The tale of queen Nyang

the tale of queen nyang THE TALE OF QUEEN NYANG Episode 1 NYANG POV "Is this really my fate... to serve in a palace I know nothing about?" My voice came out low as I stood in front of the massive gates of the royal palace of Goryeo Royal Capital (Korea historical). The gates looked too big... like they could erase someone like me without a trace. A maid beside me pushed my shoulder. "Stop standing like that. You think this is your village?" I quickly lowered my head. "Yes... I'm sorry." But inside me, my heart was beating fast. Not only from fear... but something I could not explain. --- THE PALACE OPENS The gates opened slowly. Creeeaaak... And just like that... my life changed. The palace swallowed us whole. Golden roofs. Long corridors. Silent guards standing like shadows. Everything looked beautiful... but nothing felt safe. A senior maid walked in front of us. "From today, you are nothing but palace servants. Forget your names outside. Forget your past." My fingers tightened slightly. Forget my past...? How can someone forget their life? --- FIRST DAY IN DARKNESS They handed me heavy cleaning buckets. My arms almost gave up instantly. A maid named Inyub looked at me quietly while we worked. She didn't smile. She didn't mock me. Just watched me carefully. I lowered my head and continued working. Because I understood something quickly... This palace does not forgive weakness. It only consumes it. --- INSIDE THE ROYAL COURT Far above us, inside the royal hall... King Wangyu sat on the throne. His expression was calm but distant. Ministers spoke loudly. Consult Kim: The borders are unstable. Consult Na: We must prepare for war pressure. Consult Wang: The people are afraid. But the king said nothing. Then Queen Dowager Shunyung spoke. "Enough." Silence fell instantly. Even powerful ministers bowed their heads. Her presence controlled the entire room. --- THE FIRST MEETING That evening I was sent alone to deliver water into a restricted corridor. I was not supposed to be there. But orders were orders. The corridor was too quiet. Then I heard footsteps. Two guards stopped me. "Who allowed a maid here?" My heart dropped. "I was sent-" Before I could finish, the doors opened. And I saw him. King Wangyu. Alone. I froze instantly and bowed. "I apologize, Your Majesty..." Silence filled the hall. Then his voice came. "Raise your head." My hands trembled. No maid should look at the king. But something in his voice made me obey. Slowly I raised my eyes. And met his gaze. --- A SILENT MOMENT He studied me for a long time. Not like a king judging a servant... But like a man seeing something unfamiliar. "You are not from here," he said. "I am a new maid, Your Majesty." Silence again. Then he spoke. "You don't look afraid." My heart skipped. Then he turned slightly. "Leave." I bowed quickly. "Yes, Your Majesty." I left. But I felt his eyes still on me. --- ENDING SCENE Outside the corridor, I stopped. My heart was still beating fast. Why wasn't I afraid? Behind me, inside the hall... King Wangyu stood thinking about the maid who did not tremble in front of him. For the first time in a long time... something in the palace disturbed his silence. TBC Follow me for more Ammy young