To Bring Peace And Prosperity

Unheard Cries- Part 2

The thin sliver of light from the hallway widened as Li‑rien pushed the door a fraction more, her voice trembling with worry. “Min‑ha, please… we’re here for you.”

A graw‑like gasp tore from Min‑ha’s throat. She scrambled to her feet, the quilt tangled around her ankles, and slammed the heavy door shut with a force that rattled the iron hinges.

“Stay out!” she shouted, her voice raw and cracked, the words spilling out between sobs. “I don’t want anyone—anyone—seeing me like this! I won’t be a pawn for anyone’s peace!”

The wood thudded against the frame, sealing the room in a muffled silence. Outside, Jae‑hyun’s hand hovered on the latch, his eyes flashing with a mix of frustration and helplessness. He exchanged a glance with Mei‑lin, who pressed a trembling palm to the door, as if trying to feel the tremor of Min‑ha’s grief through the wood.

Inside, Min‑ha fell back onto the bed, clutching the pillow to her face. The candle’s flame flickered, casting trembling shadows that seemed to dance with her curses. She whispered into the darkness, each breath a ragged chant.

“The King Ji‑hoon Seong… you will not break me. I will not be your sacrifice. Let the heavens hear my rage, let the earth swallow my sorrow—just… just leave me alone.”

The night stretched on, the palace holding its breath as the young princess curled into a ball, her tears soaking the silk, her curses echoing like a storm trapped behind a closed door.

The candle had guttered out long ago, and the moon slipped through the narrow slit in the curtains, casting a thin silver line across the floor. Exhausted by the torrent of grief, Min‑ha finally slipped into a restless sleep, the quilt tangled around her limbs like a shroud.

Hours later a soft, tentative knock echoed through the heavy door. “Min‑ha? It’s me, Elie‑yun,” a familiar voice whispered, trembling with worry. “I brought some rice porridge… please, open the door.”

The sound of her name pulled Min‑ha from the depths of sleep. She sat up, heart hammering, and stared at the wooden panel. The faint scent of warm broth drifted in, stirring a flicker of longing for comfort. With shaking hands she lifted the latch and pulled the door open.

Elie‑yun stood in the hallway, a small tray balanced on her palms, steam curling up like a promise. Without a word, Min‑ha threw herself into her friend’s arms, the tray clattering to the floor as she claves to Elie‑yun, sobbing uncontrollably. The dam of sorrow that had held her together for hours broke, and tears streamed down both their faces as Elie‑yun held her close, whispering soothing words and stroking her hair, the night finally feeling a little less cold.

Min‑ha pulls away just enough to meet Elie‑yun’s eyes, her voice cracking, “I don’t want this marriage. I never asked for it. Father already told the king he’ll accept Ji‑hoon’s terms, and now they’re forcing me into a union with a man I’ve never even seen.” She swallows a sob, the weight of the decision pressing down like a stone. “It feels like my life is already signed away, and there’s nothing I can do.”

Elie‑yun squeezes her hand, her own throat tight, but she forces a steady tone. “Your father may have spoken, but the council still has a voice, and the people will hear your plea. We’ll find a way to make them see that this isn’t just a political bargain—it’s your future.” She leans in, whispering, “Trust me, we’ll keep fighting together.”

"but... but father wouldn't change his decision" Min-ha swallows a sob her voice cracking "I really don't want this all... please Elie-yun... that's not what I want... I want my freedom not marital chains Bound Bound to me"