Chapitre 3: 2: Royal Court and Shadows of Betrayal
"You'll never be fit to rule." My father's words rang in my ears like the clang of a war drum. His gaze bore into me, heavy and unyielding.
"And yet," I said, my voice sharp, "I am still a prince of Goryeo, Appa."
The tension between us was palpable. Around us, the hall buzzed with laughter and clinking cups, oblivious to the war waging in whispers.
"Prince Min Soo," a honeyed voice interrupted. It was one of the court ministers, Jung Daewon. His greying beard and calm demeanor belied the sharpness of his tongue. "Perhaps you would favor us with your thoughts on the kingdom's recent treaty discussions with Joseon?"
I stiffened, catching the trap in his words. "My thoughts?" I asked, leaning back in my chair. "I think treaties are better left to men who enjoy talking."
Daewon's smile faltered, but he recovered quickly. "A wise response, Your Highness. Yet, even warriors must understand the art of diplomacy."
"Diplomacy." I tilted my head. "Is that what you call trading our sovereignty for a few coins and empty promises?"
The murmur around the table quieted. Seok Hoon, seated beside me, shot me a warning look. "Min Soo," he said softly, his tone measured, "this is neither the time nor the place."
I ignored him, my attention fixed on Daewon. "Perhaps, Minister, you should focus less on treaties and more on the growing unrest in the eastern provinces. Or are you too busy filling your coffers to notice?"
"Enough!" my father barked, slamming his cup onto the table. The hall fell silent. "Min Soo, leave us."
I rose slowly, bowing just enough to avoid outright defiance. "As you command, Appa." My words dripped with sarcasm as I turned and walked away.
---
In the dim corridors of the palace, the air was cooler, laced with the faint scent of burning incense. I passed servants who bowed deeply, their eyes averted. Their deference was a reminder of the weight I bore, whether I wanted it or not.
"Min Soo-ah!" Hyejin's voice called from behind me. I paused, allowing her to catch up.
"Noona," I greeted, my tone softer.
"You're making it harder for yourself, you know," she said, falling into step beside me.
"Why does everyone keep saying that?" I sighed.
"Because it's true," she replied. "Appa may be harsh, but he's not wrong. You have a duty to this kingdom, whether you like it or not."
"And what about his duty to me?" I asked bitterly. "He sees me as a failure before I've even had a chance to prove myself."
Hyejin placed a hand on my arm, her expression earnest. "You don't have to prove yourself to him, Min Soo. Prove yourself to the people."
I scoffed. "The people? They barely know I exist."
"Then change that," she urged. "Start attending the councils. Show them you're more than just the angry prince."
Before I could respond, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Seok Hoon.
"Min Soo," he said, his voice calm but firm. "We need to talk."
---
The three of us sat in a quiet corner of the garden, away from prying eyes and ears. Seok Hoon's expression was unreadable as he spoke.
"Do you know why Appa is so hard on you?" he asked.
"Because he hates me?" I offered, my tone laced with sarcasm.
"No," Seok Hoon said patiently. "Because he sees potential in you. He wouldn't push so hard if he didn't believe you could be more."
I snorted. "Is that what he told you?"
"No," Seok Hoon admitted. "It's what I see."
His words caught me off guard. For a moment, I didn't know how to respond.
"Min Soo," he continued, "the court is watching you. They're waiting for you to fail. But if you step up, even just a little, you can change their minds."
"And why would I want to?" I asked.
"Because the alternative," Seok Hoon said grimly, "is letting them control your fate."
---
The royal court convened the next morning in the grand hall, a space both magnificent and suffocating. The marble floors gleamed under the morning sun, and the walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting the kingdom's history.
I sat in my assigned seat, my presence drawing curious glances from the assembled ministers and advisors.
"Prince Min Soo," Daewon greeted, his tone as smooth as silk. "How unexpected to see you here."
"Why?" I replied. "Did you think I'd abandon my duties?"
His smile was tight, his eyes calculating. "Of course not, Your Highness. It is always a pleasure to have your... insights."
The meeting began, with discussions ranging from the upcoming harvest festival to border skirmishes with neighboring kingdoms. I listened, my expression carefully neutral, though my mind raced with thoughts.
"Your Highness," one of the younger advisors addressed Seok Hoon, "what are your thoughts on the proposal to strengthen ties with the Silla kingdom through marriage?"
My brother's jaw tightened, but he kept his composure. "Such decisions require careful consideration," he said diplomatically.
The queen, seated beside my father, leaned forward. "Careful consideration?" she repeated. "What is there to consider? A union with Silla would bring stability and resources to Goryeo."
"And chain us to their whims," I interjected, drawing startled looks. "Forgive me, Eomeoni, but isn't it dangerous to place so much trust in a kingdom that has betrayed us before?"
The queen's eyes narrowed, but her smile remained. "Your concerns are noted, Min Soo. However, alliances are built on trust, not suspicion."
"And how do we trust a snake not to bite?" I countered.
"Enough," my father said, his voice cutting through the tension. "This matter requires further discussion. For now, we move on."
---
As the meeting adjourned, I lingered in the hall, observing the court as they dispersed. Whispers filled the air, conspiracies woven like threads in a tapestry.
"Min Soo-ah," Seok Hoon approached, his expression serious. "Be careful. The court is not as it seems."
"I'm aware," I said. "The question is, who can we trust?"
He hesitated before answering. "No one."
---
Later that night, as the palace settled into quiet, I overheard a conversation in the queen's chambers.
"Seok Hoon must marry the Silla princess," she said, her tone firm. "It is the only way to secure our position."
"And Min Soo?" Daewon's voice replied.
"Leave him to his brooding," she said dismissively. "He poses no threat."
Her words ignited a fire within me. They thought me weak, irrelevant. But they would learn, one way or another, that I was not to be underestimated.
As I turned to leave, I heard Daewon say, "What if he discovers the truth about the treaty?"
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone