Eleven Days My Queen!

A royal palanquin,pulled up to the Ryu residence,it's golden embroidery gleaming under the midday sun,immediately the housekeeper of the residence,ran out to welcome her bowing as Ryu Seol Na stepped down.

"Your highness,The Minister awaits you in the garden".

Ryu Seol Na nodded as she adjusts her hanbok, making her way through the familiar pathways of the residence,wondering what could be the reason for the invitation ,the fact he didn't tell her after the royal court session,meant that the message was for her ears only.

Entering the garden,this scenery was one of her favorites,the cherry blossoms falling quietly,the narrow lake,and well maintained bushes,everything was peaceful.Sighting her father,He was not seated but gazing down at the lake at the edge of the rail with a distant look,walking towards him,she heard him say.

"How the palace treating you Seol Na?",he asked turning towards her smiling.

"Abeoji…"She stepped forward embracing him tightly.

"You look beautiful as always Seol Na,just like your mother,he continued breaking the hug now touching her face,she leaned into his palms,savoring the rare moment of closeness.

"let's eat,before the food cools down,I had the kitchen prepare your favorites.",he told her as they made their way back to the table full of food,Seol Na's smile widen as the smell of the dish hit her nostrils,she had that irrevocable feeling of nostalgia as she dug into the food.

After Lunch,the servants cleaned out the table,leaving the father and daughter to their discussion.

"You must be wondering why we returned to the capital so early."

"Yes,father,",her curiosity sharpened'clearing his throat,Ryu hi hwan continued.

"Our Defense have taken a big blow,a plague planted by our enemies has spread to six villages in the outskirts.The soldiers and physicians stationed there are overwhelmed but instead of sending more aid,certain court officials are calling to recall our forces.

Seol Na stiffened,what!,How could they even consider such a thing?

"Their solution,he grimly said,is to burn the plague stricken villages,they argue that it's cost effective and will prevent rumors from spreading.But it's cruel Seol Na,inhuman.The king is yet to make a decision about it,as the Royal court is divided.It's going to be a rough one with Prime Minister Daeho spearheading this agenda to burn down the villages.I've tried speaking with his Majesty,but…"his voice trailed off,his frustration evident."I fear Daeho influence is at work behind the scenes.The king listens to him more than anyone else.

Seol Na felt her blood boiling,anger surging through her veins.Prime Minister Daeho,the name alone brought a bitter taste to her mouth .she long suspected him of harboring his own schemes but this ? ,killing people to advance his own agenda,was monstrous.

She knew she had to do something,before it was too late,she couldn't just sit idly and watch innocent people lives,be thrown away for his convenience .

Her father's gaze soften,but his voice firm,"That's why I need you to speak with the king,Seol Na.You might have a chance to sway him before it's too late.