Eleven Days My Queen!

In another part of the district,at the Golden crane hall, Kisaeng house.Prime Minister Daeho, watched as the officials toasted for the nth time , obviously trying to get him to join them in clinking cups. Sitting with with low-rank officials was not something he enjoyed doing,but he was only entertaining them for their usefulness to him in the upcoming royal court session,which explained the lavish gifts,he had been sending to them. Still, he couldn't believe where low-rank officials like themselves got the courage to ask for an in-person meeting with him. He had spent most of the night listening, not saying a word to them, letting them have a feel of what there positions couldn't get them.

Regardless of his lack of interest, he had to give it to them, for their large numbers_something the high-rank officials lacked.Picking up the his cup, he took a sip from it.

A tipsy official stood up about to speak,but his legs gave out,too drunk to stand properly, trying to stand for the second time,the courtesan by his side helped him up his feet,staring at her, he smiled,drunkenly planting a kiss on her temples.

" Prime Minister Daeho"he drawled,facing him.

"Every single low-rank official seated here,from our various departments,has given their word to support you,we are going to make sure the king gives in to your request tomorrow.Even the Minister of war wouldn't stand a chance against you in the royal court"he shouted.

"Am I right my fellow officials?",he asked the sea of officials.

"Of course!"

"Yes!"

"The king has no other choice!"

Words were thrown,as the room became noisy,filling the hall with vibrant cheers of the officials who were pumped up.

Prime Minister Daeho,gave a malicious laugh,raising his intricately designed cup to initiate a toast,the officials following suit.

"This is a toast to our foreseen success",he declared before bringing the cup to his lips.The officials clink their cups once again,the mood electric as new batch of food,wine,courtesans strode in the room to entertain the low-rank officials.

...…..

Arriving at the Queen's residence, Eun-ji sighed out of relief after successfully evading the guards stationed within the palace,avoiding unnecessary trouble for wandering late at night. If she got caught she could just say,she was carrying out the Queen's errand,but she knew that she might likely spend a night in the dungeon,if the news of her detention reaches the Queen fast,she might be released that same night,otherwise,she might get locked up till morning. So to the avoid the risk altogether ,she was very careful.

The Queen residence,had been locked from the front,that meant she didn't want to see anyone or she had gone to sleep.

"She must not have been expecting the bottle", she whispered to herself.

"Hey!,what are you doing here?",a guard who had just returned to his post called out.

"Nothing",she replied quickly,scurrying away from the premise.

The guard frowned with suspicion,but didn't pursue her.

"It's late_go to bed,before you get arrested for wandering!", the guard shouted at her.Picking up her pace she walked to the maids quarters,pulling out the cloak as she went to bed,eyes wide open. She had to keep the bottle safe till morning,fully aware it was going to be long night.