "Go on" He commanded. 

Mei-Ling hesitated, unsure if she should speak her mind but something about the king's expression encouraged her to continue. 

"I think we should be cautious about agreeing to any trade routes that would give them an advantage over us and I think we should push for more concessions on tariffs and trade agreements" 

The king's expression changed, a small smile playing on his lips "You are as clever as you are beautiful, my queen" He said, his voice, low and husky. 

Mei-Ling's heart skipped a beat as she met the king's gaze. She shyly looked away trying to compose herself but she couldn't stop her cheeks from blushing "I... I'm just trying to do what's best for the kingdom" She stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. 

The king's smile grew wider, his eyes crinkling at the corners "I think you're doing more than that my queen" He said, his voice sounding husky "I think you're showing me that you are a true partner" 

As they stared at each other, they both knew that something had shifted between them. The air was charged with a spark of attraction, a sense of possibility that neither of them could ignore any longer. 

A soft knock interrupted the romantic moment. The king's expression changed, his mask of calm slipping back into place. 

"Enter" He called out, his voice firm. 

The door opened and a servant bowed low "Your Majesty, Commander Li-Chen requests an audience" 

The king's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening "Send her in" 

Mei-Ling's heart sank, her instincts warning her that something was off. She watched as Commander Li-Chen entered inside the room, her eyes fixed on the king with an unnerving intensity....