It has already been two years since I became the Queen of this country. The palace servants whispered about me, calling me a 'Queen in name only.' They weren't wrong. On our wedding night, we lay in the same bed but stayed awake with our backs turned to each other. From the next day, His Majesty did not visit my quarters. It was rare for him to even spare me a glance.

But there was something strange.

His Majesty did not take a single concubine, though a King would usually take two or three. I heard he ignored the pleas of his ministers every time. My favorite side dishes were always served on the evening table, and my favorite flowers bloomed in the royal garden every season. When I asked who ordered it, the old gardener bowed his head and spoke.

"I merely followed orders, Your Majesty."

Does he have me in his heart, or is he simply fulfilling his duty? The question deepened with each passing day.

Then, one late afternoon, the sound of hurried footsteps came from the end of the corridor, and Court Lady Park pushed through the door, panting for breath.

"Your Majesty. It is said that His Majesty shall head to this bedchamber tonight."

Is the door that has been closed for so long finally opening? Or is it just another question being added? I couldn't be sure of anything, but I waited for the sun to set.

characters box contents here